Gluten Free Cookies: Easy Recipes for Deliciously Chewy Treats

Why Gluten Free Cookies Can Be Absolutely Amazing

When I first started baking gluten free cookies, I’ll admit I was skeptical. Would they taste like cardboard? Would they fall apart? After years of testing and perfecting recipes, I’m thrilled to tell you that gluten free cookies can be just as delicious—if not better—than their traditional counterparts!

The secret to amazing gluten free cookies lies in understanding the right flour blends, mixing techniques, and a few special ingredients that help achieve that perfect chewy texture we all crave. Whether you’re newly gluten-free or baking for someone who is, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to create cookie magic.

Today, I’m sharing my most requested gluten free cookie recipes that have fooled even the most discerning wheat-eating cookie connoisseurs. From classic gluten free chocolate chip cookies to melt-in-your-mouth gluten free peanut butter cookies, these treats will disappear from your cookie jar in record time!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Gluten Free Cookies

The Best Gluten Free Flour Blends

The foundation of any successful gluten free cookie recipe is a quality flour blend. Not all gluten free flours perform equally when it comes to cookies. After countless experiments, I’ve found these work exceptionally well:

• All-purpose gluten free flour blend: Look for ones containing xanthan gum for better structure. My go-to contains rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch.
• Almond flour: Creates tender, moist gluten free cookies with a subtle nutty flavor.
• Oat flour: Provides a wholesome flavor and chewy texture (ensure it’s certified gluten free).
• Coconut flour: Highly absorbent, it creates dense, soft cookies when used in small amounts.

For the best results in most gluten free cookie recipes, I recommend a blend rather than a single flour. This helps mimic the properties of wheat flour more effectively.

Binding Agents That Replace Gluten

Without gluten to provide structure, your gluten free cookies need something to help them hold together:

• Xanthan gum: The most common binder, use about ¼ teaspoon per cup of flour.
• Psyllium husk: A natural option that adds chewiness.
• Extra egg: Provides both binding and moisture.
• Ground flaxseed mixed with water: Works as an egg substitute while adding binding power.

Sweeteners and Fats for Perfect Texture

The right combination of sweeteners and fats is crucial for achieving that perfect texture in gluten free cookies:

• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content.
• Granulated sugar: Creates crispness and helps cookies spread properly.
• Butter: Provides unbeatable flavor (use unsalted for better control).
• Coconut oil: Makes cookies slightly crisp on the outside and soft inside.
• Shortening: Creates tender cookies that hold their shape.

For truly exceptional gluten free cookies, I often use a combination of butter and shortening, plus both granulated and brown sugars.

Classic Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm chocolate chip cookie, and being gluten-free shouldn’t mean missing out on this classic treat. These gluten free chocolate chip cookies have the perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten free semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can affect texture.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts if using.
7. For the best texture, chill the dough for 30 minutes.
8. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

The key to amazing gluten free chocolate chip cookies is in the details:

• Don’t skimp on chilling time: This prevents excessive spreading and concentrates flavors.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures proper incorporation and texture.
• Slightly underbake: For chewier gluten free cookies, take them out when the centers still look a bit underdone.
• Quality chocolate matters: Use good quality gluten free chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Irresistible Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and salty in gluten free peanut butter cookies. The best part? Many peanut butter cookie recipes are naturally gluten free or require minimal adaptation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (ensure it’s labeled gluten free)
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ⅓ cup gluten free quick oats for extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter and both sugars, mixing until creamy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until well incorporated.
4. Stir in the baking soda, salt, and oats if using.
5. Roll tablespoons of dough into balls and place on prepared sheets.
6. Use a fork to create the classic crosshatch pattern on top of each cookie, flattening slightly.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Variations for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Take your gluten free peanut butter cookies to the next level with these tasty variations:

• Chocolate dipped: Half-dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
• Jam thumbprints: Press a small indentation into each cookie before baking and fill with strawberry or grape jam.
• Peanut butter cup: Press a mini peanut butter cup into the center of each cookie immediately after baking.
• Double peanut: Add ¼ cup chopped peanuts to the dough for extra crunch.

Elegant Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

Perfect for holidays and special occasions, these gluten free sugar cookies hold their shape beautifully when cut and can be decorated just like traditional versions.

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups gluten free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract if using.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the dough into two portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. On a lightly gluten free floured surface, roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
8. Cut with cookie cutters and transfer shapes to prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
10. Let cool completely on wire racks before decorating.

Royal Icing for Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

These gluten free sugar cookies pair perfectly with this simple royal icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder (check that it’s gluten free)
• 5-6 tablespoons warm water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring as desired

Whisk all ingredients except food coloring until smooth. Divide and tint as desired. Adjust consistency with more water (for flooding) or powdered sugar (for outlining).

