Over the years, we have entertained many a gluten-free guest. We’ve found that serving a gluten-free meal is relatively easy… until it comes to dessert. So I’ve been on the hunt for some easy gluten-free desserts. I’ve finally settled on one recipe that I come back to time and again: Coconut Snickerdoodles.
Search Criteria
1. Gluten-free, obviously
2. Required only ingredients I could easily purchase at a regular grocery store
3. Everyone, even gluten-full guests, could enjoy it
4. Nut-free*
*This last one has always been the kicker. I’ve found plenty of desserts made with almond flour or crushed walnuts, but as a nut-free household, this was a key requirement.
Main Ingredients
So without nuts, what’s left as a substitute for regular flour? Coconut flour. Pair that with some coconut oil, and you’re good to go. Thankfully, both of these can be found at most grocery stores or, of course, on Amazon. Just make sure you buy the oil for baking, not for skin care.
Guest Feedback
I personally love these cookies. I love traditional snickerdoodles too, but something about the addition of the coconut flavor makes these something special. All our guests have enjoyed these cookies; many commented that they wouldn’t have guessed they were gluten-free, which I consider the mark of a successful gluten-free dessert.
Recipe
The recipe I use is from GoDairyFree.org (recipe reproduced below), which is an adaptation of a Jamie Oliver recipe. And yes, the recipe is nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. I’ve even adapted it for a vegan visitor by substituting applesauce for the eggs; the cookies were slightly drier with a hint of apple, but still quite tasty
| 1/2 c. sugar | 1/2 c. melted coconut oil |
| 1/4 c. brown sugar | 3/4 c. coconut flour |
| 4 eggs (at room temp.) | 1/4 tsp. salt |
| 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract |
