Delicious Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Welcome to my gluten-free kitchen! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I’m on a mission to change the way society eats, one recipe at a time, without compromising flavor or nutrition. Today, I am excited to share with you my latest creation, the Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe.
If you’re looking for a dessert that is sure to please a crowd and satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is perfect for you! Soft and chewy, these gluten-free cookies are packed with all the flavors you love in traditional sugar cookies without any of the processed ingredients that can leave you feeling bloated or sluggish.
By using simple yet wholesome ingredients such as gluten-free flour, coconut oil, applesauce, and sour cream instead of conventional butter and sugar, these cookies are perfect for anyone following a restricted diet or simply aiming to eat healthier. With just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess from lime juice and vanilla extract, these cookies will become your new go-to dessert recipe on any occasion.
I hope you enjoy making and indulging in these Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies as much as I do. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious treat that everyone will love without even realizing it’s not only gluten-free but also dairy-free. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a gluten-free, soft, and chewy sugar cookie recipe that tastes just as good or even better than traditional sugar cookies, then this recipe is the one for you. These soft sugar cookies are so delicious, you won’t even realize they’re gluten-free.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses simple and easy-to-find ingredients like gluten-free flour, unsalted butter, sugar, and eggs. There’s no need to make a special trip to the store for any fancy ingredients.
The combination of almond flour and rice flour makes them light and airy, while the xanthan gum adds that missing binding agent that gluten-free baking can lack. Not only do these cookies taste amazing, but they also have a wonderful texture that will have you coming back for more.
What’s great about these cookies is that they are also dairy-free and vegan-friendly if you use vegan butter instead of regular butter. This makes them a perfect choice for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
These cookies are versatile too. You can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for holidays like Christmas or even birthdays. The possibilities are endless with these soft gluten-free sugar cookies.
Whether you need a quick dessert for a party or just want to enjoy some homemade treats with your family, these soft gluten-free sugar cookies won’t disappoint. They’re easy to make, deliciously sweet, and perfect for any occasion!
Trust me when I say that once you try these soft gluten-free sugar cookies, they will become a staple in your dessert rotation. You’ll love them so much; your family and friends will be begging you to share the recipe!
Ingredient List
Here are all the gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients you’ll need to make these Soft Sugar Cookies:
- Gluten-free purpose flour: 3 cups
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Xanthan gum: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups
- Egg, room temperature: 1 large
- Applesauce: 3/4 cup
- Coconut oil, melted: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Lime juice: 2 tsp
These cookies are also free of refined sugars! Instead, we’ll be using granulated sugar and powdered sugar.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of the ingredients set up, it’s time to get baking! With this recipe, you can create soft, chewy sugar cookies that are also gluten-free. Follow these instructions carefully to get the best results.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before doing anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of gluten-free flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum. Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. A stand mixer is perfect for this job.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in 1 large egg, followed by a bit of applesauce (about 1/2 cup), a drizzle of coconut oil, and a splash of lime juice. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Slowly Fold in Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture slowly. You don’t want to overwork the dough; just fold with a spatula until the mixture becomes thick like cookie dough.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap up your soft dough with plastic wrap tightly and let it chill in the fridge for about half an hour. This step is essential for keeping the dough from spreading out too much during baking.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Prep a lined baking sheet with some parchment paper or silicone mat. After chilled, take out the dough from fridge and preferably use a cookie scoop or a spoon to form each cookie. You can infuse them with different shapes with cookie cutters to make them more festive!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for roughly 10-12 minutes, checking on them regularly. You want them to be soft and chewy, but not raw. Let them cool on the baking sheet a bit before transferring them to a cooling rack.
With these instructions, you’ll get some delicious gluten-free sugar cookies to enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up this gluten-free soft sugar cookie recipe? Here are some simple substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Applesauce: If you’re looking for a healthier substitute for butter, try using unsweetened applesauce instead. This will still give the cookies some moisture and help them hold together.
– Coconut oil: Another healthy fat option is coconut oil. Like butter, it will add richness to the cookies, but it won’t add any dairy. Make sure to use melted and cooled coconut oil.
– Egg-free: To make these cookies egg-free, substitute the egg with 2 tablespoons of lime juice mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This will give the cookies some leavening power and help them rise.
– Vegan: For a vegan version of these cookies, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You may need to reduce the amount of flour slightly and increase the amount of liquid to compensate.
– Dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, make sure to use dairy-free sour cream or replace it with coconut cream or cashew cream. Also, be sure to use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.
– Cut-out sugar cookies: If you want to make cut-out sugar cookies with this recipe, simply add an extra 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour to make the cookie dough sturdier. Roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper before using cookie cutters to shape them. Remember to handle it gently!
– Soft frosted sugar cookies: To make soft frosted sugar cookies like Lofthouse cookies, simply whip together powdered sugar with dairy-free sour cream (or your preferred substitution). Spread over your cookies, let cool, and enjoy!
