The Best Sugar Free Sugar Cookies (Easy Recipe)

These Sugar Free Sugar Cookies are gluten free, and taste just as good as your traditional sugar cookie recipe. With only a few simple ingredients you can recreate the classic cookie into a much healthier version with the same old sweet taste.

Who says you can’t have your cookie and eat it too? These Sugar Free Sugar Cookies are here to prove that you can indulge in a sweet, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie without all the sugar. 

Yep, we’re talking guilt-free, gluten-free, and totally fabulous. If you’ve been searching for the perfect sugar cookie recipe that won’t mess with your healthy vibe, look no further. 

These healthy sugar cookies are soft, tender, and sweetened with Swerve (sugar substitute) so your taste buds can party while your waistline stays in check. Let’s just say you’ll want to whip these up for every occasion—or you know, just because it’s Tuesday.

Oh, and did I mention they’re made with organic grass-fed butter and a little boost from collagen powder? So not only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also basically giving you superpowers. You’re welcome.

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes for the holidays you may like to try my Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares, Gluten Free Molasses Cookies, or Brownie Crinkle Cookies.

WHAT’S IN TRADITIONAL SUGAR COOKIE RECIPES?

Sugar cookies are a type of cookie that are made from a simple mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt. They are a popular treat around the world, especially during holidays like Christmas.

Sugar cookies can be rolled out and cut into various shapes using cookie cutters or they can be shaped into balls and flattened with a fork. The cookies can be decorated with frosting, sprinkles, or other toppings, making them a versatile treat that can be customized to fit any occasion.

Sugar cookies have a crispy texture on the outside and a soft, chewy texture on the inside. They are a classic cookie that is loved by all family members. 

They can be served as a simple snack or dressed up with colorful icing and decorations to make them more festive, depending on the time of year.

Overall, sugar cookies are a delicious and simple treat that is easy to make and enjoyed by many. This recipe in particular will be your new favorite cookie around the holidays.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS FOR THE GLUTEN FREE COOKIE RECIPE

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these low-carb sugar cookies (the exact measurements, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions are iall n the printable recipe card below):

• Gluten-free flour – I use Bob’s Red Mill, but any 1:1 gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum will work.
• Baking powder
• Swerve Sweetie Sweetener (zero calorie sweetener) – this is a wonderful sugar replacement for powdered sugar when making diabetic sugar cookies. Alternatively you can use monk fruit, splenda sweeteners, granulated sugar alternative, or anything with less sugar.
• Softened butter – you can substitute with vegan butter to make dairy free sugar cookies.
• Egg – I have not tested these with an egg substitute.
• Vanilla extract
• Coconut milk – you want the full fat coconut milk for this recipe.
• Collagen powder

HOW TO MAKE THE SOFT SUGAR COOKIES

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and baking powder. Set aside. 
3. Cut the chilled butter into cubes.
4. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine butter and Swerve. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the egg, almond extract, coconut milk and continue mixing until well incorporated.
6. Slowly add the flour mixture and mix until a thick dough forms.
7. Prepare a rolling surface by spreading a thin layer of flour. Form the dough into a large ball and place on rolling surface.
8. Use a piece of plastic wrap between the dough ball and rolling pin as you roll the sugar cookie dough. Roll dough until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes, place on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. In a separate large bowl, beat room temperature butter until light and fluffy. Add Swerve, collagen, coconut milk and vanilla and mix well. This will be your sugar-free royal icing.
12. Ice cut-out sugar cookies and enjoy!

HOW TO STORE THE SUGAR-FREE COOKIES RECIPE 

1. Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. Storing warm cookies can cause them to become soggy or lose their shape.

2. Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent air and moisture from getting in. You can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.

3. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

4. Store the cookies at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in humid areas like the kitchen or the fridge, as humidity can make them soft and chewy.

5. If you need to store the cookies for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date. 

6. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

FAQS

CAN I MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH THE NIGHT BEFORE?

Yes, most definitely. Sometimes if I’m doing a big day of baking/shooting, I like preparing as much as I can the night before. 

Make the dough and roll it into a ball, then place it in a closed Tupperware in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, leave the dough out to warm to room temperature for approximately half an hour.

I also love making this dough Christmas eve or a few nights before Christmas. I can toss them in the oven in the morning for the perfect sugar free Christmas cookies!

CAN YOU SUBSTITUTE DIFFERENT FLOURS IN THESE EASY SUGAR COOKIES? 

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour, however, this will mean your cookies will no longer be gluten free. I have not tested this recipe with any other gluten free flours apart from Bob’s Red Mill. 

Different gluten free flours can sometimes yield different results, so I highly recommend using this brand. I would also stay far away from coconut flour as it does not substitute easily for other gluten-free flour.

If you cannot find this brand, find a 1:1 gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum. This ingredient is very important in gluten free baking. 

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including as a common food additive. It is an effective thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer that prevents ingredients from separating.

WHAT TO USE FOR NATURAL FOOD COLOURING?

Personally, I prefer using everything as natural as possible. Instead of using traditional food colouring, I use beetroot powder for pink/red colours, turmeric for yellow, spirulina for blue/green, etc. 

There is always a healthier way to make things and it’s fun to figure out new creative ways!