Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles Recipe

If you’ve been longing for the cinnamon-sugar sweetness and chewy centers of classic cookies without any gluten in sight, these Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles are here to brighten your day. They deliver all the nostalgic comfort and irresistible flavor you crave, but in a totally gluten-free form—no one will ever guess they weren’t made with traditional flour! With crispy edges, pillowy middles, and a sparkly cinnamon coating, this is one cookie recipe you’ll want to bake (and share) on repeat.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be surprised by how easy these cookies are, thanks to a handful of kitchen staples—all playing an essential part. Each ingredient was chosen to ensure your Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles come out perfectly chewy, soft, and warmly spiced every time.

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum): The backbone of the dough, providing structure and a tender crumb—make sure yours includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Baking soda: Gives your cookies lift so they puff up and don’t turn out dense.
• Cream of tartar: The classic snickerdoodle tang comes from this magical ingredient—don’t skip it!
• Salt: A pinch makes all the flavors pop and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (softened): For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of buttery flavor throughout the cookie.
• Granulated sugar: Both in the dough and coating, for sweetness and sparkle.
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for that perfect chew.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and brings warmth to every bite.
• Ground cinnamon (for coating): Brings that signature cinnamon zing to your snickerdoodles.

How to Make Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—a simple step, but it’s the secret to cookies that slide right off without sticking or burning on the bottom.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. This ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every bite of Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles is as light, tangy, and flavorful as the last.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar. Keep beating until the mixture is light, pale, and a little fluffy—this step is crucial, as it sets up that irresistible cookie texture and ensures the finished product isn’t heavy.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough become silkier and richer, a sign you’re on your way to delicious Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix into your wet ingredients. Stir until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, being careful not to over-mix—doing so can make cookies tough rather than tender.

Step 6: Mix Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon for coating. Rolling your dough balls in this mixture right before baking is what gives Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles their classic sparkly crust and irresistible aroma.

Step 7: Shape, Roll, and Flatten the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll each into a ball, then thoroughly coat in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place on your baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart, and gently flatten each ball with your palm—this gives you perfect, even rounds.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes—this allows them to firm up before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!

How to Serve Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

Garnishes

For that little something extra, shower your freshly baked cookies with a pinch of extra cinnamon-sugar while they’re still warm. Pair alongside a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a bakery-style glow.

Side Dishes

These cookies are sheer joy with an ice-cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy), a cozy mug of chai tea, or an afternoon latte. For special gatherings, set out a platter of assorted gluten-free cookies to let the snickerdoodles shine center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

Go big by stacking Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles into a tall “cookie tower,” or pack a dozen into a rustic bakery box tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift. For a fun twist, sandwich two snickerdoodles with vanilla ice cream or cinnamon-spiked cream cheese frosting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles chewy and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Slip a piece of bread into the container—it magically helps cookies stay soft!

Freezing

Snickerdoodles freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh cookies straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you like your Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles warm and gooey, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. They’ll taste just-baked with that perfect hint of softness.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of gluten-free flour?

A one-to-one gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum gives the best results, but if yours doesn’t include xanthan, just add 1/4 teaspoon per batch for that signature chew.

Do I really need cream of tartar?

Absolutely! Cream of tartar gives Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles their unique tang and helps with texture. If you leave it out, you’ll miss that classic snickerdoodle flavor.

Why do my cookies sometimes spread too much?

Cookie spread can happen if your butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. If it’s a hot day, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your oven is fully preheated.

Are these cookies dairy-free as well as gluten-free?

This particular recipe calls for butter, but you can substitute your favorite plant-based butter to create tasty dairy-free Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Yes, you can easily double (or even triple) the recipe! Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly and bake in batches for even results.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like a tray of homemade Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles—warm, inviting, and made with care for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are sure to become a fast favorite. Give them a try, and you just might discover a new must-have recipe for every cookie craving!

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