By making some easy substitutions, you can transform this gluten-free soft sugar cookie recipe into something new entirely!
Serving and Pairing
These gluten-free, soft sugar cookies are a versatile treat that pairs perfectly with a variety of beverages and toppings. For a classic pairing, serve them with a cold glass of milk or hot cup of tea for an afternoon snack. These cookies can also be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar for the perfect sweet finish to any meal.
If you’re feeling creative, try frosting these soft sugar cookies with your favorite flavors! From cream cheese and vanilla to fruity variations like raspberry and strawberry, the sky’s the limit to adding your own personal touch to the cookies.
Consider pairing these delicious gluten-free soft sugar cookies with other desserts like ice cream sundaes or cut out festive holiday shapes to make Christmas cookies. They can even be paired with savory options like cheese boards or charcuterie platters for a unique twist on entertaining guests.
The versatility of these soft sugar cookies makes them an excellent choice for almost any occasion. Whether you’re looking for something sweet for an afternoon snack or planning a special dessert, these gluten-free treats are sure to impress.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about these soft gluten-free sugar cookies is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later! Whether you want to prepare for a party or just have a sweet treat ready to go when the cravings hit, there are plenty of options for storing and reheating these delicious cookies.
To make these cookies ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as directed and let them cool completely before storing. You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
When it comes time to reheat your cookies, there are several options. If you prefer your cookies warm and gooey, you can heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t burn!
If you plan on frosting your cookies, it’s best to store them separately from the unfrosted ones. You can either frost them right before serving or store them in layers with parchment paper between each layer. This will prevent the frosting from getting smudged or flattened during storage.
Overall, these soft gluten-free sugar cookies are a perfect treat to make ahead and enjoy whenever the cravings strike! Whether you choose to store them at room temperature or in the freezer, reheating them is easy and quick. So go ahead, make a batch (or two) today!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients to create delicious gluten-free soft sugar cookies, let’s ensure we achieve the perfect results by following some helpful tips.
1. Measure ingredients accurately: Measuring the ingredients accurately is vital for perfect baking results; it prevents any errors in outcomes. Therefore, always use standard measuring cups for flour and sugar and spoons for other ingredients.
2. Use room temperature butter: Using softened butter helps to create soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth. Softened butter blends effortlessly with other ingredients, leaving no lumpy spots or greasy residue.
3. Chill the dough: Once you have mixed all of the ingredients, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors to meld together and lets the dough solidify a bit, making it easier to shape and cut into desired shapes.
4. Experiment with substitutions: Don’t hesitate to customize your recipe to fit your preferences or special dietary needs by using different substitute ingredients like almond flour or rice flour instead of gluten-free purpose flour, coconut oil instead of butter, vegan substitutes instead of sour cream and egg.
5. Be careful not to overmix: The tendency is to mix everything thoroughly until smooth when mixing rather than leaving a few small lumps. While it’s always critical to get everything mixed uniformly, too much mixing leads to dense and dry cookies.
6. Add extra flavorings: Customize your cookies by adding other flavored extracts such as lemon or peppermint in addition to vanilla extract for an extra zing!
By following these tips for perfection, you’ll be sure to achieve scrumptious soft gluten-free sugar cookies that are sure to melt in your mouth and leave everyone asking for more!
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for gluten-free soft sugar cookies, then look no further! This recipe uses simple ingredients and steps that anyone can follow. Whether you have celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or just prefer to avoid gluten, these cookies will not disappoint.
But the benefits of this recipe go beyond being gluten-free. They’re also dairy-free and can easily be made vegan. Applesauce and coconut oil replace traditional butter, while sour cream is swapped for lime juice. All of these substitutions contribute to the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
And don’t forget about the versatility of this recipe – with just a few tweaks here and there, you can customize it to suit your personal preferences. Add some festive decorations to make them perfect for the holiday season, or switch up the flavors by using almond flour or rice flour.
In conclusion, this gluten-free soft sugar cookie recipe is an excellent addition to any baker’s repertoire. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and most importantly, delicious. Make sure to keep a batch on hand for whenever you need a sweet treat that won’t derail your healthy eating habits.
Gluten Free Soft Sugar Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 1/4 cups rice flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat sugar, oil and apple sauce until the sugar until the sugar has disolved. You could use butter in place of the coconut oil and apple sauce but it isn't as healthy.
- Add the egg, vanilla (use gluten free), sour cream (gelatin free), and fresh lime juice and mix.
- Mix and sift together all the dry ingredients. Rice flour, xanthan, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix.
- Load a cookie press (which makes rather small cookies), and drop cookies on to an ungreased cookie sheet. If you don't have a cookie press you may want to cool the dough before dropping the cookies by spoon and press.
- Bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes remove at the first sign of browning and place on a cooling rack. Length of baking and number of servings will depend on cookie size.
- Then Enjoy!