Gluten free sugar cookies

Soft, buttery sugar cookies so delicious, no one will believe they’re gluten-free—perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any sweet craving.

The Ultimate Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe You’ll Love 🍪 

Craving soft, buttery sugar cookies but need to skip the gluten? Fear not! This is the gluten free sugar cookie recipe you’ve been searching for—perfect for every holiday, celebration, or cozy baking session at home. 

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the joy of making these melt-in-your-mouth treats with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re experienced baker or a newbie, you’re guaranteed to whip up cookies so good, no one will even notice they’re gluten-free! 

A Sweet History of Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies 

Sugar cookies have been a timeless favorite for centuries—think back to the buttery, crumbly treats that gained popularity in Europe before making their way to the U.S. But what about gluten-free versions? 

With the rise of gluten intolerance and awareness about Celiac disease, more people have switched to gluten-free baking. Modern gluten-free flours and baking techniques allow us to recreate the sugar cookie’s soft texture and perfect sweetness—without compromise. The result? A dessert everyone can enjoy, gluten-free or not! 

Ingredients You’ll Need for Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies 🛒 

Dry Ingredients 

  • 2 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it’s a 1-to-1 baking flour with xanthan gum included) 
  • 1 tsp baking powder 
  • ½ tsp baking soda 
  • ¼ tsp salt 

Wet Ingredients 

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) 
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 
  • 1 large egg 
  • 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract 

Extras 

  • Optional decorations like royal icing, powdered sugar, or food coloring sprinkles 🎨 

Step-by-Step recipe for Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies 🍪 

Grab your mixing bowls and apron—it’s time to bake! 

1. Prepare Your Workspace 

Before anything, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. A clean kitchen sets you up for success! 

2. Cream Butter and Sugar 🧈

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy—this typically takes 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until combined. 

3. Mix Dry Ingredients 

Whisk your gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, only a little at a time, until a soft dough forms. 

4. Chill the Dough ❄️ 

Pop the dough into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Gluten-free dough is often a bit stickier, so chilling helps make it easier to handle and reduces cookie spreading during baking. 

5. Roll and Cut 🍪 

On a floured surface (use gluten-free flour), roll out your dough to about ¼-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape them—stars, hearts, or classic circles—it’s up to you! Place them on your prepared baking sheets. 

6. Bake to Perfection 

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake! Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. 

7. Decorate and Enjoy! 

Once the cookies are completely cool, get creative! Decorate with royal icing, a dusting of powdered sugar, or keep them classic and buttery. Pair them with a glass of milk, and dig in. 🥛✨ 

Video recipe

If you would like to watch video recipe I recommend this lovely video by Nicole Bonilla. 🤗

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I make these cookies dairy-free as well? 

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan buttery stick or coconut oil for a completely dairy-free option. 

How do I store these cookies? 

These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Pro tip? Freeze them (undecorated) for up to 3 months and reheat when needed. 

What brand of gluten-free flour works best for this recipe? 

Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour are excellent choices because they include xanthan gum, which mimics the structure provided by gluten. 

Can I use this recipe for holiday cookie decorating? 

Yes! Chilling the dough makes it perfect for rolling and shaping into festive cookie designs. Your holiday gatherings just got tastier! 

Share your gluten free cookies✨🍪

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated—even when it’s gluten-free. With a little love, patience, and this gluten free sugar cookie recipe, you’ll have a tray full of irresistible treats to share with friends, family, or just for yourself (we won’t tell 😉). 

We’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo of your cookies, share them on Instagram, and tag us at @so.many.recipes! Have questions or tips? Drop them in the comments below! 

Happy baking!

Gluten free sugar cookies

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 55 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 350  °F Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

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Instructions

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  1. Preparation

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and gather all your ingredients.

  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

    Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, a little at a time, until a soft dough forms.

  4. Chill the Dough

    Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps with handling and reduces spreading during baking.

  5. Roll and Cut the Dough

    On a floured surface (using gluten-free flour), roll the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough into your desired designs and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

  6. Bake the Cookies

    Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

  7. Decorate and Serve

    Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve with milk and enjoy!

Keywords: gluten free sugar cookie recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I make these cookies dairy-free as well?

Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan buttery sticks or coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free.

How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months.

What brand of gluten-free flour works best for this recipe?

Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour are excellent options because they include xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use this recipe for holiday cookie decorating?

Absolutely! The chilled dough is perfect for rolling and shaping into festive designs, making it ideal for holiday baking.

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Ivana

Food Blogger

Hi everyone! I’m Ivana, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for cooking with you. I remember how overwhelming it felt when I first started, not knowing where to begin. Over the years, I’ve picked up countless tips, tricks, and a love for experimenting in the kitchen that I would love to share with you!

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  1. Ana
    Made this recipe Recommends this recipe

    This is lovely recipe. I love gluten free recipes and this one is definitely going in my recipe book <3

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