Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies

AlexandraDesserts, Gluten Free, Nibbles and Small Bites108 Comments

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When those cookie cravings hit and you need cookies fast, these Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies are the answer.

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

In fact, baking does not get easier or quicker than these delicious cookies.

I can confidently say that they will be a popular addition to your collection of baking recipes. With just 5 basic ingredients, all pantry staples, you can bake these cookies with minimal effort and in very little time. The best part is they also taste great.

You can use this recipe as a base from which to start and customise it to your taste.

Caramel is a popular flavour with many people. I like to add a sprinkle of salt flakes just before baking the cookies as I cannot resist the salty, caramel flavour combination. Caramel, of course, is also on good terms with chocolate so occasionally I incorporate some chocolate chips.

Furthermore, the cookies have a texture similar to ginger snaps so a teaspoon of powdered ginger would give you a completely different cookie. In fact, you could also include some finely chopped crystallized ginger.

The aroma of freshly baked cookies is always warm and comforting. However, when you open the oven door to remove these cookies and a delicious, caramel aroma fills the air, you will find it difficult to wait for them to cool.

Make these cookies for your next get-together and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Ingredients in the Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies:

Butter:

I use unsalted butter but if you have butter that is lightly salted that is also okay. For this recipe, the first step is to cream the butter and sugar together. Therefore, your butter should be at room temperature so that it will properly incorporate into the ingredients.

Brown Sugar:

Brown sugar is a 100% natural product. Its rich flavour and colour come from adding molasses syrup to castor sugar. It is a versatile ingredient, suitable to use in both sweet and savoury cooking. The brown sugar adds colour, caramel flavour and a delicious aroma to the cookies.

Golden Syrup:

Golden Syrup is often used in baking in Australia and the UK. It is a by-product of the refining of sugar and is a lighter version of treacle.  It has a light, caramel flavour which is ideal for these cookies.  The most suitable substitute would be dark corn syrup. You could also use maple syrup or honey but these would change the flavour of the cookies.

Vanilla Extract/Essence:

The terms extract and essence vary between countries so you will need to read the label to ensure that you are using a natural product. Avoid those which are artificially flavoured.

Gluten-Free Self-Raising Flour:

For this recipe, I use a commercially produced gluten-free flour blend.

You would never know these cookies are gluten-free, which is fantastic!

How to make the cookies:

To begin, I cream the butter and sugar together. Then, I add the golden syrup and vanilla and beat until the mixture is fluffy. Next, I add the flour and combine the ingredients.

For even-sized cookies, use a small scoop, or, as I do, roll the mixture into small balls. I place these on a paper-lined baking tray, flatten a little with the palm of my hand and bake for 15 minutes.

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Tips for success with these Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies:

The instruction in a recipe to cream together butter and sugar is important. When you cream butter and sugar, you are not just combining ingredients you are also incorporating air. As such, incorporating air will make the cookies light and crisp as opposed to hard and dense.

One fact that may surprise you is that by thoroughly creaming together the butter and sugar you will make a few more cookies than if you quickly whiz them together.

Butter should be at room temperature, ideally being cool to the touch but able to be spread. It should not be so warm that it is beginning to melt or so cold that it cannot be spread.

If you are baking on a warm day, as I was, the mixture may be too soft to roll into balls so I recommend that you chill it for about 30 minutes to firm it up. I usually chill the mixture for 15 minutes to be certain.

To make the cookies, I roll the mixture into small balls. However, it is absolutely fine to use a small scoop; this will ensure that the cookies are sized evenly. 

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Other uses for these ingredients:

I use brown sugar in:

More delicious gluten-free sweet treats:

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Customise the cookies to suit your taste:

  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes;
  • Include some chocolate chips;
  • Add a teaspoon of powdered ginger and perhaps some chopped, crystallized ginger;
  • Dip one half of a cookie into melted chocolate;
  • Add some chopped walnuts;
  • Sprinkle the top with flaked almonds;
  • Decorate with multi-coloured sprinkles.
Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

When it comes to serving:

These cookies are extremely versatile. Pack some into the children’s lunchboxes, serve them at morning tea, pack in cellophane and give as a gift or take a platter to a get-together. They are very popular and you will most likely be asked for the recipe.

Please let me know in the comments below if you make these cookies.
Alex xx

I have adapted this recipe from one at bestrecipes.com.au

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies. A recipe by It's Not Complicated Recipes.

Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies

It is not often that a recipe, which has just a few store-cupboard ingredients and is blissfully easy to make, tastes delicious. Make a batch of these cookies, your family and friends will thank you and this recipe will be a welcome addition to your baking.
5 from 41 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Afternoon Tea, Morning Tea, Snack, Sweet Treat
Cuisine: Western
Keyword: biscuits, caramel, caramel cookies, cookies, delicious, easy, gluten free, salted caramel, simple
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time (see notes): 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 54kcal
Author: Alexandra

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature 115gm
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed 100gm
  • 2 tbsp golden syrup See Note 1 and 2
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract See Note 3
  • 1 1/4 cup gluten-free self-raising flour 155 gm – See Note 3
  • sea salt flakes optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 180 Degrees C (350 F).
    Prepare a baking tray by lining with non-stick baking paper.
  • Using a stand mixer or handheld electric beaters, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. – see Note 4
  • Add the Golden Syrup and vanilla and beat the mixture together.
  • Add the flour and with the mixer on low speed, mix until it is just combined.
  • Turn the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes or until it is firm enough to roll into small balls.
  • Roll the mixture into small balls, about 2 ½ cm/1” or use a small scoop for evenly sized cookies.
    Place the balls/scoops of mixture on the prepared baking tray, allowing some room for the biscuits to spread.
  • Press the cookies gently with the palm of your hand or a fork to flatten a little. Sprinkle with salt flakes if using.
  • Bake at 180C for approximately 15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are just turning a light golden-brown shade.
  • Remove the tray from the oven and leave the cookies a few minutes to cool slightly.
    Transfer them to a cooling rack.

