There’s something so nostalgic about sugar cookies—the crisp edges, the soft center, and that buttery sweetness that transports you right back to childhood. But when I had to go gluten-free a few years ago, it was one of the first recipes I missed the most.
This gluten free sugar cookie recipe is straight from my Nonna’s springtime baking playbook, with a few modern flour swaps and a delicate citrusy twist that feels just right for the season. They’re light, fragrant, and perfect for picnics, Easter brunches, or simply to welcome in the warmer weather.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect texture—crispy edges, soft center
- Naturally gluten-free and optionally dairy-free
- Ideal for decorating with spring-inspired icing or fruit glazes
Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
These cookies serve 8 people (makes around 16–18 medium cookies):
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for that spring vibe)
- Optional: natural food coloring or fruit juice glazes for decorating
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest. Beat until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, a little at a time. The dough will be soft but should not be sticky. If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of gluten-free flour.
5. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.
6. Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface with gluten-free flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape—flowers, butterflies, or classic rounds are all perfect for spring!
7. Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. They should be set but not brown. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Decorate (Optional but Fun!)
These cookies are beautiful plain, but if you want to get festive:
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice or strawberry puree for a light glaze.
- Use pastel-colored icing to decorate for Easter or garden parties.
Spring Vibes & Variations
This gluten free sugar cookie recipe is incredibly adaptable:
- Add lavender buds or crushed dried rose petals for floral flair.
- Use matcha powder in the icing for a soft green finish.
- Swap almond extract for rose water or orange blossom water for a delicate Mediterranean touch.
Storage Tips
These cookies store beautifully:
- Room temperature: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Defrost and ice later!
FAQs: Gluten Free Sugar Cookie Recipe
Can I use almond or coconut flour instead of gluten-free all-purpose?
These flours behave very differently. Stick to a blend that includes rice flour, tapioca, and xanthan gum for best results.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with vegan butter or solid coconut oil.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
It’s tempting, but chilling prevents spreading and helps develop flavor—definitely worth the wait.
Why This Recipe Works for Spring
There’s a reason sugar cookies have stood the test of time—they’re comforting, simple, and endlessly customizable. In spring, we crave lighter, brighter flavors, and this recipe delivers with citrus zest and floral notes that make your kitchen smell like a blooming garden.
Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a brunch, or just want something sweet and seasonal, this gluten free sugar cookie recipe is your new go-to
PrintGluten Free Sugar Cookie Recipe: A Sweet Spring Treat
Description
This gluten free sugar cookie recipe is straight from my Nonna’s springtime baking playbook, with a few modern flour swaps and a delicate citrusy twist that feels just right for the season
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (use dairy-free if needed)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for that spring vibe)
- Optional: natural food coloring or fruit juice glazes for decorating
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla, almond extract, and citrus zest. Beat until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly mix in the dry ingredients, a little at a time. The dough will be soft but should not be sticky. If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of gluten-free flour.
5. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.
6. Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface with gluten-free flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape—flowers, butterflies, or classic rounds are all perfect for spring!
7. Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes. They should be set but not brown. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Decorate (Optional but Fun!)
These cookies are beautiful plain, but if you want to get festive:
- Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice or strawberry puree for a light glaze.
- Use pastel-colored icing to decorate for Easter or garden parties.
