Imagine a cookie so delicate, so perfectly balanced between zesty orange and rich, nutty goodness that it practically melts in your mouth - all while being completely gluten-free! These Citrus Nut Shortbread Cookies are not just a treat; they're a culinary adventure that proves gluten-free baking can be absolutely delicious. Whether you're managing celiac disease, exploring gluten-free options, or simply love an extraordinary cookie experience, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of gluten-free flour blend and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Whisk them together until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add ½ cup of softened unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough starts to come together.
- Fold in ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
- Flatten each ball gently with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create a disc shape, about ½ inch thick.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Gluten Free Citrus Nut Shortbread Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week!
Tips
- Always use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to ensure the best texture and taste.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted - this creates the perfect cookie consistency.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping if you want more precise, uniform cookies.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with gluten-free baking.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp texture.
- Store in an airtight container with a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, try toasting your nuts before adding them to the dough for a deeper, richer taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
