Are you looking for a delightful treat that's both delicious and inclusive? Look no further! These gluten-free cut-out cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, casual baking sessions, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Made with simple ingredients and requiring minimal effort, this recipe is an excellent addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to create homemade cooking magic! These cookies are a fantastic example of delicious dishes that don't compromise on taste or texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I recommend one with xanthan gum already included)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sprinkles (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily achieved using an electric mixer, but a good old-fashioned hand mixer works just as well!
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated for a consistent batter.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. This prevents lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Roll & Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes.
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Bake: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool & Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, decorate with your favorite icing, sprinkles, or other festive toppings!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cut-Out Cookies:
- Flour Blend: Using a good quality gluten-free flour blend is key to achieving the best texture. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten (even in gluten-free flour) and result in tough cookies. Mix only until combined.
- Chill Time is Important: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading. Don't skip this step!
- Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations:
- Spiced Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in ½ cup of gluten-free chocolate chips to the dough for a classic twist.
- Different Icings: Get creative with your icing! Try royal icing, buttercream frosting, or even a simple glaze.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
These gluten-free cut-out cookies are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are easily adaptable to suit your preferences. Enjoy creating these delightful treats and sharing them with friends and family! They are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, making them among the best recipes for any occasion.