Gluten-Free Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies

This is a classic gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe that can be made egg-free and holds colors well for beautiful holiday shapes and styles.

4.10 from 20 votes

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Gluten-Free Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies

The dough can be rolled out immediately after mixing and it takes color dyes very well, a plus for Christmas cookies. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They freeze well. This recipe can be made egg-free; see instructions.

Prep Time50 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time1 hr 5 mins

Course: Dessert

Servings: 48 Cookies

Calories: 171kcal

Author: Traci Anello

Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter or vegan buttery sticks
• ▢ 1½ cups sugar
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ▢ 3.75 cups white rice flour (½ cup for dusting counter)
• ▢ 1½ cups cornstarch
• ▢ 1¼ cups potato starch (not potato flour)
• ▢ 2 teaspoons salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• ▢ Icing

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• ▢
  Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• ▢
  Using a mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl with a spatula.
• ▢
  Add eggs one at a time. Mix for 1 minute. Add vanilla. Scrape the bowl.
• ▢
  In a separate bowl, combine 3¼ cups flour, cornstarch, potato starch, salt and xanthan gum. Mix into wet ingredients until combined.
• ▢
  Divide dough into 3 balls. Set 2 aside.
• ▢
  Dust counter or rolling board with flour. Press the ball flat with your hands. Roll dough out to just over ¼-inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut out cookies and place them on prepared cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.
• ▢
  Place in preheated oven and bake about 12 to 15 minutes. Cookies are done when they start to get golden around edges. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack.
• ▢
  When cool, decorate with Icing. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

Notes

TIP: Chilling dough makes it easier to roll and handle. If dough is too sticky to handle easily, dust it with gluten-free flour and roll it between 2 pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. For egg-free shortbread cut-out cookies, combine 2 tablespoons of flax meal with 3-4 tablespoons of hot water or unsweetened applesauce, enough to make a gel. Use to replace 2 eggs in step 3.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Gluten-Free Shortbread Cut-Out Cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 171 Calories from Fat 72

% Daily Value*

Fat 8g12%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Cholesterol 27mg9%

Sodium 105mg4%

Potassium 56mg2%

Carbohydrates 23g8%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 245IU5%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 7mg1%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Written by Traci Anello, originally published in Gluten Free & More.

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