Nothing says indulgence like a classic sugar cookie, but when it’s gluten free, vegan, and refined sugar free, it’s more than just a treat—it’s a better-for-you snack that supports your health goals. These gluten free sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and made with chickpeas and chickpea flour, giving them a wholesome twist while maintaining their deliciously sweet and buttery flavor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or craving a guilt-free treat, these gluten free sugar cookies are perfect for any season.
Why These Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
Holiday baking is all about creating treats that are festive, delicious, and perfect for sharing. These gluten free sugar cookies check all the boxes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional recipes without sacrificing taste. The use of chickpeas and chickpea flour not only makes them gluten free but also adds protein and fiber, making them more filling and nutritious. Allulose provides a refined sugar-free sweetness that keeps the cookies light and perfectly sweet without spiking blood sugar levels. These cookies are ideal for decorating, making them a fun and healthy activity for the whole family. Check out my vegan royal icing and DIY natural food coloring recipes to make a complete healthy Christmas cookie.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients in Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
Chickpeas
- Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, chickpeas help maintain satiety and support digestive health.
- Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like folate, magnesium, and iron, they promote energy production and overall vitality.
- Chickpeas have a low glycemic index, which supports stable blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of insulin resistance.
Chickpea Flour
- High in protein and fiber, chickpea flour adds structure and nutrients to the cookies.
- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support cellular health and longevity.
- Naturally gluten free, it’s a great alternative for those avoiding traditional flours.
Allulose
- A low-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making it an excellent choice for anyone watching their glycemic load.
- Adds the perfect amount of sweetness without the aftertaste of some artificial sweeteners.
- Supports healthier baking by reducing caloric intake while maintaining indulgent flavors.
Coconut Oil
- Provides a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly converted into energy and support brain health.
- Contains antimicrobial properties that promote a healthy immune system.
- Adds richness and moisture to the cookies without the need for dairy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend Chickpeas In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until smooth. This step ensures a creamy, uniform dough without lumps.
3. Add Wet Ingredients Add melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the chickpeas in the food processor. Blend again until fully incorporated and creamy.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, allulose, baking powder, and sea salt.
5. Combine All Ingredients Add the dry ingredients to the food processor with the chickpea mixture. Blend until a soft, pliable dough forms. Start with 1 tsp almond milk, adding additional 1 tsp at a time if needed to achieve the right consistency.
6. Shape Cookies Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, chill the dough for 20 minutes, roll it out between parchment paper, and use cookie cutters for festive shapes.
7. Bake Cookies Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Gluten Free Sugar Cookie FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.
Q: How do I store the cookies?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Are these cookies keto-friendly?
A: No, the chickpeas and chickpea flour make them higher in carbs, so they’re not suitable for a strict keto diet.
Gluten free sugar cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas cooked or from a can - drained & rinsed
- 1/2 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup allulose adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract optional
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp unsweetened almond milk add additional 1 tsp at a time, if needed
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend Chickpeas: In a food processor, blend the chickpeas until smooth.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the chickpeas in the food processor and blend again until creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, allulose, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the food processor with the chickpea mixture. Blend until a soft, pliable dough forms. Start with 1 tsp almond milk, adding additional 1 tsp at a time if needed to reach the right consistency.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls, flatten slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, chill the dough for 20 minutes, roll it out between parchment paper, and cut with cookie cutters.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
