As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked treats, and nothing captures that spirit quite like gluten-free snickerdoodles. Imagine soft, chewy cookies that shimmer with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, enticing everyone to indulge—even those with gluten sensitivities. I discovered this delightful recipe just when I was searching for something special to share at our family gathering, and let me tell you, they did not disappoint!
These gluten-free snickerdoodles are not just easy to whip together, but they also elevate any festive occasion with their delightful flavor and texture. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you can create cookies that are soft in the center and crispy around the edges, making them the ultimate holiday treat. So, when you’re ready to add a little cheer to your holiday baking, grab your apron and let’s make some memories with these charming cookies!
Why will Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles become your favorite?
Delightful gluten-free snickerdoodles are a festive must-have, offering a warm embrace of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness. Simplicity at its best, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels. Crowd-pleasing appeal makes these cookies the star of any holiday gathering, sure to impress family and friends alike. Also, their inviting aroma fills your kitchen with holiday spirit, making them an instant classic. For added fun, consider serving them on a festive cookie platter alongside other treats—you can’t go wrong!
Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Ingredients
- For the Dough
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – This flour gives structure; make sure it includes xanthan gum or add ¾ teaspoon for the best texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Butter – Provides richness; use softened butter for optimal creaming with sugar.
- Egg – Binds the mixture and contributes to that chewy center.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor subtly, adding depth to the cookie’s profile.
- Cream of Tartar – Essential for achieving that signature snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture.
- Cinnamon – Offers the classic flavor; use it both in the dough and as a sprinkle.
- Cinnamon Sugar (optional) – Adds a festive touch when coating the cookies for extra sweetness.
These Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles are sure to bring joy to your holiday baking and delight everyone who takes a bite!
How to Make Gluten-Free Christmas Snickerdoodles
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature that helps cookies rise evenly.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined and smooth.
Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: gluten-free flour, cream of tartar, xanthan gum (if necessary), cinnamon, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leaveners and spices.
Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix; just combine until no dry flour is visible.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in cinnamon sugar. This coating gives a delightful crunch and sweetness.
Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.
Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops crack slightly. They should look golden and delicious!
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring your snickerdoodles to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Dust with a little extra cinnamon sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions of Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles
Invite your creative spirit to explore delightful twists on this classic recipe for a customized baking experience!
Almond Extract: Swap vanilla for almond extract to add a nutty depth that perfectly complements the cinnamon.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and rich flavor in every bite.
Chocolate Chunks: For a sweeter indulgence, mix in dairy-free chocolate chunks to balance the cinnamon’s warmth.
Maple Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar for a unique, caramel-like taste and lovely color.
Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for an aromatic twist that delivers a holiday cheer.
Cocoa Powder Cookie: For a chocolaty delight, substitute 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder for a thick, rich cookie.
Frosted Delight: Top warm cookies with a light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with milk and cinnamon for added sweetness.
Vegan Friendly: Use flax eggs and coconut oil instead of butter and egg for an inclusive treat that everyone can enjoy outdoors!
Each variation will bring a fresh spin on your gluten-free Christmas snickerdoodles, ensuring there’s something for every palate at your holiday gathering!
Make Ahead Options
These Gluten-Free Christmas Snickerdoodles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days—this not only saves you time on busy baking days but also enhances the flavors. To make the dough, follow all the steps until you shape it into balls. After rolling them in cinnamon sugar, place the unbaked cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the cookies directly from the fridge, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. You’ll have fresh, delicious snickerdoodles that are just as delightful as if baked on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze freshly baked gluten-free snickerdoodles in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thawing: Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore their delightful texture.
Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
What to Serve with Gluten-Free Christmas Snickerdoodles?
As the sweet aroma of these delightful holiday cookies fills your home, it’s time to consider the perfect accompaniments to enhance your festive spread.
Creamy Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich, creamy hot chocolate complements the cinnamon notes beautifully, making it a warm and inviting pairing.
Spiced Apple Cider: The fruity and spicy flavors of apple cider bring out the sweet cinnamon sugar in the cookies, creating a cozy holiday feel.
Festive Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like oranges, berries, and pomegranates add a refreshing contrast and bring vibrant color to your dessert table.
Gingerbread Men: Adding these traditional cookies adds a nice textural contrast and a bit of nostalgia to your holiday platter.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream served alongside warm snickerdoodles creates a delightful melting moment with rich flavors.
Pecan Pie Bars: The caramelized, nutty flavors of pecan pie bars enhance the sweetness of the snickerdoodles, creating an ultimate holiday dessert experience.
Holiday Punch: A festive punch made with cranberries and citrus adds a zesty kick that refreshes the palate between bites of cookies.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combo offers a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft snickerdoodle texture.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your cookies elevates them to an indulgent treat perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Peppermint Bark: The cool peppermint flavor wonderfully contrasts the warm cinnamon sugar, offering an exciting flavor experience that screams holidays!
Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Christmas Snickerdoodles
Choose Flour Wisely: Use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This prevents crumbling and ensures a sturdy yet chewy cookie.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
Bake in Batches: For consistent results, bake similar-sized cookies in batches. Adjust baking time if making larger or smaller cookies to keep them perfectly soft.
Avoid Overmixing: Combine your ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you desire in your gluten-free Christmas snickerdoodles.
Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their delightful texture.
Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe FAQs
What type of gluten-free flour should I use?
Absolutely! It’s best to choose a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the right texture. If your flour doesn’t include xanthan gum, don’t worry—just add ¾ teaspoon to the dough to help bind the ingredients together and prevent crumbling.
How should I store my gluten-free snickerdoodles?
For optimal freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and ready to enjoy when holiday cravings hit!
Can I freeze gluten-free snickerdoodles, and how?
Yes! To freeze your cookies, first chill them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them into a freezer-friendly bag or container, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more gluten-free flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Ensure everything is well mixed without overworking the dough, as this could affect the tender texture of your gluten-free Christmas snickerdoodles.
Are gluten-free snickerdoodles safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these cookies can be nut-free as long as you ensure your gluten-free flour blend is free of nut ingredients. Always double-check labels to prevent cross-contamination and keep your baking safe for everyone at your holiday gatherings!
Can I make these cookies in advance for holiday parties?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes before baking. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps shape the cookies beautifully. You can even bake them a day or two ahead and then store them properly—your guests will love the fresh-baked aroma when they hit the table!
Delightful Gluten-Free Christmas Snickerdoodles: Soft Cinnamon Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: gluten-free flour, cream of tartar, xanthan gum (if necessary), cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll each ball in cinnamon sugar.
- Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops crack slightly.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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