Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 1.5 cups certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp salt 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 cup royal icing ingredients (powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, vanilla) 1 cup royal icing ingredients (powdered sugar, meringue powder, water, vanilla)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. This preparation ensures your cookies won't stick and will bake evenly.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 3-4 minutes. Then, beat in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and smooth.

3. 3

   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

4. 4

   Prepare your royal icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and of desired consistency, adding a touch of vanilla extract for flavor. If the icing is too thick, add a tiny bit more water; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. This icing will be used for decorating once the cookies have cooled.

5. 5

   Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear set. Gluten-free baked goods often firm up considerably as they cool, so avoid overbaking.

6. 6

   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, you can decorate them with the prepared royal icing, adding sprinkles or edible decorations as desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Separate eggs when cold (the yolks are firmer), then let whites come to room temp before whipping.
• Brown the butter before adding it for a nutty, caramel depth that elevates simple recipes.
• Pure vanilla extract (not imitation) gives a much more complex, rounded flavor — worth the cost in simple recipes.