If you’re a fan of soft, chewy cookies but need them to be gluten-free, you’re in for a treat! These Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies are everything you love about classic sugar cookies—just with a rich chocolatey twist! Imagine biting into a soft, fudgy cookie that’s slightly crisp on the edges, but still gooey in the middle, all coated in a sugar dust that gives it the perfect sweet crunch. Whether you’re baking for a gluten-free friend, for a holiday treat, or just because you deserve a cookie, these cookies are definitely going to hit the spot. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a pro baker to make these cookies! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have homemade cookies in no time.
Gluten-Free and Delicious
No gluten? No problem! These cookies are just as soft, chewy, and delicious as their gluten-packed counterparts. Plus, they’re perfect for those with dietary restrictions without compromising on taste or texture.
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can add a dash of cinnamon, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even some chopped dark chocolate chunks for an extra indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless!
Great for Sharing
These cookies are perfect for holiday gifts, cookie swaps, or a sweet snack to bring to a party. You can even wrap them up and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift!

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Ingredients in Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these irresistible cookies:
Dry Ingredients:
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: The base for your cookies. Make sure to use a good gluten-free flour blend to get that soft, chewy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: This is what gives the cookies that delicious chocolate flavor! Unsweetened cocoa powder works best for that deep, rich taste.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise a bit and gives them that perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- Butter (or Dairy-Free Butter): Adds richness and helps create that chewy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: For that classic sugar cookie sweetness, it’s what gives the dough that perfect texture before baking.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and gives your cookies that lovely aromatic touch.
Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: You’ll need some extra sugar for rolling the dough before baking, giving the cookies that sparkly, sweet finish.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for a moment while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. If you’re using a dairy-free butter, that works just as well!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
6. Roll the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat it. This gives the cookies that lovely sweet crust.
7. Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and slightly cracked. The center should still look soft but set.
8. Let Them Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft at first!
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cookies have cooled down, they’re ready to be devoured! Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee, gifting them to a friend, or munching them on your own, you’ll love every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories per serving: 140
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 1g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Perfect for Coffee Breaks
These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even hot chocolate. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning brew or as an afternoon snack.
As a Sweet Gift
Wrap a batch of these cookies in pretty cellophane bags or a decorative tin for a heartfelt homemade gift. They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a “thinking of you” treat!
For Parties or Cookie Swaps
These gluten-free chocolate sugar cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or party treats. They’re sure to please a crowd and cater to anyone who needs a gluten-free snack.
With a Glass of Milk
Let’s be honest, cookies and milk are a match made in heaven. These cookies are no exception! Dip them in a glass of cold milk for an extra treat.
Additional Tips
Chill the Dough
If you find that the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and shape.
Try Adding Chocolate Chips
For a more decadent treat, fold in some gluten-free chocolate chips or chunks before rolling the dough into balls. It adds an extra gooey chocolate burst in every bite.
Make Them Dairy-Free
This recipe is easily adaptable to be dairy-free! Simply swap out the butter for your favorite dairy-free version, and you’ll still get delicious results.
Store the Cookies
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw them out when you’re ready to eat!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
A1: Yes, you can. If you don’t need them to be gluten-free, regular all-purpose flour will work just fine.
Q2: Can I make these cookies without cocoa powder?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer vanilla sugar cookies, you can omit the cocoa powder for a simple, buttery version.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can chill the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before rolling and baking.
Q4: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A4: You can use coconut sugar or another sweetener if you’d like. Keep in mind that it may slightly affect the taste and texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A5: The edges should look firm and slightly cracked, while the center will still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them!
Q6: Can I freeze the dough?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the dough in cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Q7: Can I use a different type of coating?
A7: You can absolutely use colored sugar, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a different twist on the classic sugar coating.
Q8: How can I make these cookies more fudgy?
A8: You can add an extra tablespoon of butter or replace some of the flour with cornstarch to give the cookies a more fudge-like texture.
Q9: Can I use an egg replacement?
A9: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit for 5 minutes) or a store-bought egg replacement.
Q10: What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
A10: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. They’ll stay fresh and tasty!
Conclusion
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a game-changer! Whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a rich, chocolatey treat, these cookies deliver on every level—soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to become your new favorite cookie. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in these chocolatey delights!
Print
Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 18–20 cookies 1x
Description
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic sugar cookie, featuring rich cocoa flavor while still being soft and chewy. Perfect for any occasion, including gluten-free-friendly holidays or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. Easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and fun to decorate!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, or add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if using flour without it)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. - Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the milk and continue mixing. - Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more gluten-free flour, a tablespoon at a time. - Roll the Cookies:
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 tablespoon in size. Then roll each dough ball in the ¼ cup of granulated sugar to coat it evenly. - Flatten the Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the bottom of a glass or your fingers. - Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are slightly puffed. They will firm up as they cool. - Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can add chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
- These cookies can be decorated with frosting, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for a festive touch.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a small amount of espresso powder to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg