Gluten Free Santa’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa is something we always do in this house. Call it appreciation for the gifts he will bestow, offering some gluten free sustenance for a long night or maybe even just a little extra assurance that Santa will know we have been nice this year, not naughty.

Every year it is something different. This year we are leaving Gluten Free Santa’s Thumbprint Cookies. We thought maybe he would feel a twinge of recognition and know how grateful we are.

I love cherries!

If you put out cookies for Santa, what kind do you leave?

Gluten Free Santa’s Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

4 cups pastry quality gluten-free flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup corn syrup or light agave nectar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ cup sanding sugar (or just more granulated sugar)
One 11 ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips
24 maraschino cherries, cut in half and dried well

Directions

Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.

Cream together the butter and ¾ cup sugar with an electric mixer. Add the corn syrup, egg and vanilla and mix well. Gradually add the flour mixture, with the mixer on low, and beat until combined. With a spatula, scrap the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.

Roll the dough into 1 inch balls then roll in the sanding sugar and place on a plate or baking sheet – you can put them on top of each other – and refrigerate for 30 minutes. You can make ahead of time but if they are refrigerated for more than 30 minutes you will have to let them sit out for a few minutes before proceeding.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicon baking mats.

Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheets about an inch apart. Flatten with your thumb, making an indentation in each ball. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes or until firm but not beginning to brown. Leave oven on. If the indentations have risen, use the end of a wooden spoon to depress again. Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of chocolate chips. Return to oven for 2 minutes. Using a small offset spatula or spoon, swirl the chocolate chips to melt. Top each cookie with a maraschino cherry half.

Servings

A gluten free recipe that makes 4 dozen cookies.

Need a quick meal?

Simply…Gluten-Free Quick Meals is now available, with over 100 recipes not featured in my blog.

Available at bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powells, Books-a-Million and Amazon. You can get it also HERE.

“The “Simply” in ‘Simply … Gluten-Free Quick Meals’ doesn’t just make for a catchy title. The recipes in this cookbook truly are quick and easy to prepare. – A. C.

“I set the timer on two separate nights and made two complete meals from Carol’s latest cookbook in 30-40 minutes. They not only pleased my family, but gave me new recipes and techniques to get dinner on the table faster every night.” – W. K.

“I love the way this book is laid out – full meals I can make in no time. Love the sense of fun and humor in this book but mostly I love all the gluten free recipes -.” – J. F.

Ready for dessert?

Simply…Gluten-Free Desserts is now available, with over 135 recipes not featured in my blog.

Available at bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Powells, Books-a-Million and Amazon. You can get it also HERE.

“I can now have recipes I know I can count on for every Dessert and Breakfast occasion! I’m thrilled!” – A. M.

“I am amazed! This recipe is BETTER than the ‘regular-with-gluten’ recipe! Thanks so much, Carol” – V. P.

“I love your gluten free recipes - I can now have my desserts.” – F.R.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. This blog accepts free manufacturers samples and forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

celiac, Cookies & Candies, Dessert, desserts, Entertaining, Gluten Free, gluten free baking, gluten free dessert, gluten-free-food, gluten-free-recipes, nut free, vegetarian