A twist on the classic tangy and chewy snickerdoodle cookie, this gluten free version is bursting with flavors of chai spices. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea and best eaten the day they are made, although I’d be surprised if you have any leftovers to store. Make sure to give yourself at least an hour to chill the dough before baking these gluten free chewy chai-spiced snickerdoodle cookies.
What kind of gluten free flour is best to use
Most gluten free flour blends you purchase contain xanthan gum, which I found out early on does not settle well with my stomach! As a result, I make my own flour blend using a variety of flours and starches, blended and measured to create a perfect blend I prefer over any other blend to date. Guar gum or Tara gum are great replacements for xanthan gum; however, I prefer to add it to the recipe as needed and you’ll see notes in every recipe on Just As Good Gluten Free with the recommended amounts to use. You can find the recipe to make your own mix here.
I completely understand this takes time, effort and space to make your own mix. Believe me, I’ve tried purchasing blends from stores, but I ALWAYS come back to this one. If you do not have the margin or desire to make your own blend, here are two I would recommend as a suitable substitute: King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1to1 Baking Flour. NOTE*** If you use a different gluten free flour blend than what is stated in the recipe, please check your brand to see how many grams per cup is recommended. It varies significantly in flour blends and can entirely throw the recipe off.
If purchasing a store-bought blend, I opt for Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 because it is the most similar to my own blend. It also closely weighs the same as my personal blend, whereas King Arthur Measure for Measure weighs significantly less per cup and therefore not a great cup for cup substitute.
Are you looking for a classic snickerdoodle recipe?
The basis for these gluten free chewy chai-spiced snickerdoodle cookies began with this class version below. It is chewy and tangy with a subtle hint of cinnamon and sugar and has been a Just As Good Gluten Free reader favorite for years!
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Enjoy! – Amy
Gluten Free Chewy Chai-Spiced Snickerdoodle Cookies
Ingredients
Chai Spice Mix (divided between cookies and coating on cookies)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup (225 grams) gluten free flour blend
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoon chai spice mix
Coating for Cookies
- 3 Tbs sugar
- 2 teaspoon chai spice mix
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all of chai spice mix ingredients. Stir to combine and set aside.
- In a large bowl, preferably a stand mixer, combine room temperature butter, sugar and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
- Add gluten free flour blend, salt, baking soda, cream of tartar, and 2 teaspoon of chai spice mix. Combine until everything is mixed together. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 deg. F and prepare two baking sheets by lining with parchment paper or silicon mat.
- Remove dough from refrigerator. Add 3 tbs sugar to the remaining chai spice mix and stir until mixed. Shape dough into balls, (about the size of a golf ball) and gently roll in the remaining chai spice sugar mix until coated all the way around the ball. Place on a cookie sheet about 1 ½ – 2 inches apart, repeating until the dough is gone.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, being careful not to overbake as you want them slightly chewy. Remove from oven and cool, storing any leftovers in an air-tight container.
Are you looking for more gluten free cookies to bake? Check out my gluten free Pinterest board for more ideas and recipes.
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