Decadent Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies
These Decadent Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat for those avoiding gluten; they are a delightful indulgence for everyone! Adapted from The Food Allergy Cookbook, this recipe combines the sweetness of icing sugar with the rich flavor of butter and the unique texture of rice flour. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that's hard to resist. The dough is versatile, allowing for creative adaptations such as mini pecan tarts or a crumb crust. Each bite offers a buttery richness that pairs perfectly with afternoon tea or coffee, making these cookies an exceptional addition to any dessert table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornstarch
1/2 cup (sifted)
Icing sugar (confectioner's)
1/2 cup (sifted)
Rice flour
1 cup (sifted)
Butter
3/4 cup (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, sift together the cornstarch, icing sugar, and rice flour until well combined.
3
Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix with your hands until a soft dough forms.
4
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
5
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and shape it into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
6
Place the balls of dough on a greased cookie sheet, spacing them about 1-1/4 inches apart.
7
Gently flatten each ball with a fork that has been lightly floured.
8
If desired, roll some dough balls in finely crushed corn flakes or nuts, and press a thumbprint into the center for added decoration.
9
Optionally, add a dab of jelly or sprinkle with chopped citrus peel and nuts for extra flavor.
10
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
11
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies.
Is this shortbread recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies are gluten-free, using rice flour and cornstarch instead of wheat flour.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How many main ingredients are required for this shortbread?
There are 4 main ingredients: cornstarch, icing sugar, rice flour, and butter.
How much cornstarch is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of sifted cornstarch.
What kind of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sifted icing sugar, also known as confectioner's sugar.
What is the required amount of rice flour?
The recipe requires 1 cup of sifted rice flour.
How much butter should I use?
Use 3/4 cup of softened butter.
How should the dry ingredients be prepared?
Sift together the cornstarch, icing sugar, and rice flour in a mixing bowl until well combined.
How should I mix the butter into the dry ingredients?
Add the softened butter and mix with your hands until a soft dough forms.
Does the shortbread dough need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.
How big should the dough balls be?
Shape the dough into balls that are about 1 inch in diameter.
What is the recommended spacing for the cookies on the baking sheet?
Place the balls about 1-1/4 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
How do I flatten the cookie dough?
Gently flatten each ball using a fork that has been lightly floured.
Can I add nuts to these cookies?
Yes, you can roll the dough balls in finely crushed nuts or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
How do I make a thumbprint variation of these cookies?
Press a thumbprint into the center of the dough balls for decoration before baking.
What other items can I roll the dough in for texture?
You can roll the dough balls in finely crushed corn flakes.
What are some suggested flavorful toppings?
You can add a dab of jelly or sprinkle them with chopped citrus peel.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 20-25 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned.
Should the cookie sheet be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the cookies should be placed on a greased cookie sheet.
How should the cookies be cooled after baking?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
What is the origin of this recipe adaptation?
This recipe was adapted from The Food Allergy Cookbook.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They are described as having a melt-in-your-mouth sensation with a buttery richness.
Can this dough be used for other types of desserts?
Yes, the dough is versatile and can be used for mini pecan tarts or as a crumb crust.
What beverages pair well with these shortbread cookies?
They pair perfectly with afternoon tea or coffee.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with only a few simple steps.
Why is the butter softened before mixing?
Softened butter allows the dough to form more easily when mixing by hand.
Can I skip the sifting step?
Sifting is recommended to ensure the cornstarch, sugar, and rice flour are well combined for the best texture.
What makes this recipe unique?
It uses rice flour and cornstarch to create a decadent, gluten-free treat that maintains a traditional shortbread texture.