The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies are here to transform your baking with perfectly tender, delightfully sweet, and absolutely foolproof results, making them the ultimate treat for any occasion. You’ll discover that achieving that classic, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie texture is entirely possible without gluten.
Key Ingredients for The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for added flavor depth)
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies:
Get ready for a baking experience that’s as delightful as the cookies themselves! This recipe for The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, promising a batch of soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet delights in under an hour, including prep and bake time. No complicated techniques, just pure cookie joy. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a baking time of 10-12 minutes per batch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a crucial base for tender cookies.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Make sure your gluten-free flour blend includes xanthan gum, which is essential for providing structure and binding in gluten-free baking.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but manageable.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a vital step for gluten-free sugar cookies as it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: On a lightly floured surface (use your gluten-free flour blend), roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Reroll scraps as needed, chilling the dough again if it becomes too soft to handle.
- Bake the Cookies: Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-inch of space between them. Gently sprinkle the tops with additional granulated sugar for a touch of sparkle and sweetness.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly.
Why You’ll Love This The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies:
You’ll absolutely adore The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies because they deliver that classic, comforting sugar cookie experience with a delightfully tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Unlike many gluten-free alternatives that can be crumbly or dense, these cookies achieve a perfect balance of chewiness and softness. Plus, making them at home means you’re saving money while ensuring you have a delicious, allergy-friendly treat readily available for unexpected cravings or gatherings.
The subtle sweetness from the granulated sugar, enhanced by the pure vanilla extract (and optional almond extract for an extra layer of sophistication), makes these cookies incredibly versatile. They are the perfect canvas for your favorite frosting, edible glitter, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Imagine sharing these beautiful, homemade creations with loved ones, knowing you’ve made something everyone can enjoy. Don’t just dream about perfect gluten-free cookies; bring The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies to life in your own kitchen today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To keep your Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies tasting as fresh as the day they were baked, proper storage is key. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s best to place parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking. For longer storage, individual cookies or batches of undecorated cookies can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen, unfrosted cookies, simply bring them to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. Frosted cookies are best thawed in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from affecting the frosting. If you find your cookies have become slightly stale, you can gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly softened again, though they are typically best enjoyed at room temperature.
Final Thoughts:
These Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies are your new go-to for a delightful, homemade treat that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. Give them a try and experience the joy of perfect gluten-free baking for yourself!
The Best Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This creates a crucial base for tender cookies.1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).2 large eggs, at room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Make sure your gluten-free flour blend includes xanthan gum, which is essential for providing structure and binding in gluten-free baking.2 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but manageable.
- Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is a vital step for gluten-free sugar cookies as it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- On a lightly floured surface (use your gluten-free flour blend), roll out one disk of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Reroll scraps as needed, chilling the dough again if it becomes too soft to handle.2 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
- Carefully place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-inch of space between them. Gently sprinkle the tops with additional granulated sugar for a touch of sparkle and sweetness.1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to set up properly.