Are you craving the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a sugar cookie but need a gluten-free option? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the classic sugar cookie flavor and texture without the gluten, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a delicious and easy treat. These homemade cookies are so simple to make, even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping up a batch. Get ready to enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of warm milk or your favorite beverage!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I recommend one with xanthan gum already included)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, sanding sugar for decorating
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 best achieved using an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand if you prefer a little arm workout!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: Shape and Bake Cookies
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape your cookies, or simply use a spoon to drop rounded spoonfuls onto the baking sheets.
Step 8: Decorate (Optional)
Sprinkle your cookies with sprinkles or sanding sugar before baking for extra festive flair.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious gluten-free sugar cookies!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing spreading and ensuring perfectly shaped 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 that already contains xanthan gum.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Sugar Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough before chilling.
- Spiced Sugar Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Glazed Sugar Cookies: Once cooled, drizzle your cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best obtained using a nutrition calculator after determining the exact amounts used in your specific recipe.
This recipe offers a simple and satisfying way to enjoy delicious sugar cookies while adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle. These quick dinner ideas are perfect for any occasion – from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Enjoy baking and creating happy moments in your kitchen!