Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
These Gluten Free Snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that everyone will love! Soft and chewy, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and cinnamon flavor. Made in just one bowl, these cookies are not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Plus, they can easily be adapted to fit a dairy-free diet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort with just one mixing bowl needed.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable: Easily switch out ingredients to make them dairy-free or adjust the spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect Texture: They come out soft and chewy, making them ideal for dunking in milk or enjoying on their own.
- Great for Sharing: With 12 cookies per batch, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking these gluten free snickerdoodles, make sure you have the right tools handy. These tools will help streamline the process and ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl: Helps to efficiently cream butter and sugars, ensuring a smooth dough.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for the perfect cookie texture.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, promoting uniform cooking.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1/2 cup butter (dairy free or regular)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup 1:1 gluten free all purpose baking flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup sanding sugar (see notes)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
How to Make Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars
Add the butter and both sugars to a bowl or bowl of a stand mixer. Cream together for about 1 minute until fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Add in the dry ingredients, making sure to spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures accurate measurement.
Step 4: Form Dough Balls
Scoop into balls using about 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of dough. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
Step 5: Chill Dough
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1 hour.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
During the final 15 minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 7: Bake Cookies
The cookies will spread, so place only six on a baking sheet at a time. Bake for 10–14 minutes. Avoid overbaking; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious gluten free snickerdoodles!
How to Serve Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
These gluten free snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of snickerdoodles perfectly.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea adds a soothing touch alongside these cookies.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a scoop between two cookies for a delicious dessert.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: For a twist, use cinnamon ice cream to match the cookie’s flavor.
Serve with Milk
- Cold Milk: Nothing beats the classic combination of cookies and milk for an afternoon snack.
- Almond Milk: For a dairy-free option, try almond milk; it pairs wonderfully with snickerdoodles.
Add a Fruit Compote
- Berry Compote: A spoonful of berry compote adds freshness and acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Apple Sauce: Serve warm apple sauce on the side for a comforting addition.
How to Perfect Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
Making gluten free snickerdoodles is simple, but there are ways to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to elevate your baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and egg sit out before mixing; this helps create a smoother dough.
- Spoon and Level Flour: To avoid dense cookies, spoon flour into measuring cups and level off instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents spreading and promotes chewy texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the center when done.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
Snickerdoodles are versatile enough to be paired with various sides. Here are some delightful options that complement their flavor beautifully.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
- Cheese Platter – Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese that pair well with sweet treats.
- Nuts & Dried Fruits – A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits offers crunch and texture alongside cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent experience.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a wholesome side dish that balances sweetness.
- Chia Seed Pudding – This creamy dessert is not only nutritious but also complements the flavors of snickerdoodles nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making gluten free snickerdoodles can be easy, but some common mistakes might ruin your batch. Here are a few to watch out for:
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Incorrectly measuring flour: Always spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t end up with too much flour, which can make the cookies dry.
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Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Chilling allows the dough to firm up, helping maintain their shape.
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Overbaking cookies: Gluten free snickerdoodles will continue to harden as they cool, so take them out slightly underbaked. Aim for a light golden color around the edges.
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Inconsistent dough ball sizes: Using a cookie scoop helps ensure uniformity in size, leading to even baking. If they’re not all the same size, some may burn while others remain undercooked.
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Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better creaming with sugars. Cold butter can result in dense cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store gluten free snickerdoodles in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking.
Freezing Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
- Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about gluten free snickerdoodles that may help you:
Can I make gluten free snickerdoodles dairy-free?
Yes! You can use dairy-free butter or coconut oil in place of regular butter for delicious results.
What’s the secret to soft gluten free snickerdoodles?
Chilling the dough helps maintain moisture and prevent spreading, leading to soft and chewy cookies.
How do I know when gluten free snickerdoodles are done?
Look for lightly golden edges; they will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking for best texture!
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
Final Thoughts
These gluten free snickerdoodles are not just a treat; they’re a nostalgic dessert that everyone will love. Their soft and chewy texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Customize by adding extra cinnamon or mix-ins like chocolate chips for even more joy. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every delightful bite!

Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
Indulge in the delightful world of Gluten Free Snickerdoodles! Soft and chewy, these cookies perfectly blend the sweetness of sugar with the warm comfort of cinnamon. Easy to make in just one bowl, they are versatile enough for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday parties. Plus, they’re easily adaptable for dairy-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic treat. Whether you savor them on their own or pair them with your favorite beverage, these gluten free snickerdoodles will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (dairy-free or regular)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Scoop dough into balls (about 1.5–2 tablespoons each) and roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Chill dough balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10–14 minutes or until golden around the edges.
- Allow cooling on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg