Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth cookie but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This recipe for gluten-free butter cookies delivers all the buttery goodness and delicate crumbly texture you adore, without any gluten. It's a perfect treat for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a little homemade happiness. These easy recipes are perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, proving that delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these incredibly simple yet satisfying gluten-free cookies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I recommend one with xanthan gum already included)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a bit of a workout!
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. If you don't have cookie cutters, you can simply use a knife to cut out squares or rectangles.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Dust (Optional)
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Butter Cookies:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: The success of these cookies depends heavily on the flour blend you choose. Look for a blend specifically designed for baking cookies.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten (what little there is in gluten-free flour) and result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading.
- Watch them carefully while baking: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
- Spiced: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific ingredients used. Use a nutritional calculator for a precise calculation based on your specific ingredients and cookie size. However, expect these cookies to be relatively high in fat and sugar, but a treat should be a treat!
These gluten-free butter cookies are a perfect example of how healthy meals and delicious dishes can coexist. Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful treats! They're perfect for quick dinner ideas or anytime you want a sweet pick-me-up. Homemade cooking has never been easier or more rewarding!