There’s something about the rich, warming aroma of spice cookies that makes them the perfect treat for any time of year. But for those with gluten sensitivities, finding a good gluten free option can sometimes be a challenge. These gluten free spice cookies offer the perfect solution: they’re soft, flavorful, and free from gluten, making them a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re enjoying them as a midday snack or serving them at a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
The Perfect Blend of Spices
What truly sets these gluten free spice cookies apart is the fragrant blend of spices that gives them their rich, warm flavor. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves provides a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and slightly complex. Each spice plays an important role: cinnamon offers sweetness and warmth, nutmeg and cloves bring an earthy, slightly spicy note, and ginger adds a subtle zing that balances everything out.
Why Choose Gluten Free Spice Cookies?
For anyone following a gluten free diet, it can sometimes be difficult to find baked goods that don’t compromise on flavor or texture. These gluten free spice cookies use a blend of gluten free oat flour and almond flour to achieve a perfect balance. Oat flour adds a slightly chewy texture, while almond flour provides richness and moisture.
Benefits of Gluten Free Oat Flour
Oat flour is a fantastic gluten free alternative to traditional wheat flour. Not only is it high in fiber, but it also lends a tender, soft texture to baked goods.
Almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s a great way to keep gluten free cookies moist and tender, ensuring that they don’t dry out like many gluten free alternatives can.
Combining these two flours results in cookies that are not only gluten free but also wholesome and satisfying. The blend creates a texture that’s soft and delicate, with just the right amount of chewiness.
Tips for Baking the Best Gluten Free Spice Cookies
Baking gluten free cookies can sometimes be tricky, as gluten free flours behave differently than wheat-based flours. Here are a few tips to ensure your spice cookies come out perfect every time:
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough is a crucial step in this recipe. By letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least two hours, you give the flours time to fully absorb the moisture from the butter and egg, resulting in a firmer dough that’s easier to slice. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, keeping them uniform in shape.
2. Use Softened Butter
To achieve a light, airy texture, it’s important to use softened butter when creaming it with the sweetener. This helps incorporate air into the dough, making the cookies fluffier. If your butter is too hard, leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, which is the opposite of what you want with these light and tender spice cookies.
4. Keep an Eye on the Oven
Gluten free baked goods can sometimes brown more quickly than their gluten-containing counterparts, so keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re in the oven. They should be golden brown on the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t be tempted to leave them in too long.
Serving Suggestions for Gluten Free Spice Cookies
These gluten free spice cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be dressed up for special occasions. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can:
- Add a Drizzle of Icing: A simple powdered sugar and almond milk glaze can be drizzled over the cooled cookies to add sweetness and visual appeal.
- Pair with Hot Beverages: Serve these cookies with a cup of orange spice tea, hot chocolate, or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Make Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of dairy free ice cream between two cookies for a gluten free ice cream sandwich.
Storing Your Gluten Free Spice Cookies
Once baked, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To keep them fresh longer, you can also refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. If you’re planning to make a large batch and want to store some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully.
Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm them in the oven for a freshly-baked experience.
Final Thoughts on Gluten Free Spice Cookies
These gluten free spice cookies are the perfect combination of warm, comforting flavors and soft, chewy texture. Made with wholesome ingredients like gluten free oat flour and almond flour, they’re not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an everyday snack, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone—gluten free or not!
Gluten Free Spice Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup low carb granular sweetener
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten free oat flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add butter and sweetener to a large bowl. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream
- butter and sweetener until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and egg and continue mixing.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flours with spices, salt, and baking powder.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and continue mixing.
- On two pieces of parchment paper, place equal amounts of cookie dough and roll the dough up in the parchment in a 10” log (it will be about 1.5” wide).
- Chill for 2 hours or until hard.
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Pull the cookie dough logs out of the fridge and slice into 1/4 inch circles.
- Place dough on cookie sheets with 1.5” between each disc.
- Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to rest on the pan for several minutes before transferring to wire racks to completely cool.
