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Are you craving the classic taste of snickerdoodle cookies but need to avoid gluten? You’re in luck! These gluten-free snickerdoodles deliver all the cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional snickerdoodles, much like a sugar cookie but with a delightful twist. Perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, these cookies don’t compromise on flavor or texture.
Snickerdoodles: One of the Best GF Cookie Recipes
Snickerdoodles are a beloved classic in the world of cookies, known for their delightful cinnamon sugar coating and soft, chewy texture. These cookies stand out with their signature tangy flavor, thanks to the cream of tartar in the dough. Rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking, snickerdoodles offer a sweet and spicy flavor that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for snacking, holiday gatherings, or cookie exchanges, snickerdoodles are a staple in American baking, cherished for their nostalgic taste and comforting aroma.
Why You'll Love These Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
There’s something magical about the aroma of fresh snickerdoodles baking in the oven. The warm scent of cinnamon filling your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These gluten-free snickerdoodles capture that same comforting experience while being accessible to those on a gluten-free diet.
What makes these cookies special is their perfect balance of sweetness from honey instead of refined sugar in the dough, combined with just the right amount of slightly tangy note from cream of tartar. The result? A cookie that’s both nostalgic and unique.
We made these cookies with our Ukrainian Sunflower Honey
Gluten-Free Baking
Gluten-free baking can be a rewarding challenge, especially when it comes to making soft and chewy snickerdoodle cookies. A key ingredient that our recipe calls for is a gluten-free flour blend, which often includes a mix of rice flour, almond flour, and coconut flour. Using high-quality gluten-free baking powder and cream of tartar ensures that the cookies have the right flavor and rise properly. By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can create delicious gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies that are perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
The Secret to Perfect Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies
Many gluten-free cookies end up with a disappointing texture – too dry, too crumbly, or with that telltale “gluten-free taste.” Not these gluten-free snickerdoodles!
The key to success lies in a few important techniques:
- Using room temperature butter for proper creaming with the honey
- Not over-mixing the dough once you add the gluten-free flour
- Ensuring you do not add too much flour by using a spoon and leveling technique instead of scooping directly from the bag
- Flattening the cookies before baking to ensure even cooking
- Watching the baking 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
Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
Besides being delicious, these gluten-free snickerdoodles offer some nutritional advantages over traditional versions:
- Using honey instead of refined sugar provides trace minerals and antioxidants
- The recipe uses less sugar overall than many conventional cookie recipes
- Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties
- They contain no artificial preservatives or additives
- Low in saturated fat, making them a healthier choice for those monitoring their fat intake
How to Make Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
Ready to bake? Here's the simple recipe for irresistible gluten-free snickerdoodles that everyone will love, whether they avoid gluten or not!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- Unsalted butter
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Egg (or egg replacer)
- Pure vanilla extract
- Table salt
- Cream of tartar
- Baking powder
- Ground nutmeg
- GF flour (ensure accurate measurement using a kitchen scale for best results)
For the coating:
- Granulated sugar
- Cinnamon
One: Preheat and Prepare
Heat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
Two: Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, beat together the butter and honey until smooth. The mixture will be a bit runnier than when using granulated sugar, but don't worry—that's normal.
Three: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Four: Add 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.
Five: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl or zip-top bag, mix the ground cinnamon and sugar until well combined.
Six: Form Snickerdoodle 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.
Seven: Arrange and Flatten
Place the coated dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each cookie to about 1/4-inch thickness using the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
Eight: Bake Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
Nine: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Storage Tips for Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
These gluten-free snickerdoodles will 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.
You can also 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.
To save time for events like parties or holidays, you can freeze cookie dough. 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.
Troubleshooting Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
Problem: Cookies spread too much
Solution: Make sure your butter isn’t too warm. If the dough seems very soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizing of raw cookie dough balls, which helps in even baking and prevents excessive spreading.
Problem: Cookies are too dry
Solution: Be careful not to overbake. Also, different gluten-free flour blends absorb moisture differently. You may need to adjust the amount slightly depending on your specific blend.
Problem: Cookies aren’t sweet enough
Solution: Make extra cinnamon-sugar coating and roll the cookies more generously before baking.
Check out our other holiday cookie recipes
Perfect Pairings for Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles
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 tea
- Vanilla ice cream (make mini ice cream sandwiches!)
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra indulgence
The snickerdoodles taste amazing with their soft and chewy texture, sweet cinnamon-sugar coating, and slightly crispy exterior, making these pairings even more delightful. If you want to learn more about baking with honey, check out our complete guide.
Delicious Variations for Chewy Snickerdoodle Cookies
Want to experiment with your snickerdoodle cookies? Try these exciting variations:
Extra Cinnamon Flavor Boost
For true cinnamon lovers, amp up the cinnamon flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon directly to your cookie dough. You can also try using different types of cinnamon - Ceylon cinnamon offers a more delicate flavor while Cassia cinnamon provides that classic, stronger taste.
Dairy-Free Snickerdoodles
These cookies can easily become dairy-free snickerdoodles by substituting the butter with equal amounts of coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be 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 an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking.
Leavening Swaps
If you're out of cream of tartar, you can substitute it with baking soda. Use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to activate it. This will maintain 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 a 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 Chip Addition
For chocolate lovers, 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.
Try drizzling homemade caramel sauce on top of these cookies
Why These Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles Are a Must-Try
Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or a seasoned pro, this gluten-free snickerdoodle recipe deserve a spot in your recipe collection. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver that classic snickerdoodle taste without the gluten. The result is 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 delicious as traditional methods—maybe even better!
Happy baking!
Want more gluten-free recipes? Check these out:
- Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Wings
- Gluten-Free Nut and Seed Bread
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll
- Gluten-Free Muffins
