Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies: 5 Delicious Steps!

1. Why These Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Cookies Are a Must-Bake
2. What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
3. Equipment You’ll Need
4. How to Make Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies: 5 Easy Steps
5. Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies
6. Storing Your Sugar-Free Sugar Cookies
7. More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
8. Foire Aux Questions

Get ready to fall in love with baking all over again! This recipe for Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies is about to become your new holiday and celebration staple. They are tender, delicious, and hold their shape perfectly, making them the ideal canvas for all your creative icing designs. Best of all, they’re incredibly simple to make.

Whether you’re managing a gluten intolerance or just looking for a fantastic cookie recipe, this guide will walk you through every step. We’ll ensure your baking experience is fun, easy, and results in the most delightful homemade cookies you’ve ever tasted.

1. Why These Gluten-Free & Sugar-Free Cookies Are a Must-Bake

What makes these cookies so special? It’s all in the texture and taste! Unlike many gluten-free options that can be dry or crumbly, this recipe yields a soft, buttery cookie with slightly crisp edges. They have a delicate vanilla flavor that is simply divine.

The dough is a dream to work with. It’s not overly sticky and rolls out smoothly, which is essential for getting those sharp, clean cuts with your favorite cookie cutters. This makes them a perfect allergy-friendly dessert for any occasion, from Christmas to birthdays.

2. What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

The key to amazing gluten-free baking is using high-quality ingredients. For this recipe, the right flour blend is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: 2 ½ cups (300g). Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum. If not, you’ll need to add ¾ teaspoon separately.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (227g), softened to room temperature.
Granulated Sugar Substitute: ¾ cup (150g), such as erythritol or a monk fruit blend.
Large Egg: 1, at room temperature.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor.
Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended for that classic sugar cookie taste).
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: ½ teaspoon.

3. Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional kitchen for these cookies! Here are the basic tools that will make the process a breeze:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with a large bowl
Parchment Paper
Rolling Pin
Your favorite Cookie Cutters
Baking Sheets
Wire Cooling Rack

4. How to Make Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies: 5 Easy Steps

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps for perfect cookies every time. This is where the magic happens!

4.1. Step 1: Preparing the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter and sugar substitute together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix! The dough will be soft.
Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days. Chilling is a non-negotiable step for gluten-free cut out cookies!

4.2. Step 2: Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. Place it between two sheets of parchment paper. This prevents sticking without adding extra flour.
Roll the dough out to ¼-inch thickness. If the dough is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
Remove the top sheet of parchment and cut out shapes with your cookie cutters. Place the cut-out cookies about 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Gather the scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

4.3. Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look soft.
For best results, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on them!

4.4. Step 4: Cooling and Decorating (Optional)

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once completely cool, you can decorate them with your favorite sugar-free icing or enjoy them plain! Their simple, buttery flavor is wonderful on its own.

5. Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies

Want to guarantee success? Here are a few pro tips for making the best Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies.

Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the dough is essential. It solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and makes the dough much easier to handle.
Measure Flour Correctly: Use the “spoon and level” method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents packing the flour, which can lead to dry cookies. For even more accuracy, use a kitchen scale. To learn more about proper flour measuring techniques, check out this guide from King Arthur Baking.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them combine smoothly into a uniform batter.

6. Storing Your Sugar-Free Sugar Cookies

Proper storage keeps your delicious creations fresh. To store undecorated cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they are decorated with icing, let the icing set completely before storing them in a single layer in an airtight container.

You can also freeze the baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.

7. More Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making these homemade cookies, you’re in the right place! We have a whole collection of tried-and-true gluten-free desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From brownies to cakes, we’ve got you covered. See others recipes here and continue your gluten-free baking adventure!

Foire Aux Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dough is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before rolling and baking. You can also freeze the raw dough discs for up to 3 months. Just thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before you plan to use it.

My gluten-free dough is too sticky to roll. What should I do?

Stickiness is a common challenge in gluten-free baking! The number one solution is to ensure the dough is thoroughly chilled. If it has been chilled for at least an hour and is still sticky, try chilling it for another 30-60 minutes. Also, always roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. This technique prevents sticking without the need to add extra flour, which can make the cookies dry.

What is the best gluten-free flour blend for this recipe?

For best results, use a high-quality “cup-for-cup” or “1-to-1” gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that already contains xanthan gum. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour are excellent choices as they are specifically designed to replace regular flour in recipes without extra adjustments.