Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

If you are searching for a festive treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, look no further than this Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe. These tender, cinnamon-sugared cookies capture all the warmth and joy of the season, with a delightful chewy texture and a pop of colorful gumdrops on top. What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines classic snickerdoodle flavors with a gluten-free twist, allowing everyone to enjoy their Christmas indulgence without worry. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises a batch of cookies that’s as charming as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving those soft, chewy snickerdoodles that melt in your mouth. Each one plays a vital role, from flavor to texture to that perfect festive look.

• 2 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: This ensures the cookies are tender yet sturdy, perfectly gluten-free.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the dough for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps create a light and fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor and moisture that keeps the cookies soft.
• 2 large eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that complements cinnamon beautifully.
• 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar: Essential for the snickerdoodle’s signature tang and chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a lovely lightness.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates the classic crunchy cinnamon sugar coating on the outside.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that turns these cookies into holiday magic.
• 24 red and green gumdrops: Adds festive cheer and a playful burst of color on each cookie top.

How to Make Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is the foundation of your cookie’s texture, incorporating air to ensure they bake up tender and delicious.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, fully mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will bring that comforting, fragrant note we all love during the holidays.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour blend, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and salt so your cookies bake uniformly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as you want to preserve all the air you incorporated earlier.

Step 5: Refrigerate the Dough

Cover the dough and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Step 6: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 7: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Mix the ¼ cup of granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon. Roll your chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls, then coat each ball generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This gives your snickerdoodles their classic sweet and spicy crust.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Place the coated dough balls on your prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room to spread.

Step 9: Add Festive Gumdrops

Press one red or green gumdrop into the center of each dough ball. This not only adds a fun holiday touch but also a chewy burst of sweetness in every bite.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want the edges to be set and the centers to look just slightly underbaked to achieve the perfect soft and chewy texture.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This brief cooling lets them firm up while staying wonderfully soft inside.

How to Serve Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your presentation by dusting your snickerdoodles lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving. These little touches make your cookies look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a creamy eggnog to heighten the cozy holiday feeling. A plate of fresh fruit or nuts alongside also contrasts nicely with the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your snickerdoodles on a festive platter adorned with holly sprigs or pine cones. You can also wrap a few cookies in cellophane bags tied with red or green ribbons to give as lovely homemade gifts to loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them soft and maintains that delicious cinnamon sugar crunch on the outside.

Freezing

You can freeze baked snickerdoodles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

To revive the soft, warm texture, pop frozen or leftover cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their cinnamon aroma and brings back that freshly-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you do not need the cookies to be gluten-free. However, the texture might be slightly different and the recipe is perfectly balanced for gluten-free flour blends.

Why do my snickerdoodles spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading too much, ensure your dough is well chilled before baking and avoid using overly soft butter. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate; too low can cause excessive spreading.

Can I use other candies instead of gumdrops?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with festive M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even small pieces of dried fruit to add your own twist while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

What makes snickerdoodles chewy and soft?

The combination of cream of tartar and the right balance of butter, sugars, and baking soda gives these cookies their signature chewy texture and slight tang that sets them apart from regular sugar cookies.

How do I make sure my cookies don’t turn out dry?

Don’t overbake your snickerdoodles! Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underbaked. They’ll continue to cook as they cool and stay wonderfully soft.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this treasured Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles Recipe in your holiday baking arsenal, you’re all set to spread warmth, cheer, and delicious comfort to everyone around you. These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a joyful experience with each bite, guaranteed to create lasting memories this season. So bake a batch, share some smiles, and enjoy the sweetest Christmas ever!

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