Gluten-Free Sweeties

Gluten-Free Sweeties caters to those seeking gluten-free alternatives without compromising taste. A favorite in our family for many years, this recipe was recently converted to accommodate our gluten-free family members. Slightly reminiscent of a traditional cut-out sugar cookie, the texture lands squarely between the textures of soft and crunchy cookies. This versatile recipe can easily be altered to include your favorite flavors and toppings making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Sweeties

Baking Gluten-Free Sweeties begins with meticulously selecting quality gluten-free ingredients. To properly maintain one’s health by strictly adhering to a gluten-free diet, it’s important to look for a gluten-free label – always opting for a certified GF product if available.

*For this recipe, we used King Arthur’s Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour since it is certified GF by the GFCO and is fortified with nutrients that are often lacking in the diet of individuals with celiac disease.

Cookie Dough

• 3 ½ cups gluten-free one-to-one flour blend
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• food coloring (optional)

Glaze

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
• food coloring (optional)

How to Make Gluten-Free Sweeties

Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring that the oven is properly preheated sets the stage for even baking and optimal results.
2. Creaming Process:
   In a large mixing bowl, initiate the creaming process by combining softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and a generous 2 teaspoons of almond extract. The objective here is to create a smooth, cohesive mixture that forms the foundation of your flavorful cookie dough. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula for efficient blending.
3. Whisking Dry Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and flavors throughout the dough, contributing to the cookies’ uniform texture and taste.
4. Gradual Incorporation:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture slowly to integrate the elements, allowing the dough to take shape. If the consistency seems too sticky, adjust by gradually adding extra gluten-free flour until the dough reaches a firm yet pliable texture.
5. Optional Marbled Effect:
   Elevate the visual appeal of your Gluten-Free Sweeties by optionally incorporating food coloring for a marbled effect. Drop small amounts onto the dough, and gently swirl the colors using a spoon to create a visually enticing pattern.
6. Drop Dough onto Parchment:
   Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop portions of the dough onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. These mounds will spread as they bake, so ensure you provide enough space between each for proper expansion.
7. Baking Time:
   Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for a total of 10 minutes. If you prefer mini-sized cookies, reduce the baking time to 8 minutes. Keep a watchful eye during this period, being cautious not to overbake. The goal is to maintain a soft texture, and the sweeties should not turn golden brown.
8. Cooling Process:
   Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool for five minutes on the cookie sheet. This brief period allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack. The wire rack promotes air circulation around the cookies, aiding in the final stages of the cooling process and ensuring a desirable texture.

Glaze

• In a bowl, prepare the icing by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract, and 4 to 6 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the milk quantity until a glaze consistency is achieved.
• Ice the cooled cookies with the prepared glaze.
• Let the cookies dry before packaging.

Notes:

• One batch yields approximately three dozen regular-sized cookies and 6 1/2 dozen minis.
• Use a dining spoon for regular-sized cookies and a 1/2 dining spoon for minis.

Variations of Gluten-Free Sweeties

Cookie Mix-Ins

Experiment with your Gluten-Free Sweeties by adding to the dough or topping with:

chopped nuts

shredded coconut

crushed peppermint candy

crushed toffee

dried fruits

milk, dark, or white chocolate chips

butterscotch chips

Cookie Flavorings

You can also try different flavored extracts like:

coconut

lemon

peppermint

vanilla

*The marbling technique with food coloring can be adapted to match various themes or seasons.

When to Serve Gluten-Free Sweeties

Gluten-Free Sweeties are versatile cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or as a sweet treat for an afternoon tea. They also make them an excellent choice for gift-giving during festive seasons.

How to Store Gluten-Free Sweeties

Tips on Storing Homemade Gluten-Free Sweeties Cookies:

1. Airtight Containers: Store Gluten-Free Sweeties in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air, which can impact their texture and flavor. Use containers that seal tightly to keep the cookies fresh.
2. Avoid Cross-Contamination: If you’re storing other types of cookies along with Gluten-Free Sweeties, make sure to keep them in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Moisture Control: Gluten-free baked goods can be more sensitive to moisture. Ensure that the cookies are fully cooled before storage to prevent condensation inside the container.
4. Use Parchment Paper: Place parchment paper between layers of Gluten-Free Sweeties to prevent them from sticking together. This is especially important if the cookies have a soft or moist texture.
5. Room Temperature Storage: While many gluten-free cookies can be stored at room temperature, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat can affect the texture of gluten-free baked goods.
6. Refrigeration for Freshness: If your Gluten-Free Sweeties have ingredients like cream cheese or fresh fruit, or if the weather is particularly warm, consider refrigerating them. Ensure they are in a well-sealed container to prevent absorption of odors.
7. Label and Date: If you’re freezing a batch, label the container with the type of cookie and the date. This helps you keep track of freshness and prevents confusion when retrieving cookies from the freezer.
8. Cool Completely Before Storage: Allow your Gluten-Free Sweeties to cool completely before storing them. Storing warm cookies can create condensation, affecting their freshness.
9. Regularly Check for Freshness: Gluten-free baked goods might have a slightly shorter shelf life than their traditional counterparts. Regularly check the stored cookies for freshness, and discard any that show signs of staleness.
10. Share Storage Tips: If sharing or gifting Gluten-Free Sweeties, include storage tips to ensure the recipients can enjoy them at their best.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the freshness and enjoyment of your homemade Gluten-Free Sweeties cookies.

