Are you craving the delightful crunch of a homemade sugar cookie but need a recipe that's both gluten-free and lower in sugar? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the festive fun of traditional cut-out cookies without the guilt. It's a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, ideal for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. Get ready to enjoy delicious dishes made with simple, homemade cooking techniques. These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, earning their place among the best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or use a sugar substitute to reduce sugar content)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in your dough.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step much easier and faster.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, gradually add the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Don't overmix!
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly lumpy dough is okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent 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. For perfectly shaped cookies, use a sharp cutter and avoid pressing down too hard.
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Bake: Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. 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 frosting, sprinkles, or candies.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cookies:
- Flour Blend: Using a high-quality gluten-free flour blend is crucial for the best results. Look for blends specifically designed for cookies.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.
- Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your cookies. Start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time.
Variations:
- Spiced Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of your favorite chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
- Different Frosting: Experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese frosting or royal icing.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 (depending on size and added frosting)
- Fat: Around 5-7g
- Sugar: Around 5-7g (can be reduced further with sugar substitute)
This recipe provides delicious, healthy and customizable cookies, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating delightful treats!