Perfect Gluten-Free Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe

Is there anything more festive than baking holiday sugar cookies? The sweet aroma, the fun of decorating, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones—it’s pure magic. But if you’re gluten-free, you might worry about dry, crumbly cookies that don’t hold their shape. Good news: this gluten-free holiday sugar cookies recipe delivers soft, buttery, perfectly sweet cookies that roll, cut, and decorate like a dream.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, leaving treats for Santa, or just craving a nostalgic holiday bite, this recipe is foolproof. Plus, we’ll cover decorating tips, ingredient swaps, and answers to all your gluten-free cookie questions. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just any gluten-free sugar cookies—they’re the kind nobody will guess are gluten-free! Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Perfect texture: Soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, with no grittiness.
• Holds shape: No spreading or crumbling when cut into stars, trees, or snowflakes.
• Easy to decorate: Smooth surface for royal icing, sprinkles, or melted chocolate.
• Customizable: Works with dairy-free butter, vegan eggs, or even a hint of peppermint for a winter twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to great gluten-free cookies? The right flour blend and a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

Ingredient	Why It Matters
Gluten-free flour blend	A 1:1 substitute (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur) works best. Avoid almond flour alone—it’s too dense.
Xanthan gum	Mimics gluten’s elasticity. If your blend doesn’t include it, add ¼ tsp per cup of flour.
Baking powder	Lifts the cookies slightly for a tender bite.
Salt	Balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• Butter (or dairy-free alternative): Cold butter prevents spreading.
• Sugar: Fine granulated sugar blends smoothly.
• Egg (or flax egg): Binds the dough. For vegan cookies, mix 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth. Try almond extract for a twist!

Pro Tip: Chill your dough for at least 1 hour—this prevents cookies from spreading too thin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Dough

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes). This creates air pockets for a lighter cookie.
2. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Overmixing = tough cookies.
3. Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl to avoid clumps.
4. Gradually add dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.

2. Rolling & Cutting Cookies

• Chill the dough for 1–2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes if you’re impatient like me).
• Roll between parchment paper to ¼-inch thickness—no sticking, no extra flour needed!
• Use cookie cutters dipped in gluten-free flour to prevent dragging.

3. Baking Tips

• Bake at 325°F (not 350°F!) for 10–12 minutes. Lower heat keeps them soft.
• Edges should be barely golden—they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Let cool completely before decorating (or they’ll melt the icing).

Decorating Your Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

The fun part! Here’s how to make them festive:

Royal Icing Recipe

Ingredient	Amount
Powdered sugar	2 cups
Meringue powder (or egg whites)	1 tbsp
Water	3–4 tbsp
Vanilla extract	½ tsp

• Mix until glossy and thick enough to pipe outlines.
• Thin with water for “flooding” larger areas.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without altering consistency.

Decorating Ideas

• Classic holiday shapes: Stars, trees, and snowflakes with red/green icing.
• Edible glitter: Adds a snowy sparkle.
• Drizzled chocolate: Melt dark or white chocolate for easy stripes.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Lemon zest: Brightens the flavor (great for spring cookies too!).
• Peppermint extract: Swap ½ tsp vanilla for a cool winter twist.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: Skip icing and sprinkle before baking.

Conclusion

These gluten-free holiday sugar cookies prove you don’t have to miss out on festive baking traditions. With their perfect texture and endless decorating possibilities, they’re sure to become a new holiday favorite. The best part? No one will know they’re gluten-free unless you tell them! I’d love to see your creations – tag me on social media with your decorated cookies.

Also Read: Tasty Low-Glycemic Recipes to Try This Summer

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