Freezing Gluten-Free Sweeties

Tips on Freezing Homemade Gluten-Free Sweeties Cookies:

1. Consider Pre-Portioning: Portion the cookies before freezing, especially if you don’t plan to thaw the entire batch at once. This allows you to take out only what you need, reducing the risk of freezer burn on the remaining cookies.
2. Flash Freeze Before Storage: Place the freshly baked Gluten-Free Sweeties cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours. This prevents the cookies from sticking together when stored in a container or freezer bag.
3. Airtight Containers or Freezer Bags: Transfer the flash-frozen cookies to airtight containers or freezer bags. Ensure that the packaging is designed for the freezer to prevent freezer burn and maintain the cookies’ quality.
4. Use a Sealable Container: If you have a small quantity of cookies, using a sealable container can help protect them from the cold air of the freezer and maintain their freshness.
5. Label and Date: Clearly label the container or bag with the type of cookies and the date of freezing. This makes it easier to keep track of how long they’ve been stored and ensures you consume them within the recommended timeframe.
6. Store in Single Layers: If space allows, store the cookies in a single layer to minimize contact and prevent any potential breakage or deformation during freezing.
7. Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: If stacking multiple layers of cookies in a container or bag, place parchment paper between the layers. This prevents the cookies from sticking together and maintains their individual shapes.
8. Remove Excess Air: When using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing. Excess air can contribute to freezer burn and compromise the texture and taste of the cookies.
9. Thawing at Room Temperature: When ready to enjoy, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. Thawing gradually helps preserve the texture.
10. Reheat for a Fresh-Baked Feel: To regain that fresh-baked taste, you can briefly reheat the thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent over-baking.
11. Quality Check: Periodically check the stored cookies for any signs of freezer burn, and consume them within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.
12. Share Thawing Tips: If sharing frozen Gluten-Free Sweeties, provide recipients with thawing instructions to ensure they enjoy the cookies at their best.

With proper freezer preparation, you can enjoy your homemade Gluten-Free Sweeties at your convenience, whether it’s a single treat or a batch for a special occasion.

IF YOU LIKED OUR Gluten-Free Sweeties, THEN YOU’LL LOVE SOME OF OUR OTHER FAVORITE RECIPES!

Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Caramelized Onions

Utterly Deadly Gluten-Free Southern Pecan Pie

Spicy Gluten-Free Thai Basil Chicken

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Gluten-Free Sweeties

Jamie F.

Indulge your sweet tooth with our glazed Gluten-Free Sweeties.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 18 people

Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

• 2 bowls
• mixing spoon
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• Parchment Paper
• dining spoon
• spatula
• cookie sheet
• wire rack optional

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 ½ cups gluten-free one-to-one flour blend
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons almond extract (divided)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 tablespoon milk
• food coloring (optional)

Instructions

 

Cookies

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Cream together butter, sugar, eggs, and 2 teaspoon of almond extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, adjusting consistency with extra flour if needed.
• Optionally, add food coloring for a marbled effect.
• Drop dough into sticky mounds onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. For mini-sized cookies, bake for 8 minutes. Be cautious not to overbake; the sweeties should not turn golden brown.
• Allow the cookies to cool for five minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Glaze

• In a bowl, prepare the icing by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 4 to 6 tablespoons of milk. Adjust the milk quantity until a glaze consistency is achieved.
• Ice the cooled cookies with the prepared glaze.
• Let the cookies dry before packaging.

Notes

• One batch of regular-sized cookies yields approximately three dozen, while one batch of mini sized produces around 6 1/2 dozen.
• Use a full dining spoon for regular-sized cookies and a 1/2 dining spoon for minis.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 2gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 366IUVitamin B1: 0.01mgVitamin B2: 0.1mgVitamin B3: 0.02mgVitamin B5: 0.2mgVitamin B6: 0.02mgVitamin B12: 0.1µgVitamin D: 0.2µgVitamin E: 0.4mgVitamin K: 1µgCalcium: 67mgCopper: 0.01mgFolate: 4µgIron: 1mgManganese: 0.01mgMagnesium: 2mgPhosphorus: 38mgSelenium: 3µgZinc: 0.1mgAlcohol: 0.2gCholine: 27mgNet Carbohydrates: 50g

Keyword Christmas, Comfort Food, Easy, Holiday, Sweet

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