Gluten-Free Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Name: Gluten-Free Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 ounces gluten-free flour blend (about 3 cups); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend contains it); 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg (room temperature); 1 egg yolk (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; Royal icing (for decoration); Sprinkles and other decorations (optional)

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 27, 2025

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Creating Gluten-Free Cut-Out Sugar Cookies has never been easier or more enjoyable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are perfect! The joy of mixing simple ingredients and rolling out the dough is a fun experience for all ages. If you’ve ever had trouble finding gluten-free treats that don’t compromise on flavor, you’re in for a treat. These cookies promise to deliver delightful taste and texture, making them a go-to recipe. Plus, you can even decorate them any way you like, ensuring a sweet touch that’s as personal as it is delicious!

In the following sections, you will find a simple and straightforward guide to creating your own batch of these delightful cookies. Join me as we explore how to mix, roll, bake, and decorate these lovely treats that everyone will love. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of gluten-free flour blends and simple ingredients creates a cookie that retains its delightful texture and flavor. By chilling the dough and using room temperature eggs, you ensure that your cookies roll out perfectly and maintain their shapes during baking. This step is vital since it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving them the defined shapes that make cut-out cookies so charming.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

These cookies are not just gluten-free; they’re buttery, flavorful, and incredibly versatile for any occasion—be it Christmas, birthdays, or just a treat for yourself. What makes them even better is that you can make them dairy-free too, making them suitable for a wider audience! Imagine serving these cookies at a party and watching everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, enjoy them.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

15 ounces gluten-free flour blend (about 3 cups)
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your blend contains it)
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg (room temperature)
1 egg yolk (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Royal icing (for decoration)
Sprinkles and other decorations (optional)

Gather all these ingredients, and you’re ready to start creating these delicious treats!

Preparing the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients

To begin, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, kosher salt, and xanthan gum. Setting this mixture aside for later use will help the ingredients combine more smoothly.

Cream Butter and Sugar

Next, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Mix until the mixture is pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, making your cookies light and delightful!

Add Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add in your room temperature egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat well until all ingredients are fully combined. The aroma from the extracts adds such a lovely scent at this point—trust me, it’s a hint of the deliciousness to come!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, one cup at a time. Mix until the dough comes together, which typically takes about 2 minutes. You want it well combined but not overmixed.

Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a disc, wrap it up in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least one hour. This step is key—it helps the dough firm up for easier rolling later.

Rolling Out and Shaping Cookies

Prepare to Roll

After your dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out. Place a sheet of parchment paper or a Silpat on your working surface. Take one disc of chilled dough, cover it with a second piece of parchment, and roll it out to about ⅛ inch thickness. Keep it even to ensure uniform baking!

Cut Cookies

Using cookie cutters of your choice, cut out your desired shapes. Gently place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After cutting, chill the cookies again in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape even better during baking.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven

While your cookies chill, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Bake Cookies

Once chilled, bake the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, one sheet at a time. Let them bake for about 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are golden and the cookies feel firm to the touch. You’ll start to smell that delicious scent filling your kitchen—so inviting!

Cool Cookies

After baking, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Waiting can be tough, but it’s worth it for perfectly baked cookies!

Decorating the Cookies

Royal Icing Application

Once the cookies are cooled completely, it’s time for some fun! Decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or any other decorations you desire. Get creative—this is where you can let your imagination shine!

Tips for Success

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. This helps with even texture.
Double-check your gluten-free flour blend to avoid gluten contamination. Always keep a separate area or tools to prevent cross-reactivity.
Allow chilled dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier rolling.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: If you want to go dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with your favorite dairy-free butter alternative. It works beautifully.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts, like lemon or orange, for a unique twist on these cookies. Each option brings a refreshing change!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these gluten-free cut-out sugar cookies plain, or pair them with a warm cup of milk, hot cocoa, or your favorite tea for a delightful treat. They make a wonderful addition to any dessert table.

Storage Tips

To keep these treats fresh, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to save them for later, freeze the cookies for up to three months, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

FAQs

1. Can I use any gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, but look for blends that contain xanthan gum or add it separately for the best texture.

2. Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading during baking.

3. Can these cookies be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg or another vegan egg replacer, and use dairy-free butter.

4. How long do the cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to one week at room temperature.

5. Can these cookies be decorated in advance?
Yes, you can decorate them ahead of time, and they will hold up well for several days.

Now you’re all set to enjoy the wonderful world of Gluten-Free Cut-Out Sugar Cookies! They’re not just a recipe; they’re a way to create smiles, share moments, and enjoy sweet treats that everyone can appreciate. Happy baking!