This three ingredient gluten free shortbread is easy to make and so rich and buttery! A classic Christmas cookie recipe that all can enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
Hello! Just popping in quickly today, as we are busy decorating our house for Christmas. It’s funny – the whole holiday season is so crazy, but the two tasks that I will make time for no matter what are decorating and cookie baking.
I have the third gluten free Christmas cookie recipe for you today, and it’s one that my mom and grandma always made when I was growing up, buttery Scotch Shortbread.
For some reason, I haven’t tried making gluten free shortbread until this year, and I don’t know why. It was very easy to make this recipe gluten free and vegan with some simple substitutions, and it turned out well!
I’m not sure where my grandma’s recipe came from, probably from a cookbook. Or from one of her friends or neighbors. Most shortbread recipes are basically the same, though! :) As long as you have butter, sugar, and flour, you can make shortbread.
The rich, buttery taste is just like I remember, and you probably have the three ingredients in your pantry to make this classic recipe right now.
This three ingredient gluten free shortbread is:
- easy to make
- buttery, rich, and melts in your mouth
- dairy free and nut free
- made in one bowl
Wondering how to make gluten free shortbread less crumbly?
- use a good gluten free flour blend
- let the shortbread cool fully in the pan
- use two loaf pans instead of one square pan
The shortbead dough may seem a bit dry when you start to mix it:
But as you continue to mix, it will come together nicely. Then you just pat it into the pans that have been lined with parchment paper:
After baking, it will be nicely golden brown and buttery. Then just wait for it to cool, and slice into squares. Enjoy!
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Recipe
Three Ingredient Gluten Free Shortbread.
Making your own gluten free shortbread bars couldn't be easier - it just takes three ingredients!
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free flour blend
- 1 cup vegan buttery spread cut into small pieces
- ½ cup organic cane sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line two 9x5 loaf pans with parchment paper so that there is parchment hanging over the long sides of the pan.
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In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour blend and sugar.
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Add buttery spread and cut in with a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like small crumbs.
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Knead until smooth, and pat into the prepared loaf pans. Poke holes all over the top with a toothpick.
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Bake at 325 for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool in pans, then remove using the parchment paper to pull the shortbread out of the pans.
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Once cool, cut into squares. They are quite rich, so I cut them into small squares, about 1×1 inches.
Recipe Notes
*I've made this with Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 GF Flour as well as King Arthur Multi Purpose Flour Blend.
Enjoy!
My older son loved these, and I’m so glad that we can include them in our Christmas cookie repertoire now. What was your favorite Christmas cookie when you were growing up?
In a holiday baking mood?
Be sure to check out all 12 gluten free Christmas cookie recipes HERE.
Follow along:
Tanskitchen
Made these with brown sugar stevia 1/4 cup they turned out very well,
Te true slightly different more like walkers ,but good
PJ Leary
I used Bobs 1-1 and powdered sugar in my recipe from Scottish mother. It’s a bit crumbly when done. Your recipe calls for granulated sugar and vegan spread. Can I use real butter same amount?
Determined to make gf that’s the same as non gf!
Thank you!
Kelly Roenicke
Yes, real butter will be fine!
Jennifer
Can you tell me why you used the loaf pan vs an 8’x8’ or 9’x9’ pan. I used the loaf pan and they cookies did not raise very high.
Chansa
What a treat! My boys and I loved them. And they’re so easy to make.
Kelly Roenicke
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know!
Heather
Used normal butter. All measurements as per recipe. It’s sloppy and not at all like shortbread. Disappointed!
Susan
Can you provide the brand/details of the vegan buttery spread you used for this recipe? Thx!
Kelly Roenicke
I like Earth Balance Soy Free Spread.
Darryl
Incredible!
Joanne
Can this recipe be used with Stevia?
Kelly Roenicke
No, I don’t think that will work.
Kelly Roenicke
But if you try it, let me know! A sugar substitute like Swerve may work.
Julie
Two of my colleagues at work have gluten free diets so I’m always on the look out for recipes like this. When it’s a birthday its nice to make something that everyone can enjoy.
Kelly
Oh, good! I hope they enjoy them, Julie!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely
These sound so easy Kelly! Only 3 ingredients? Perfect. And good job doing your Christmas decorations. I haven’t started yet, eek!
Kelly
Well, I have a little motivation in the form of a very excited six year old! :)