Soft, buttery gluten-free cookies that pair perfectly with milk or coffee
These gluten-free snowball cookies melt in your mouth with a buttery texture and perfect crumb. Make them in under 30 minutes for a quick snack or dessert that pairs beautifully with milk.
Perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings, this recipe uses a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to maintain the traditional snowball texture while keeping it safe for gluten-free diets.
The cookies develop a golden-brown crust while staying soft inside, with a subtle powdered sugar dusting that adds a sweet finishing touch.
Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a warm dairy-free latte for a comforting treat that feels like a nostalgic homemade dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Ready in under 30 minutes with just 5 ingredients. No special equipment needed.
Gluten-Free Friendly
Uses a certified gluten-free flour blend for safe consumption by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Crowd-pleasing
Classic snowball texture with a modern gluten-free twist that satisfies all tastes.
Comforting Flavor
Buttery, sweet, and perfectly crumbly - the ultimate comfort dessert.
Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Quick, no-fuss cookies that melt in your mouth
Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup powdered sugar
- - 1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour blend (certified gluten-free)
- - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Beat Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes on medium speed).
💡 Use room temperature butter for even mixing
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add gluten-free flour, vanilla, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined.
💡 Don't overmix to maintain soft texture
Chill Dough: Cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up the dough.
💡 Chilling prevents spreading during baking
Shape Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
💡 Space cookies 2 inches apart for even baking
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
💡 Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning
Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
💡 Serve with a glass of milk for classic pairing
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur. Check for xanthan gum content - if your blend lacks it, add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour.
Substitution: Almond flour (note texture will be denser)
Butter
Salted butter can be used - reduce added salt to 1/8 teaspoon. For dairy-free version, use vegan butter like Miyoko's or Earth Balance.
Substitution: Coconut oil (note flavor change)
Powdered Sugar
Use store-bought or make your own by blending granulated sugar with 1-2% cornstarch in food processor until powdery.
Substitution: Granulated sugar (add 1-2 tablespoons water for wet sugar)
Vanilla Extract
High-quality vanilla enhances flavor significantly. Look for pure vanilla extract (not imitation) for best results.
Substitution: Vanilla bean paste or almond extract
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
Chilling Matters
Chilling the dough for at least 10 minutes prevents spreading and ensures clean shapes.
Baking Time
Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft. They'll firm up as they cool.
Cooling Rack
Use a wire rack to cool cookies completely - this prevents sogginess from parchment paper.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with cold milk, hot coffee, or a dairy-free latte for perfect textural contrast.
Variations & Customizations
Chocolate-Dipped Version
Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa) and let set on parchment paper.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Roll dough balls in a mixture of 1/4 cup powdered sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon before baking.
Nutty Twist
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
Spiced Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice or cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a seasonal twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Classic Milk: Cold whole milk enhances the buttery flavor and soft texture
- Hot Coffee: The bitterness balances the cookies' sweetness
- Dairy-Free Latte: Almond or oat milk with a shot of espresso
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold whole milk for the traditional "cookie and milk" experience. For adults, try with a chai tea or a spiced latte.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Form dough balls up to 2 days in advance and freeze on baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to airtight container for up to 3 months.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled cookies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refriger for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Frozen dough balls keep for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best served at room temperature. For warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in 350°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Cookies spread too much
A: Dough may be too warm. Chill for an additional 10-15 minutes before baking. Also ensure you're using chilled baking sheets.
Q: Cookies are too dry
A: Check your flour measurement. Too much flour will dry out cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Q: How to keep cookies fresh
A: Store in airtight container with layers of parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking. Add a piece of bread to maintain moisture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but prepare two bowls for mixing to maintain proper consistency. Chill dough for at least 2 hours when working with larger quantities.
Final Thoughts
These gluten-free snowball cookies prove you don't need to sacrifice texture or flavor for dietary needs. With their buttery melt-in-your-mouth quality and perfect crumb, they're sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're baking for a gluten-free guest or simply craving a classic treat, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this cookie recipe as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the main recipe, followed by variations, and finish with pairing suggestions.