Notes

  1. The Australian tablespoon is 20ml or 4 teaspoons. In most other countries the tablespoon is 15ml or 3 teaspoons.
  2. In Australia and the UK, Golden Syrup is often used in baking. It is a by-product of the refining of sugar and is a lighter version of treacle.  Golden Syrup has a light, caramel flavour which is perfect for these cookies.  The most suitable substitute would be dark corn syrup. However, you could also use maple syrup or honey but the flavour of the cookies would change. You will obtain the best flavour with a natural product. Avoid those which are artificially flavoured.
  3. Ensure you spoon your flour in and don’t firmly pack it into the cup. You do not want to compact the flour.
    For the best and most accurate results, weigh your dry ingredients (ie: sugar and flour).
  4. Spray the tablespoon lightly with oil before adding the golden syrup.  It will slip out effortlessly.
  5. It is important to thoroughly cream the butter and sugar together. By doing this you are not just combining ingredients you are also incorporating air. This will make the cookies light and crisp as opposed to hard and dense.
  6. Chill your mixture for 15 minutes at least to ensure it is not too warm – if you are baking on a warm day, as I was, 30 minutes may be necessary. This will ensure your cookies only spread the correct amount.
  7. I have adapted this recipe from one at bestrecipes.com.au.

Nutrition

Calories: 54kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 8mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg

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About the Author

Alexandra

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I'm Alex – a passionate foodie and writer. I love sharing delicious and simple recipes to inspire you in the kitchen. Try a recipe? I'd love to see your creations! #itsnotcomplicatedrecipes

108 Comments on “Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies”

  1. Reply

    5 stars
    I love that these cookies only require a few ingredients that I have in my kitchen right now! I would love some with my afternoon tea today!

  2. Reply

    5 stars
    I love how easy these are to make! And they’re so delicious, you’d never know they were gluten free!

  8. Reply

    5 stars
    Really good. Simple to make and as others say – smell from oven is epic.

    Been requested to make these regularly by the family!

  10. Reply

    5 stars
    Yummy
    I sprinkled salt on top and so good. Love the salted caramel flavour.

    Will be making these again.

  13. Reply

    5 stars
    SO divine. I drizzled some chocolate on top once they cooled 🙂 really so delicious. Thanks for another great recipe.

    1. Reply

      Yay, Emmy! Chocolate is always a good idea 🙂 Thank you so much for letting us know how much you enjoyed these cookies. They’re our current favourite 🙂

  15. Reply

    These looks delish! I’m not gluten free personally, but I know a lot of people that are so it’s great to have recipes like these I can make when needed. The caramel sounds perfect for fall too!

  16. Reply

    I love caramel and need to try out this recipe! I’m always looking for more cookie recipes, especially delicious gluten free options!

  17. Reply

    5 stars
    You say caramel, I say GIMME! These look incredible! Love that they’re gluten-free too!

  18. Reply

    5 stars
    I love cookies in all forms, and these sound delicious! As you noted in the recipe, we don’t have golden syrup here in the States. However, I’m thinking a maple version of these would be quite tasty! 🙂

  26. Reply

    5 stars
    Mmmmm, I am yet to try a caramel cookie, this looks so delicate and sounds like a must-try. I love simple ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish is pretty cool.

  27. Reply

    What I like the most about your post is that you put so much detail on how to prepare the cookies. I am excited to try your recipe. Looks like delicious and easy to try.

  32. Reply

    My friend’s niece found out she’s allergic to gluten and can’t believe she has to cut back on her favorite desserts. Can’t wait to tell her about these gluten-free caramel cookies she’ll be able to enjoy!

    1. Reply

      I am sure she will enjoy them. Please tell her that we have many gluten-free recipes on the website which may reassure her that there is still lovely food. 🙂

  33. Reply

    5 stars
    These cookies look tasty! My entire family would enjoy eating these. We absolutely love caramel. It’s delicious!

  34. Reply

    Oooh! These look amazing and so happy to see that they’re dairy free so I won’t have to make any substitutes. I love the sea salt edge as well, always lovely. Can’t wait to try these!

  35. Reply

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe as always. One of the best food blogs I visit everyday. I love gluten free dish. Caramel cookies are my favourite

  40. Reply

    These came at the perfect time. I have just cut gluten from my diet, so it’s nice to know that I can still enjoy baked goods this fall without feeling like I’m missing out. I can’t wait to try your recipe!

  48. Reply

    5 stars
    I cant believe how easy (and delicious looking) this recipe is – plus they are gluten-free!? What a perfect sweet treat to snack on all day long!

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