There’s something extra special about a chocolate sugar cookie that has the perfect balance of sweetness and rich cocoa flavor. But what makes these gluten-free? You won’t even notice! These cookies are soft, chewy, and simply irresistible. They’re the perfect treat for those who follow a gluten-free diet, but I promise, even gluten-lovers will be going back for seconds (or thirds). Trust me, these cookies are about to become a staple in your cookie jar!

Why You’ll Love Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies

These gluten-free chocolate sugar cookies are not only delicious but incredibly easy to make! Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Gluten-Free Goodness: No gluten, no problem! These cookies are perfect for anyone who needs to avoid gluten but still loves a good cookie. They taste just like the traditional version, but without any gluten.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these sweet treats. No special flour blends or hard-to-find ingredients—just easy, accessible items you likely already have on hand.
Chewy and Delicious: These cookies bake up soft and chewy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside—every bite is a perfect balance of texture.
Customizable: Want to switch things up? You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to make these cookies your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, these cookies will steal the show every time. They’re fun, festive, and always a hit!

Ingredients

These cookies may be gluten-free, but don’t worry—they’re still packed with rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Gluten-Free Flour Blend

The base of the dough. Look for a good-quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure and texture.

Cocoa Powder

Gives these cookies that rich chocolate flavor we all crave. Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.

Granulated Sugar

For sweetness and a little bit of sparkle when you roll the dough in it before baking.

Butter

You can’t go wrong with butter. It adds flavor, richness, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love in a good cookie.

Egg

The egg helps bind everything together and contributes to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla enhances all the flavors and rounds out the chocolate perfectly.

Baking Soda

This helps the cookies puff up just a bit while baking, giving them that perfect texture.

Salt

A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! These cookies come together in no time and will have your kitchen smelling like a chocolatey dream.

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed before you add it to the wet ingredients.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft, airy dough that will bake up perfectly.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined. This will make the dough rich and smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—it’s just a quick stir to combine everything.

Roll the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in extra granulated sugar to give them a sweet, sparkly finish.

Bake the Cookies

Place the cookie dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them as is or with a glass of milk!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180 kcal
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 75mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some ideas to make them extra special:

With Ice Cream: Sandwich two cookies with your favorite ice cream for a delicious twist on the classic cookie sandwich.
Dipped in Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and allow it to set.
With a Glass of Milk: A classic combo! Whether it’s dairy or non-dairy milk, these cookies are the perfect match.
Crumbled on Top of Desserts: Crush up these cookies and sprinkle them on top of your favorite cakes or puddings for a little extra crunch.

Additional Tips

Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more easily into the dough, making the process smoother and faster.
Chill the Dough: If you want even thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Swap with Dairy-Free Butter: If you’re dairy-free, feel free to use a plant-based butter alternative.
Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking and bake them straight from the freezer when you want fresh cookies. Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
A1: If you’re not gluten-free, you can definitely use regular all-purpose flour instead of the gluten-free blend.

Q2: Can I make these cookies in advance?
A2: Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking. Or, freeze the dough balls and bake them as needed.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Q5: How do I reheat the cookies?
A5: To reheat, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or bake them at 300°F for about 5 minutes.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A6: Absolutely! Add about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolate flavor.

Q7: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A7: Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Q8: Can I roll the cookies in colored sugar for a fun twist?
A8: Yes! For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in colored sugar before baking.

Q9: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A9: Yes! Feel free to add some chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.

Q10: Can I make these cookies larger or smaller?
A10: Sure! If you make them larger, just bake them a little longer, and if they’re smaller, reduce the bake time.

Conclusion

These gluten-free chocolate sugar cookies are a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs. Soft, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness, they’ll be a hit with your family, friends, or anyone who loves a good cookie. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will never disappoint. Happy baking!