Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that's also gluten-free? Look no further! These crispy rice flour cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. They're surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver satisfying results. Get ready to enjoy these delightfully crunchy cookies, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup glutinous rice flour (also known as sweet rice flour)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the rice flour, sugar, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined. This step is crucial for achieving an even texture in your cookies.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until a smooth dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together. If using nuts or dried fruit, gently fold them into the dough now.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can flatten them slightly with a fork for a more rustic look.
Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Rice Flour Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will affect the taste and texture of your cookies.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. If they brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Experiment with flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor. A pinch of cardamom would also be delicious!
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Rice Flour Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Coconut Rice Flour Cookies: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough along with a teaspoon of coconut extract.
- Spiced Rice Flour Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 70-80
- Fat: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Protein: 1-2g
(Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
These easy rice flour cookies are a perfect addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. They are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or texture. Enjoy!