If you’ve been searching for the absolute best way to enjoy classic holiday treats without gluten, look no further—this Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Recipe) Recipe will totally win your heart. These cookies are delightfully tender, just sweet enough, and perfect for cutting into fun shapes that hold their crispness after baking. Whether you’re decorating for a festive occasion or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this recipe offers an easy-to-follow method using simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Trust me, once you try this, gluten-free sugar cookies will become your go-to for celebrations and cozy cookie cravings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound basic, but each one plays an essential role in bringing the perfect texture, flavor, and color to your gluten-free sugar cookies. From the creamy richness of butter to the gentle sparkle of vanilla and almond, every item was chosen to make your cookie experience absolutely delicious.
- ½ cup butter (cold, but not frozen, cubed): This keeps your dough light and flaky for cut-out shapes that hold up during baking.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps achieve that classic golden color.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and adds richness.
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Provides a warm, familiar sweetness in every bite.
- ½ tsp. almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty depth that makes these cookies extra special.
- ½ tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend: The essential base that ensures a tender, gluten-free crumb without compromising texture.
- 2 egg whites: Used to whip up the perfect frosting texture.
- 2 Tbsp. butter (melted): Blends into the frosting for smooth creaminess.
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Keeps your frosting silky and lump-free for decorating.
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with luscious flavor.
- 1-2 Tbsp. milk (if needed): Adjusts your frosting to the ideal spreading consistency.
- Food coloring: Brings your decorated cookies to life with vibrant colors.
- 1 egg white (for royal icing, optional): Creates a smooth, firm icing perfect for detailed piping.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted, for royal icing): Ensures the royal icing sets perfectly for intricate designs.
- 1 tbsp milk (optional): Helps thin royal icing when needed.
How to Make Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat is just right for baking these light and tender gluten-free sugar cookies, giving them a slight golden edge without losing their soft centers.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab your electric mixer and combine the cold, cubed butter with sugar on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until they come together with a lovely creamy texture. Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt, and mix for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial for building a rich and flavorful base for your cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add in the gluten-free baking blend while continuing to mix. This gradual addition helps the dough come together just right without overworking. Mix on medium until your dough begins to form a cohesive ball—this dough is pliable and perfect for rolling out.
Step 4: Cut Dough into Shapes
Sprinkle powdered sugar lightly on your workspace, then roll the dough to between ¼ and ⅓ inch thickness. The light dusting prevents sticking without drying out the dough. Use your favorite cookie cutters, preferably metal ones for crisp edges, to shape the cookies. Transfer the shapes carefully to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving at least half an inch between each cookie.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cut-out cookies for 9 to 11 minutes or until you see the edges just starting to turn golden brown. It’s essential not to overbake to keep the cookies tender but with a little crunch on the outside. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before decorating.
Step 6: Prepare the Family Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the two egg whites on medium speed for 1 minute until frothy. Add melted butter, vanilla, and 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, then mix well until incorporated. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it’s spreadable but still holds its shape. Stir in food coloring to get your desired shades for decorating.
Step 7: Decorate Your Cookies
Spread the frosting onto your cooled cookies while it is still wet using a toothpick for precision. This family frosting is perfect for smooth finishes and simple designs.
Step 8: Optional Royal Icing for Detailed Designs
If you want to get fancy, beat one egg white until frothy, add vanilla, and beat some more. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until you reach a stiff but pipeable icing consistency. Use a piping bag with a fine tip to create intricate decorations that will harden beautifully.
How to Serve Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cookies extra festive and photogenic, try sprinkling colored sugar or edible glitter on top of the frosting before it sets. Adding tiny edible pearls or nonpareils can elevate the look while complementing the subtle almond and vanilla flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For celebrations, consider serving them with fresh berries or a light fruit compote to balance their sweetness and add freshness to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gifting or parties, arrange your decorated cookies on a platter lined with parchment paper in a layered pattern. Tie groups of cookies with pretty ribbons or package them in clear boxes with tissue paper. These little touches turn your gluten-free sugar cookies into charming favors that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious batch, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to five days, perfect for nibbling a little every afternoon without losing their texture.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic and freeze it for up to three months. For baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting or serving for best results.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in a microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer a slightly softer bite. Just be careful not to overheat, so they don’t become too chewy.
FAQs
Can I use a different gluten-free flour blend?
Absolutely! A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum or guar gum works best to keep the dough sturdy enough for cut-outs. Be sure to choose blends designed for baking to maintain the texture.
Is the almond extract necessary?
While it adds a lovely subtle depth, you can omit or substitute it with an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla if you prefer. The cookies will still taste fantastic!
Can I make these without eggs?
Eggs help bind and add moisture, so replacing them can be tricky in cut-out cookies. If needed, try using a commercial egg replacer or flax egg, but expect some changes in texture.
How long does the royal icing take to dry?
Royal icing usually dries to a firm finish within 4 to 6 hours at room temperature, but letting it sit overnight yields the best solid finish for persistently perfect decorations.
Can I add flavors or spices?
Definitely! You can mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or zest from citrus fruits to give your gluten-free sugar cookies a personalized twist that reflects your favorite seasonal flavors.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this wonderful Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Recipe) Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of tradition and thoughtful ingredient choices that delivers cookies perfect for every occasion. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the warm joy of homemade gluten-free cookies that taste amazing and look absolutely charming!
Print
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out Recipe) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies are perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, cut-out cookie recipe without gluten. Featuring a tender, buttery dough with hints of vanilla and almond extract, these cookies bake up beautifully with crisp edges and soft centers. The cookie dough is rolled out and cut into fun shapes, then baked until lightly golden. Two types of icing are provided: a simple family icing that’s easy to spread and a royal icing perfect for intricate piping and decorating. Ideal for holiday baking or any special occasion, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Cookies Dough
- ½ cup butter (cold, but not frozen, cubed)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill)
Family Icing
- 2 egg whites
- 2 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 Tbsp milk (if needed)
- food coloring (as desired)
Royal Icing (Optional)
- 1 egg white
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cold cubed butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until just combined. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt, then continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the gluten-free baking blend flour to the wet mixture while mixing on medium speed. Continue mixing until the dough begins to form a ball.
- Roll and Cut Dough: Transfer the dough onto a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Roll the dough out to about ¼- to ⅓-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into desired shapes, preferably metal cutters for best results. Place the cut cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them at least ½ inch apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges just start to brown. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare Family Icing: In a medium bowl, beat 2 egg whites on medium speed for 1 minute. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1 cup of powdered sugar; mix until sugar is incorporated. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing well in between additions. If the icing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the desired consistency is reached. Add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate with Family Icing: While the icing is still wet, frost the cookies using a toothpick or small spatula to spread the icing delicately over the surface of each cookie.
- Optional Royal Icing Preparation: In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg white with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until frothy. Add vanilla extract and beat for another minute. Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed for 4-5 minutes. If the icing becomes too thick, add milk as needed to reach a smooth, easy-to-pipe consistency.
- Decorate with Royal Icing: Transfer the royal icing to a piping bag fitted with a 3M or similar round piping tip. Pipe detailed designs onto the cooled cookies as desired, then allow icing to dry before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour to ensure the cookies hold their shape well.
- Cold cubed butter helps create a better texture in the cookie dough.
- Rolling the dough between ¼ and ⅓ inch thickness prevents cookies from being too thin or too doughy.
- Let cookies cool completely before icing to prevent melting or running.
- The family icing is softer and great for spreading, while royal icing dries hard for detailed decoration.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: Add almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor — omit if allergic.
- For food safety, use pasteurized egg whites if preferred.
