Skip to content
Craving classic snickerdoodle cookies but need to avoid gluten? These gluten free snickerdoodles deliver all the cinnamon-sugar goodness you remember, with a soft, chewy texture that rivals any traditional recipe. Perfect for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, these cookies prove that gluten free baking can be just as delicious.
Why Snickerdoodles Are a Cookie Jar Classic
Snickerdoodles hold a special place in American baking tradition. These beloved cookies stand out with their signature tangy flavor from cream of tartar and their iconic cinnamon sugar coating. That combination of sweet and spicy, rolled into a soft, chewy cookie, makes them irresistible for everything from afternoon snacking to holiday cookie exchanges.
What Makes These Gluten Free Snickerdoodles Special
There's something magical about the aroma of fresh snickerdoodles baking in your kitchen. The warm scent of cinnamon fills every corner, making everyone's mouth water. These gluten free snickerdoodles capture that same comforting experience while being accessible to those avoiding gluten.
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of sweetness from Bee Inspired Honey in the dough, combined with just the right amount of tangy notes from cream of tartar. The result? A cookie that's both nostalgic and unique, with honey adding moisture and depth that refined sugar simply can't match.
We made these cookies with our Ukrainian Sunflower Honey
Mastering Gluten Free Cookie Baking
Gluten free baking can feel intimidating, especially when you're aiming for soft, chewy snickerdoodle cookies. Success lies in using a quality gluten free flour blend—ideally one that includes a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour. High-quality gluten free baking powder and cream of tartar ensure proper rise and that characteristic tangy flavor.
With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create delicious gluten free snickerdoodle cookies that anyone would be thrilled to eat, regardless of dietary restrictions.
The Secret to Perfect Texture
Many gluten free cookies end up disappointing - too dry, too crumbly, or with an obvious "gluten free" taste. Not these!
The key to success lies in several important techniques:
- Room temperature butter for proper creaming with the honey
- Don't over-mix the dough once you add the gluten free flour
- Accurate flour measurement using the spoon-and-level technique instead of scooping directly from the bag
- Flatten before baking to ensure even cooking throughout
- Watch the time carefully - gluten free cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly
If you love the smell of baked goods, you'll love our Haute Cocoa Soy Candle
How to Make Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
Ready to bake? Here's your step-by-step guide to irresistible gluten free snickerdoodles that everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- Unsalted butter
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Egg (or egg replacer for vegan option)
- Pure vanilla extract
- Table salt
- Cream of tartar
- Baking powder
- Ground nutmeg
- Gluten free flour blend (ensure accurate measurement using a kitchen scale for best results)
For the coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step One: Preheat and Prepare
Heat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Step Two: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and honey until smooth. The mixture will be slightly runnier than when using granulated sugar - that's completely normal with honey-based recipes.
Step Three: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step Four: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Mix in the salt, cream of tartar, baking powder, and nutmeg. Then add the gluten free flour, mixing until just incorporated. The dough should be soft but manageable. If it feels too sticky, refrigerate for about 15 minutes to make handling easier.
Step Five: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl or zip-top bag, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar until well combined.
Step Six: Form Cookie Dough Balls
Use a teaspoon or small cookie scoop to form 1-inch diameter dough balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Step Seven: Arrange and Flatten
Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie to about 1/4-inch thickness using the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Step Eight: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone - that's perfect! They'll continue cooking as they cool.
Step Nine: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This cooling time helps them set properly without breaking.
Storage Tips
These gluten free snickerdoodles stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Want to plan ahead? Freeze these cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy.
You can also freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Flash freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Properly frozen cookie dough can be stored for several months and baked directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Cookies Spread Too Much
Solution: Make sure your butter isn't too warm when you start. If the dough seems very soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizing, which helps prevent excessive spreading.
Problem: Cookies are Too Dry
Solution: Be careful not to overbake - remove them when edges are just lightly golden. Different gluten free flour blends absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on your specific blend.
Problem: Not Enough Cinnamon Sugar Flavor
Solution: Make extra cinnamon-sugar coating and roll the cookies more generously before baking. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon directly to the dough for extra flavor.
Perfect Pairings
These gluten free snickerdoodles are delicious on their own, but they're even better when paired with:
- A glass of cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Hot coffee or honey-sweetened tea
- Vanilla ice cream (make mini ice cream sandwiches!)
- A drizzle of extra honey for an indulgent treat
The cookies offer a wonderful soft and chewy texture with their sweet cinnamon-sugar coating and slightly crispy exterior, making any pairing extra delightful.
Check out our other holiday cookie recipes
Delicious Variations
Want to experiment? Try these exciting variations on your snickerdoodle cookies:
Extra Cinnamon Boost
For true cinnamon lovers, amp up the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon directly to your cookie dough. You can also experiment with different cinnamon varieties - Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate flavor while Cassia cinnamon provides that classic, stronger taste.
Dairy-Free Snickerdoodles
Make these cookies dairy-free by substituting the butter with equal amount of coconut oil or plant-based butter. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor remains delicious! Just make sure your plant-based butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with the honey.
Salted Caramel Twist
Using salted butter instead of unsalted creates a subtle salted caramel note that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating. If using salted butter, simply omit the added salt in the recipe. For extra indulgence, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top right after baking.
Alternative Leavening
If you're out of cream of tartar, substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. This maintains that signature tanginess that makes snickerdoodles special.
Seasonal Spice Blends
- Fall: Add 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough
- Winter: Mix in a pinch of cardamom and nutmeg for holiday flavor
- Spring: Add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness
- Summer: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender into your cinnamon-sugar coating
Chocolate Lovers' Version
Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before rolling in cinnamon sugar. The chocolate adds delightful pockets of sweetness that complement the warm spices perfectly.
Try drizzling homemade caramel sauce on top of these cookies
Why These Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Collection
Whether you're new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this gluten free snickerdoodle recipe is a must-try. The cookies are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver that classic snickerdoodle taste without the gluten. The results are absolutely delicious.
Give them a try for your next holiday cookie exchange, afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a special treat. These cookies prove that gluten free baking can be just as satisfying as traditional methods - maybe even better when you're using quality ingredients like pure raw honey from Bee Inspired.
More Delicious Honey Cookie Recipes
Love baking with honey? Check out these other amazing cookie recipes:
- Honey Gingerbread Cookies - A holiday classic with Eastern European flair
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with Honey - Gooey, crunchy perfection
- Honey Peanut Butter Cookies - Easy and no-fuss deliciousness
- Honey Ginger Cookies - Warm spiced, and perfect for fall
Happy baking!
