Irresistible Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles: Your Ultimate Holiday Cookie Recipe

Experience the magic of the holidays with these incredible Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles! A delightful twist on a classic, these chewy, chocolatey cookies, adorned with festive sprinkles, are perfect for any holiday celebration, cookie exchange, or simply as a comforting treat. If you adore traditional snickerdoodles, prepare to fall in love with this rich, gluten-free version that brings joy to every bite.

Why These Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles Are a Must-Make

Growing up, snickerdoodles held a special place in my heart, especially during the festive holiday season. There’s a certain magic in the flavors and aromas that transport you back to cherished childhood memories. It’s that comforting, chewy texture and the delicate dusting of cinnamon sugar that makes them utterly irresistible.

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles take everything you love about the classic and elevate it with a rich chocolate twist, all while being completely gluten-free. We achieve this by using a high-quality gluten-free blend like Pamela’s All-Purpose Flour Artisan Blend. The addition of cocoa powder transforms the traditional cookie into a decadent, chocolatey delight, perfectly complemented by a festive coating of sugar, cocoa, and vibrant sprinkles. These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re a festive statement, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table or a thoughtful gift for any cookie exchange party.

The Joy of Holiday Baking and Cookie Exchanges

The holiday season offers countless reasons to get into the kitchen and bake. From lively parties and thoughtful gifts for teachers and neighbors to exciting cookie exchange gatherings, having a repertoire of festive cookie recipes is essential. Baking during this time is more than just making sweets; it’s about spreading warmth, cheer, and delicious homemade goodness.

A personal favorite tradition among my friends and I is our annual cookie exchange party. If you’re new to the concept, allow me to explain the delightful fun involved! Each participant bakes a batch of their chosen cookies and brings a set amount to the party. The best part? Everyone gets to sample and take home a variety of cookies from different bakers. It’s a fantastic way to discover new favorites, expand your baking skills, and add exciting recipes to your collection without having to bake a dozen different types yourself.

This year, I’m planning to bring these delightful Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles, alongside my White Chocolate Toasted Coconut Cookies (easily made gluten-free by swapping regular flour for Pamela’s All-Purpose Artisan Blend). They make a perfect pair for any holiday spread!

Beyond these, I’ve been eyeing many delicious cookie recipes from Pamela’s Holiday Cookie recipe page. Their Chai Spiced Snowball Cookies, Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Macaroons, and Stained Glass Window Cookies are definitely on my list for gifting to teachers and neighbors. There’s truly nothing quite like the act of baking for those you love; it’s a simple yet profound way to share joy and sweeten up everyone’s holiday season.

Baking Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles: A Simple Recipe

Ready to embark on a baking adventure? These Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles are surprisingly easy to make, and the result is truly rewarding. Here’s how to create these delightful holiday treats:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pamela’s All-Purpose Flour Artisan Blend: The star of our gluten-free show, providing the perfect texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that rich, deep chocolate flavor.
Cream of Tartar: Essential for the classic snickerdoodle tang and chewiness.
Baking Soda: Works with cream of tartar to give these cookies their signature puff.
Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Softened, for a tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness in the dough and the delightful coating.
Eggs and an Egg Yolk: For binding and richness, contributing to a chewy texture.
Red and Green Sprinkles (Optional but recommended!): For that extra festive touch.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the Pamela’s All-Purpose Flour Artisan Blend, cream of tartar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisking ensures all ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key for consistent results. Set this dry mixture aside.
Create the Festive Topping: In a separate small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cocoa powder for the coating. If you’re using red and green sprinkles, you can mix them into this coating now, or add them later for a more vibrant, fresh look after baking. Set this aside.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in another large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air, making your cookies tender.
Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy. The additional egg yolk contributes to an extra chewy texture, a hallmark of a great snickerdoodle.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the reserved dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until no streaks of flour remain.
Form and Coat the Cookies: Scoop out the cookie dough (a cookie scoop works wonders for uniform size!) and roll it into 1-inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in the prepared sugar and cocoa topping mixture. If you want extra sparkle and color, now is the time to add red and green sprinkles to the coating or gently press them onto the rolled balls. Place each coated cookie dough ball onto a nonstick cookie sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for spreading during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the center of the cookies looks slightly puffed up and the edges are just set. Baking times can vary based on your oven and cookie size, so keep an eye on them. The cookies will firm up a bit as they cool. Do not overbake for the chewiest results!
Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, you can add a few extra holiday sprinkles for a dazzling finish.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles

Measure Flour Correctly: For gluten-free baking, precision is key. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop gluten in traditional flour, but even with gluten-free blends, it can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
Soften Butter Properly: Your butter should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. This helps create a smooth, airy batter.
Quality Cocoa Powder: Using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder will significantly impact the depth of chocolate flavor.
Don’t Overbake: For that perfect chewy texture, pull the cookies out when they are just set and slightly puffed. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm or the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it for 20-30 minutes before rolling. This can help prevent spreading.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles are best enjoyed fresh, perhaps with a tall glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a steaming mug of hot cocoa. They make an excellent dessert for any holiday meal, a delightful snack, or a thoughtful homemade gift.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Celebrate the Holidays with Pamela’s Products

This month, Pamela’s is helping us all celebrate traditional holiday cookies with their “Festive Favorites GF Promotion” happening right now on Facebook. Be sure to tune in for weekly sweepstakes, valuable baking tips, inspiring recipes, and so much more! You’ll even have the fantastic chance to win* one of a dozen holiday baking essentials kits up for grabs, making your gluten-free baking journey even more enjoyable.

Today’s post is proudly sponsored by Pamela’s Products. As always, the opinions and love for these delicious cookies are 100% my own. A huge thank you for supporting the brands that enable me to continue creating and sharing new and delicious recipes with you all.

Final Thoughts on Your Gluten-Free Holiday Baking

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Snickerdoodles are more than just a cookie; they’re an invitation to create new holiday memories, share delicious moments with loved ones, and embrace inclusive baking. Whether you’re navigating dietary restrictions or simply looking for an exciting new holiday treat, this recipe offers a foolproof path to perfectly chewy, wonderfully chocolatey, and delightfully festive cookies. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of chocolate and holiday cheer fill your home. Happy baking!