Easy Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies with Dreamy Peppermint Buttercream

Experience the joy of baking with these perfectly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth gluten-free sugar cookies, lavishly topped with a sweet, creamy, and refreshing peppermint buttercream frosting. A holiday favorite made accessible for everyone!

Get ready to discover your new favorite cookie recipe! Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free baker or just starting your journey, these gluten-free sugar cookies with peppermint buttercream are an absolute game-changer. Forget everything you thought you knew about gluten-free treats being dry or crumbly. This recipe defies expectations, delivering a truly spectacular cookie that tastes just like the classic, beloved sugar cookies you grew up with – only better!

Even if you’re not on a gluten-free diet, we promise you’ll be reaching for seconds (or thirds!). These cookies boast a wonderfully buttery flavor, a delightful subtle crunch around the edges, and a hint of warm vanilla that perfectly complements the star of the show: a thick, creamy, and invigorating peppermint buttercream frosting. It’s no secret that a rich, homemade buttercream elevates any dessert to an unforgettable experience, and these cookies are certainly no exception. The refreshing zest of peppermint combined with the sweet, tender cookie base creates a harmonious blend that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy evening treat.

The Secret to Effortless Gluten-Free Baking

For this incredibly simple and delicious recipe, we’ve found a fantastic shortcut that guarantees success every time: Pamela’s Products Sugar Cookie Mix. This mix is a true lifesaver, especially for gluten-free baking which can sometimes be a little tricky. With Pamela’s, you get consistent results without the fuss of blending multiple gluten-free flours. The simplicity of this recipe is astounding:

• Combine the mix with just one stick of softened unsalted butter, one egg, and a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract in your mixing bowl.
• Beat until the dough effortlessly comes together into a smooth ball.
• Wrap it, chill it, then roll and cut.
• Bake to golden perfection, then frost generously.
• The best part? Enjoy without a hint of guilt or gluten!

Pamela’s Products lives by the motto: “No crumbles, no cracks. Just roll and cut.” And we can wholeheartedly attest to this claim. The dough is wonderfully smooth and pliable, rolling out like a dream without sticking or tearing. It holds its shape beautifully during baking, ensuring your festive cookie cutters produce perfect snowmen, stars, or whatever delightful forms you choose. The finished cookies are sturdy yet tender, never crumbling, and consistently delicious. If we hadn’t told you these were gluten-free, you would truly never know. They’re that good!

Achieving Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Single Time

While the Pamela’s mix makes things incredibly easy, following a few key steps will ensure your gluten-free sugar cookies are absolutely flawless. These tips are essential for achieving that ideal texture, preventing spreading, and ensuring your cookies look as good as they taste:

1. Chill Your Dough Religiously: After preparing your dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial step allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading excessively in the oven and ensuring they maintain their crisp, tender texture. It also makes the dough much easier to handle.
2. Prepare Your Baking Environment: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) before baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or, our preferred method for these cookies, a silicone baking mat. Silicone mats provide excellent non-stick properties and help distribute heat evenly for perfect browning.
3. Temper the Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before you plan to roll it out. This brief resting period allows the dough to soften slightly, making it more pliable and manageable for rolling without becoming too warm.
4. Gentle Rolling Technique: Use the warmth of your hands to gently press the dough ball into a thick disc. Lightly flour your work surface with just a gentle sprinkle of gluten-free flour – too much can dry out the dough. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough evenly until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Consistency in thickness is key for even baking.
5. Cut and Re-Roll Smartly: Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Gather any leftover dough scraps, gently press them together, re-wrap, and chill for a few minutes if they become too warm to handle before re-rolling and cutting. Repeat until all dough is used.
6. The Freezer Advantage: To absolutely prevent any spreading and ensure your intricately cut shapes remain perfect, place your baking sheets with the cut-out cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes just before baking. This quick chill sets the butter in the dough, allowing the cookies to hold their shape beautifully. This is especially vital for delicate or detailed cookie cutters!
7. Bake Evenly: Bake for 12-14 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure uniform golden edges and tops.
8. Cool Completely: Allow your freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This final cooling step is paramount; frosting warm cookies will lead to a melty, messy disaster. Patience is a virtue when it comes to perfect frosting!
9. Decorate with Flair: Once fully cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Frost your cookies generously with the peppermint buttercream. Get creative with spreading, piping, or even using different tips. And, as a personal recommendation, sprinkles (make sure they’re gluten-free!) are an absolute must for that extra touch of joy and visual appeal!

Crafting the Irresistible Peppermint Buttercream

No sugar cookie is complete without a luscious frosting, and this peppermint buttercream is truly divine. It’s light, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and infused with just the right amount of refreshing peppermint extract to create that signature holiday flavor. Making it is just as easy as the cookies:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, cream together one stick of softened unsalted butter and 1½ cups of powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light, smooth, and lump-free, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy base.
2. Add Flavor and Texture: Pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste if you desire a stronger peppermint kick.
3. Whip to Perfection: Increase the mixer speed to high and whip the frosting for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fluffy and airy. The heavy cream adds richness and helps create that desirable light texture, while whipping incorporates air, making it spreadable and dreamy.
4. Frost Your Masterpieces: Once your cookies are thoroughly cooled and your buttercream is whipped to perfection, it’s time to decorate! You can use a small offset spatula for a rustic, smooth finish, or pipe intricate designs with a pastry bag fitted with your favorite tip. Don’t forget those colorful sprinkles or even a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch and delightful crunch!

A Treat for Every Occasion

These peppermint frosted sugar cookies offer the perfect harmony of buttery richness, sweet vanilla, and a refreshing peppermint zing, all encapsulated in a cookie with a delicate crunch. They are truly versatile and perfect for any occasion:

• Holiday Gatherings: Their festive flavor and potential for vibrant decoration make them ideal for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and family celebrations.
• Gifting: Pack them in a beautiful box or tin for a thoughtful, homemade gift that friends, neighbors, and teachers will adore.
• Everyday Indulgence: Don’t wait for a special event! Treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious cookies as a delightful after-dinner treat or a pick-me-up with your afternoon coffee or tea.
• Kid-Friendly Baking: Get the whole family involved! Rolling, cutting, and especially decorating these cookies can be a fun activity for children of all ages.

Your friends and family, gluten-free or not, will absolutely fall in love with these cookies. They’re a testament to how delicious and satisfying gluten-free baking can be. Prepare to receive endless compliments and requests for this recipe!