By

Wendy Stoltz,

Gusti Ayu Wahyuni Mertawati / Last Modified On December 13, 2024

These gluten-free Snickerdoodles cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy centers with a tangy touch, rolled into an irresistible cinnamon-sugar blend. Get ready to munch on the ultimate comfort cookie that's gluten-free! They're perfect for holiday gift-giving or as a treat for every day.

But before we get to this recipe, here are some other gluten-free recipes you need to try next! Our Grain-Free Snickerdoodles are made with six simple ingredients, while the Paleo Snickerdoodle Muffins are a welcome addition to your morning coffee. And it's the perfect season for something sweet. Personally, I love the spicy-sweet flavor of our Gluten-Free Gingersnaps. They're a holiday favorite!

GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES RECIPE

When was the last time you had a delicious Snickerdoodle cookie? I truly hope it was recently, but if it's been a while because you haven't found the perfect gluten-free version, I'm about to change all that for you. 

So why is it called a Snickerdoodle? The name is believed to come from the German term Schnecke Knödel, which is translated as “snail dumpling.” Others say it comes from Dutch origins. Both refer to a small, snail-like shape.

Gluten-free Snickerdoodle cookies are always on my Christmas cookie platter, and I make them regularly throughout the year as well. My children love to get involved when I am making them. The kitchen does turn into a big mess, but so many skills are learned during the process of baking that I try to turn a blind eye (I am still working on it)! 

Do you like cookies? I have more gluten-free cookie recipes! Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are my standby recipe, the one I make whenever I need a bake-sale entry or take a treat to a friend. And there are so many more delightful holiday cookies to bake this season.

Try something different with my gluten-free lemon cookies. Or indulge in something just as decadent (and traditional for the holiday season). Soft gluten-free sugar cookies are always a hit with icing. 

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES 

Perfect crumb texture - Gluten-free Snickerdoodles are thick, chewy cookies with the perfect crumb texture. They have crispy edges thanks to a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. 

Create a tradition - Kids love rolling the Snickerdoodle dough through cinnamon sugar, so enlist the help of little ones if you have some around. These will become a family tradition and a favorite memory in no time. 

Easy to make - This recipe has been thoroughly tested, and I'm confident I've created the best gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie recipe. I'm also confident that it's an easy-to-make recipe.

INGREDIENTS FOR GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES

Gluten-Free Flour Blend - This Snickerdoodle recipe was tested using Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour Blend. I've been really enjoying using this product lately, and I get very good results with all types of baked goods. You can use other blends, but your results may vary. Leave a comment if you do so we know how it went! 

Xanthan Gum - You only need to add this if your flour blend doesn't include any. Bob's Red Mill does include Xanthan, so I leave it out. 

Cream of Tartar - See the note below about this important ingredient. Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that gives these cookies their classic tangy flavor and works with baking soda to create an airy, chewy texture. Cream of tartar is a significant source of potassium, an essential mineral for the human body. Potassium aids in regulating fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.

Baking Soda - Baking soda is the other leavener in our cookies, this is a must for the perfect textured gluten-free Snickerdoodle. 

Kosher Salt - Salt goes into all my baking recipes, it adds flavor, and amplifies the other flavors in any recipe. 

Cinnamon - Want to know my trick for the most delicious snickerdoodles? I add cinnamon to the cookie dough and the coating. Note that there's also a recipe for regular gluten-free cookie dough.

Sugar - What's a cookie without sugar? White sugar helps create a crisp, cream-colored cookie around the edges. 

Unsalted Butter - The start of all the best cookies is softened butter. Allow your butter to sit on the counter until it's soft enough to mix. 

Pure Vanilla Extract - I suggest using the best quality vanilla extract that you can reasonably afford. It makes a huge difference, particularly here, where vanilla and cinnamon are the only flavors. 

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT CREAM OF TARTAR

The most important ingredient in snickerdoodles is cream of tartar. It’s an ingredient that isn’t used in many baking recipes, but in these cookies, it makes them chewy and gives them their specific tangy flavor. Without cream of tartar, snickerdoodles are just sugar cookies. If you don’t use cream of tartar often, I suggest buying a new container of it before making these cookies. Once opened, the cream of tartar loses its effectiveness, and your cookies won’t turn out right if your cream of tartar is too old.

The reason that the cream of tartar is so important is scientific. You can read more here if you like. Otherwise, trust me! Fresh cream of tartar will make or break your snickerdoodle baking experience.  

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES

Mixing bowls - These Pyrex mixing bowls come in handy. It's a well-known brand, and I like their durability.

Whisk - This OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk works well. Of course, any whisk will work. I just trust the brand name.

Electric mixer - Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk is perfect for use in these sorts of recipes. You could also use a stand mixer, but the hand mixer will usually give quicker results.

If you have any questions about making gluten-free snickerdoodles, please leave a comment, and we will respond as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES

This recipe for gluten-free snickerdoodles is easy! Mix up the dough, roll the balls in cinnamon sugar, and bake. Keep reading for the details.

Begin by preparing the dry ingredients. Combine a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum (if needed), cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until thoroughly mixed, then set the mixture aside.

Next, focus on the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. Mix until the texture becomes light and fluffy. Add an egg and pure vanilla extract, then continue mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Gradually fold in the dry mixture, adding it in portions and mixing between each addition until the dough is smooth and no streaks of flour remain.

Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape. While the dough chills, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating by stirring together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl.

Once the dough is ready, scoop out 1-ounce portions using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball, yielding approximately 24 dough balls. Generously coat each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring an even layer of sweetness and spice.

Place the coated dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them at least three inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. Preheat your oven according to the recipe’s directions, and bake the cookies until perfectly golden. If baking multiple sheets at once, rotate them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These gluten-free cinnamon cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later indulgence—if they last that long!

