Name: Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups gluten free flour (+ more for dusting the work surface); 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 3 tablespoons milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups sifted confectioners sugar (powdered sugar); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup milk; Food coloring (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 32 reviews

If you’re looking to whip up a sweet treat that’s perfect for everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities, this Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute winner. These cookies strike that perfect balance: tender, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness, with a soft chew and a slight crisp at the edges. Whether you want to decorate them for a holiday, celebrate a birthday, or simply indulge your sweet tooth, these sugar cookies are super easy to make and endlessly customizable. Plus, they’re made from straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully for a classic cookie everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with various Christmas cookies decorated with smooth icing and colorful sprinkles. There are red stockings with green and red round sprinkles, green Christmas trees with multicolored dots and white, green, and red confetti sprinkles, white snowflakes covered with light blue round sprinkles, white clouds with small white dots, and snowmen with white icing, red and white dotted scarves, and blue buttons. Some cookies have gold sugar crystals on top, adding a sparkling texture. All cookies are stacked closely together on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your hands on the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that melt-in-your-mouth quality we all crave in sugar cookies. The blend of gluten free flour, butter, and sugars creates the perfect base, while vanilla and milk add that comforting warmth and softness.

Gluten free flour (3 cups): This is the heart of the recipe, providing structure without gluten’s chewiness, so the cookies stay tender and light.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture without puffing up too much.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Brings rich flavor and a delicate crumb when creamed with sugar.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and caramelizes slightly for that classic sugar cookie crunch.
Egg (1): Binds everything together and adds a bit of moisture for softness.
Milk (3 tablespoons for dough + ¼ cup for icing): Keeps the dough tender and also helps achieve a smooth icing consistency.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for dough + 2 teaspoons for icing): Adds warmth and depth of flavor, making each bite comforting.
Sifted confectioners sugar (4 cups): Essential for the icing to give a light, sweet, and creamy finish to your cookies.
Food coloring (optional): Great for making your cookies festive or thematic if you’re decorating.

How to Make Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by setting your oven to 400°F so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prep. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix ensures the cookies have the right rise and texture once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar on medium speed. Creaming these together for about 2 minutes is crucial as it aerates the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely lightness.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is evenly combined and smooth. This step makes the dough soft and ready for the flour incorporation.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Carefully add your flour mixture into the batter, mixing until it’s just combined. Don’t over-mix here; you want to keep the dough tender and avoid tough cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Once your dough is formed into a ball, pop it into the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This chill time firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking or breaking.

Step 6: Roll and Cut the Dough

Lightly dust a sheet of parchment paper with gluten free flour. Place a quarter of your dough on it, dust the top lightly, then cover with another parchment sheet. Roll to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using your favorite cookie cutters, cut out shapes and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the edges just begin to show a light golden color. This timing is key to keeping your cookies tender rather than crunchy. Remove them quickly from the hot sheet and cool completely on wire racks so they keep their perfect texture.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While cookies cool, combine sifted confectioners sugar with vanilla extract and ¼ cup milk. Use a spatula to mix until smooth and creamy. If you want to add some fun, divide the icing into small bowls and mix in food coloring for vibrant frosting options.

Step 9: Decorate and Enjoy

Once the cookies are cool, spread or pipe your glaze onto each one. This step transforms your sugar cookies into festive works of art ready to delight everyone lucky enough to get a bite.

How to Serve Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows many Christmas-themed cookies on a silver wire rack. There are three-layer designs: a white base cookie, one layer of icing in different shapes and bright colors, and sprinkles or small decorations on top. The cookies include green Christmas trees with colorful sprinkles, white snowman shapes with red and blue buttons and red smile dots, brown gingerbread people with red and white dot decorations, white stars with gold sprinkles, a red stocking with white icing top, and a blue snowflake with blue dots. The wire rack is placed on a white marbled surface, adding brightness to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies love a little extra sparkle and fun. Try dusting them lightly with granulated sugar before baking for a subtle crunch, or decorate with colored icing and sprinkles after baking to match any celebration or season.

Side Dishes

Serve your gluten free sugar cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience. Fresh berries or fruit compotes can add a lovely contrast of freshness and acidity to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies in a festive tin, stack them with parchment paper layers for gifting, or create a cookie platter with assorted shapes and colors. Using themed cookie cutters and colorful icing can make them the centerpiece of any party table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to five days, making them great for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

To freeze, place the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Decorated cookies can also be frozen but make sure the icing is fully set before freezing.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make cookies tough; the oven gently restores softness and enhances flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different gluten free flour?

Yes, but results may vary slightly. It’s best to use a gluten free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binding agents to maintain the cookie’s tender texture and prevent crumbling.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can swap butter for a vegan alternative and use flax or chia egg replacers, but keep in mind this will slightly change the texture. Experimenting may be needed to get the perfect chew.

How thick should I roll out the dough?

Rolling the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness is ideal for these sugar cookies. It ensures they bake evenly with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel while still holding their shape.

Why do some cookies spread too much?

Over-soft butter or too warm dough can cause spreading. Make sure the butter is at room temperature but not melting, and chilling the dough before rolling helps keep the shape intact during baking.

Can I add spices or flavors to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding cinnamon, lemon zest, or almond extract can give your gluten free sugar cookies a unique twist. Just adjust quantities carefully to not overpower the classic vanilla flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, fun, and oh-so-rewarding to create cookies that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten the day, these cookies are sure to become one of your go-to favorites. So go ahead, mix up the dough, cut out those shapes, and share the joy of baking gluten free sugar cookies with those you love.