Are you dreaming of a Christmas filled with the aroma of warm spices and the delightful crunch of homemade cookies, but worried about gluten? Fear not! These gluten-free Christmas cookies are just as delicious and festive as their traditional counterparts, and surprisingly easy to make. This recipe offers a quick dinner idea, a perfect addition to your holiday baking, and is a fantastic example of healthy meals you can create without compromising on taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to cookie perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful, homemade treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it's a 1:1 baking blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand with some elbow grease!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
Stir in the chocolate chips and/or nuts, if desired.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: 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 these delicious gluten-free Christmas cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite holiday beverage!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cookies:
- Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend: The success of these cookies depends heavily on the flour blend. Look for a blend specifically designed for baking cakes and cookies.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For easier handling and to prevent spreading, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Gingerbread Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger and 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice to the dough.
- Cranberry Orange Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange to the dough.
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Replace the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans or walnuts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 2-3g
These gluten-free Christmas cookies are a delicious and festive treat that everyone can enjoy. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a little Christmas cheer. Happy baking!