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

Buy Fresh Ingredients - Fresh baking soda and cream of tartar are key to making the best gluten-free snickerdoodles. 

More is Better - This is especially true with the cinnamon sugar mixture on the outside of snickerdoodles. Make sure to coat each cookie dough ball fully. This will give you the sweet crust that you want. 

Chill - The dough must be chilled for 30 minutes after mixing. This will ensure that it is easy to handle, not so sticky, and will hold together well when you turn it into cookie balls. Chilling also keeps the cookies thick by not allowing the butter to melt too quickly in the oven. 

Space Them Out - Snickerdoodles will puff up in the oven, then fall and spread out. Be sure to leave ample room around each cookie so they can do so without sticking together.

Don’t Overbake -  Overbaked Snickerdoodles are not ideal. The soft chewiness of these gluten-free cookies will be perfect if they are pulled out of the oven just before they start to brown on top.

TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON PROBLEMS

Dry - Generally, dry snickerdoodles have been overcooked. Next time, reduce the baking time by 2 minutes.

It's also important to measure gluten-free flour correctly to get the right texture. Be sure to spoon your flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping the measuring cup into the bag of flour.

Flat - There can be several reasons for flat snickerdoodles. Gluten-free snickerdoodles will flatten too much because the cookie dough balls are too warm when you start baking. Chilling the cookie dough balls before baking should fix this.

The other reason could be that your cream of tartar or baking soda wasn't fresh. Start with fresh ingredients next time. 

WORKING WITH GLUTEN-FREE FLOURS

Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level when working with or measuring gluten-free flour.  Do not scoop your measuring cup into the gluten-free flour. 

This will ensure that you are compacting the flour and that your measurements are accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SIZE SHOULD SNICKERDOODLES BE?

You can make gluten-free snickerdoodles in any size, but I’ve made medium-sized cookies for this tested recipe. Each ball of dough is approximately 1 oz. in weight, or 1 heaping tablespoon. Try using a medium, #40 cookie scoop, filled not quite all the way, to get the perfect amount of dough.

If you make larger cookies, be sure to leave ample room around each dough ball for the cookies to spread out. 

HOW DO YOU STORE GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES?

Store gluten-free snickerdoodles at room temperature for 2-3 days. After that, they will start to dry out. I like to put wax paper or parchment paper in between layers of cookies to avoid things sticking together.

HOW DO YOU FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLES?

For longer storage, freeze-baked cookies. Freeze them on cookie trays first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for storage.

CAN I MAKE THESE GF SNICKERDOODLES AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can either make them and then store them in an airtight container to be consumed within 2-3 days. Alternatively, freeze them and bake them on the day you need them. 

CAN YOU FREEZE COOKIE DOUGH?

Yes, you can freeze raw cookie dough. This gluten-free Snickerdoodle cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. I like to prepare them up until step 7. Place the Snickerdoodle cookie dough balls on a baking sheet to freeze and then transfer them into an airtight container.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN GLUTEN-FREE SNICKERDOODLE COOKIES ARE DONE?

This gluten-free snickerdoodle recipe is done when they start to brown on top, take them out of the oven immediately. You don't want to overbake these.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles?

• Flour - I don't recommend using almond flour. It is not the correct flour for this recipe. Almond flour is too heavy and not developed for this type of cookie, but feel free to experiment with other gluten-free flour blends.
• Cream of Tartar - You can use 2 teaspoons of baking powder instead of the cream of tartar and baking soda. It is, however, going to taste different.
• Dairy-Free - You can replace the butter in this recipe with a vegan butter product made for baking. I have baked with Earth's Balance Baking Sticks in the past, but I have not tested any non-dairy kinds of butter with this recipe yet. If you try it, please leave a comment to let me know how it worked for you. 
• Vegan - As above, use a vegan butter product of your choice to make gluten-free vegan snickerdoodles.

Continue to Content

Yield: 24 Cookies

Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles

Print

These gluten-free Snickerdoodles cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy centers with a tangy touch, rolled into an irresistible cinnamon-sugar blend.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Chilling Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ¼ cups gluten-free flour blend (See notes)
• ½ teaspoon xanthan gum, if your blend doesn't already contain it
• ½ tablespoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum (if using), cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and ground cinnamon. Whisk until combined. Set aside.
3. In another large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
5. Gradually add in the flour mixture, mixing in between each addition, just until combined and no more streaks of flour remain.
6. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
7. Scoop the dough into 1 oz. balls, about a heaping tablespoon in size. You should get approximately 24 dough balls.
8. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
9. Roll the dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 3 inches in between each ball of dough.
10. Bake at 350F for 9-11 minutes, until the edges and set and cookies are lightly browned. Flip the baking sheets halfway through the cook time for even baking.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before placing on a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

• This recipe was tested with Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour which already has xanthan gum in it. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, you will need to add it to this recipe.
• Cream of tartar is the magic ingredient that makes snickerdoodles taste like snickerdoodles. Don't leave it out and buy it new if yours has been open for more than a couple of months.
• These cookies do spread, so make sure that you give a few inches between each ball of dough on the baking sheet. Depending on the size of your baking sheet and oven, you may need to bake these cookies in multiple batches.
• Be sure not to overbake these cookies so they stay soft and chewy.
• These cookies will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can freeze them for longer storage. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, wrap them in a freezer safe container for storage. Allow to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 8 Ounce Bottle
• 
  Ice Cream Scoop, 3Pcs Cookie Scoop Set, Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scooper with Trigger Release, Large/Medium/Small Cookie Scooper for Baking, Cookie Scoops for Baking Set of 3 with Cookie Dough Scoop…
• 
  Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 85mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make these Gluten-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies? Please leave a comment below letting me know what you thought.