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overhead shot of gluten free shortbread cookies on white parchment paper drizzled with melted butterscotch and white chocolate

Buttery Shortbread Cookies (Gluten Free)

4.84 from 12 ratings
A classic shortbread recipe gets an easy gluten free makeover! Let me teach you how to make crisp, buttery gluten-free shortbread cookies using my simple 4ingredient dough. For best results, chill the shortbread dough for 2 hours before slicing your cookies. Yields 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 1 dozen
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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups gluten free flour with xanthan gum see notes
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk if needed (see notes)
  • ½ cup gluten free butterscotch chips
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Add the softened butter and vanilla to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
  • Mix on medium speed until the butter is smooth and creamy.
  • With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour and powdered sugar.
  • If the dough is too dry (if it doesn’t hold together when you squeeze it), add 1 tablespoon of milk until it resembles dry cookie dough. It shouldn't be sticky, but just wet enough to hold together if you shape it into a ball.
  • Next, add the butterscotch chips and pecans and gently fold them into the cookie dough.
  • Shape the dough into a disc and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
  • While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats.
  • Once the dough has chilled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to ¼” thick.
  • Cut out your desired shape (I used a 2” round cookie cutter) and transfer them to the parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the cookies are just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
  • Allow the cookies to cool fully on the baking sheet. Then transfer any leftover cookies to an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to two days.

Notes

  1. Use a 1:1 gluten free baking flour such as Cup4Cup, King Arthur Measure for Measure, or Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.
  2. Be sure to check the gluten free status of your butterscotch chips. Some butterscotch chips may contain barley malt, which is not gluten free. I prefer using Guittard Butterscotch Chips.
  3. Make sure your butter is fully softened so you don’t end up with any lumps in your cookies.
  4. Vanilla enhances the flavor of the butterscotch and adds a bit of sweetness.
  5. Xanthan gum in the gluten free flour gives the cookies structure-- just make sure to measure it using the scoop and level method. Adding too much flour can result in dry, dense, crumbly cookies.
  6. Powdered sugar sweetens the cookies slightly but is lighter than regular granulated sugar.
  7. Milk can help bring the cookies together if they’re too dry.
  8. Butterscotch and pecans are our add-ins of choice! Feel free to substitute any add-ins you like.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

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