Gluten free baking can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield of substitutes and complicated recipes. But fear not, delicious gluten free treats are within your grasp! These Gluten Free Brown Butter Cookies are proof positive. With a handful of simple ingredients and a straightforward technique, you can create cookies that are crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and bursting with buttery flavor.
The Magic of Brown Butter
Brown butter, also known as beurre noisette, elevates these cookies from simple to simply divine. Browning butter is a simple process of cooking butter until the milk solids turn a beautiful golden brown and release a nutty aroma. This transformation adds a depth of flavor that regular melted butter just can’t match.
Tips for Gluten Free Success
Baking gluten free doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here are a few key tips to guarantee cookie success:
- Use a gluten free flour blend: Opt for a high-quality gluten free 1-to-1 baking flour blend that already includes xanthan gum. This will help create the best texture in your cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten free flour to hydrate and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Adjust baking time: Every oven is different. Keep a close eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed to achieve that perfect golden brown edge.
Variations on a Theme
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in a generous cup of your favorite gluten free chocolate chips for a classic treat. Want an extra chocolatey experience? Try these brown butter gluten free chocolate chip cookies.
- Oatmeal Raisin: Add a cup of rolled oats and a half cup of raisins for a cookie that’s both delicious and satisfying.
- Nuts: Add a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?
While you can use regular melted butter, browning the butter is highly recommended as it adds a significant depth of flavor that elevates these cookies.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! This dough freezes beautifully. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
What can I do if my cookies are too flat?
If your cookies are consistently coming out flat, try adding a tablespoon or two of additional gluten free flour to the dough. You can also try chilling the dough for a longer period of time.
My cookies are a little dry. What happened?
Overbaking is a common culprit for dry cookies. Make sure to check your cookies a few minutes before the minimum baking time is up. You can also try adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with your favorite vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg.
More Gluten Free Goodness
Looking for more gluten free treats to satisfy your sweet tooth? You might enjoy these recipes:
- Gluten Free Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe
- Gluten Free Key Lime Cookies
- Gluten Free St Patrick’s Day Desserts
- Fall Gluten Free Recipes
These gluten free brown butter cookies are a testament to the fact that gluten free baking can be easy, delicious, and utterly irresistible. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a gluten free baking pro!