Chewy Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are a beautiful blend of wholesome and indulgent. Make sure to use certified gluten free oats for this recipe, as regular oats can be cross-contaminated.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups gluten free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups certified gluten free rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins (or chocolate chips)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, combine gluten free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in oats, raisins, and nuts if using.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Troubleshooting Common Gluten Free Cookie Problems

Even the most experienced bakers occasionally run into challenges with gluten free cookies. Here are solutions to the most common issues:

Why Are My Gluten Free Cookies Spreading Too Much?

If your gluten free cookies are spreading into thin pancakes, try these fixes:

• Chill the dough: At least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
• Check your oven temperature: An oven thermometer helps ensure accuracy.
• Use parchment paper: Not cooking spray, which can cause excessive spreading.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons more flour: Gluten free cookie recipes sometimes need slight adjustments.
• Reduce the fat or sugar: Both contribute to spreading.

Why Are My Gluten Free Cookies Too Dry or Crumbly?

Dry, crumbly gluten free cookies can be disappointing. Here’s how to fix them:

• Don’t overbake: Gluten free cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet.
• Add moisture: Try 1-2 tablespoons of milk, yogurt, or applesauce.
• Check your flour blend: Some absorb more moisture than others.
• Add an extra egg yolk: This provides fat and binding properties.
• Incorporate a tablespoon of honey or molasses: These hygroscopic ingredients attract moisture.

Why Won’t My Gluten Free Cookies Brown Properly?

For better browning in your gluten free cookies:

• Add a tablespoon of milk: The proteins and sugars help with browning.
• Increase the sugar slightly: Sugar caramelizes during baking.
• Brush with egg wash: For cut-out cookies like gluten free sugar cookies.
• Try a higher oven temperature: Increase by 25°F but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Storing and Freezing Gluten Free Cookies

Gluten free cookies often have different storage needs than conventional cookies:

Short-Term Storage

• Store completely cooled gluten free cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Add a slice of bread to the container to keep cookies soft and chewy (replace when it becomes dry).
• For crisp cookies, avoid the bread and instead use parchment paper between layers.
• Most gluten free cookies stay fresh 3-4 days at room temperature.

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
• Transfer to freezer bags or containers, placing parchment between layers.
• Label with the date and type of cookie.
• Frozen gluten free cookies stay good for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Freezing Cookie Dough

One of my favorite tricks for fresh gluten free cookies anytime:

1. Portion cookie dough into balls.
2. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
3. Transfer to freezer bags, label, and store up to 3 months.
4. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the regular baking time.

More Gluten Free Cookie Recipes to Try

If you’ve mastered the basics, here are more gluten free cookie recipes to expand your repertoire:

Gluten Free Snickerdoodles

These cinnamon-sugar classics work beautifully as gluten free cookies. The key is using cream of tartar for that distinctive tangy flavor that makes snickerdoodles special.

Gluten Free Shortbread

With just a few ingredients (gluten free flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla), these simple cookies prove that gluten free baking can be both easy and elegant.

Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

These versatile cookies can be filled with your favorite jams, chocolate, or caramel for a personalized treat that’s perfect for gift-giving.

Gluten Free Double Chocolate Cookies

For the chocolate lovers, these intensely rich cookies feature cocoa in the dough and chunks of chocolate throughout. They’re like brownies in cookie form!

Making Your Favorite Cookie Recipes Gluten Free

Have a beloved family cookie recipe you’d like to make gluten free? Here’s how to convert it successfully:

1. Substitute the flour: Replace regular flour with an equal amount of gluten free all-purpose flour blend containing xanthan gum.
2. Add structure: If your blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon per cup of flour.
3. Adjust moisture: Gluten free flours often absorb more liquid, so you might need to add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or an extra egg.
4. Enhance flavor: Gluten free flours can be blander, so consider increasing vanilla or adding complementary spices.
5. Chill the dough: This step becomes even more important with gluten free cookie recipes.

Remember that converting recipes might require some experimentation, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect!

Conclusion: Your Gluten Free Cookie Journey

Gluten free cookies don’t have to be a compromise. With the right techniques and ingredients, they can be every bit as delicious as traditional cookies—sometimes even better! From classic gluten free chocolate chip cookies to elegant gluten free sugar cookies, these recipes

Hungry for more? Check out our top rated recipes :

• How to Make a Crumbl Cookie Recipe at Home:Best Recipes of 2025
• Strawberry Oreo Crunch Cake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
• No Sugar Chocolate: How to Make the Best Sugar-Free Chocolate at Home
• How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Covered Potato Chips at Home