Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon-Sugar Coffee Cake

Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon-Sugar Coffee Cake

This Gluten Free Coffee Cake is SO moist, tasty and easy to make! It’s the perfect afternoon snack, dessert or breakfast for those weekend sleepovers. An instant hit with our family and friends! 🙂
*Thank You to America’s Test Kitchen for sharing this wonderful recipe!!

The Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted (1 Stick or 8 Tbsp)
  • 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Dark Brown Sugar (Packed)
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 3/4 tsp Cinnamon
  • 3/4 Cup + 1/3 Cup All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Sifted (I use Better Batter GF Multi-Purpose Flour)

The Cake

  • 3/4 Cup + 1/3 Cup All-Purpose GF Flour, Sifted (I use Better Batter GF Multi-Purpose Flour)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Xanthan Gum (use ONLY if your GF Flour Blend doesn’t contain any; Better Batter contains Xanthan Gum, so I do not add it )
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 6 Tbsp Butter, Unsalted (Softened & Cut Into 6 Pieces)
  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Large Egg Yolk
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Spray an 8″ x 8″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Next, fold a 16″ length of Parchment Paper to a width of 7″ and fit it into the baking pan, so that the excess hangs over the edges for easy removal of the cake. Set aside.

Making the topping:

  1. In a small sauce pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once completely melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Using a whisk, mix in the sugars, salt, cinnamon and egg yolk to the melted butter, thoroughly mixing.
  3. Add the GF Flour to the butter mixture, blending well. The mixture will look like ground meat. Set aside.

Making the Cake:

  1. Place one of your oven racks in the upper-middle position of the oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, mix the GF Flour, Granulated Sugar, Salt, Xanthan Gum (if needed) and Baking Soda on low until completely blended.
  3. Next, add the Butter to the flour mixture, one piece at a time, mixing on low until butter pieces are no longer visible – mixture will resemble coarse sand.
  4. Add the Sour Cream, Eggs, Yolk and Vanilla to the Flour mixture and mix on medium-high until batter is light and fluffy.

Putting it Together:

  1. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
  2. Using your hands, break the Topping Mixture into large pea-sized pieces and sprinkle over the top of the batter to completely cover.
  3. Bake for 35-45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. It’s done when the middle is no longer jiggly and a wooden toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
  4. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing, using the excess Parchment Paper to lift and pull the cake out.
  5. Place on a platter or cutting board to cut and serve. Enjoy!

**This cake stores well in an air-tight container for about 3 days.

***A HUGE “Thank You” to America’s Test Kitchen for sharing this wonderful recipe!!! 🙂

Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks




Easy 3-Ingredient Candied Cashews

Easy 3-Ingredient Candied Cashews

This is the easiest and yummiest recipe for Candied Cashews!!! Only 3 ingredients, about 15 minutes and these delicious morsels are ready to enjoy…..well, you have to wait a few minutes for them to cool before you pounce on them! These are perfect for snacking, giving as gifts or topping your favorite ice cream 🙂
A BIG “Thank You” to www.saltandlavender.com for sharing this wonderful treat!!!

  • 2 Tbsp Salted Butter
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Cups Cashews (I used Lightly Salted)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In a medium to large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  3. Once the butter is melted, add the sugar and cashews.
  4. Cook over low to medium-low heat until sugar has completely melted, stirring often to completely coat the cashews and to prevent mixture from burning.
  5. Turn out onto a sheet of parchment paper to let cool.
  6. Enjoy as a snack, as a topping on ice cream or mixed in with your favorite yogurt…or give as a special gift!
Desserts, Snacks




Quick & Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts

Quick & Easy Gluten Free Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts

Oh my gosh! These donuts (aka: doughnuts) are the BEST Gluten Free Donuts out there! They’re not only scrumptious, but quick and easy to make!!! All you need is a few ingredients (most of which you will already have in your Kitchen), about 30 minutes and you will have delicious, moist doughnuts that aren’t heavy, dry or gritty 🙂
A HUGE thank you to www.loveandzest.com for sharing this wonderful recipe!

Batter for the Donuts

  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (Melted)
  • 1/3 Cup Pure Maple Syrup
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Large Egg (Beaten)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Rice Milk (I use original, but Vanilla is fine; You may substitute with Unsweetened Almond or Oat Milk)
  • 1 Cup Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour, sifted (I use King Arthur All-Purpose Measure for Measure)

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1-2 Tbsp Cinnamon (If you don’t care for a lot of cinnamon, start with 1 Tbsp)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  3. Spray a 6-count non-stick donut pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  4. In a large microwave-proof mixing bowl (I use an 8-cup glass measuring bowl with a pour spout for easy transfer of batter to donut pan), melt the butter in the microwave.
  5. Using a whisk, stir the Maple Syrup and Vanilla Extract into the melted butter.
  6. Add the beaten egg and mix until well blended.
  7. Next, mix in the Rice Milk , Salt and Baking Powder until Baking Powder is completely mixed in.
  8. Whisk in the sifted GF Flour and mix until completely blended (I sift the flour directly into the batter).
  9. Spoon or pour the batter into the greased Donut pan, spreading evenly in each well.
  10. Bake for 10 minutes.
  11. Remove and let sit in pan for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.

Making the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  1. While the donuts are cooling, pour the sugar and cinnamon into a large resealable plastic baggie and mix well.
  2. When the donuts are slightly cooled, turn the donut pan upside down onto a wire rack and thump the bottom a couple of times to remove the donuts.
  3. Add a donut, one-at-a-time, into the resealable baggie and gently shake in the sugar mixture until completely coated.
  4. Place the finished donuts on a wire rack to let them set/dry. As they cool, the donuts absorb the cinnamon, so try to refrain from pouncing on the donuts as soon as you pull each one out of the baggie…they get better and better as they cool. Enjoy!
Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks




Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows

Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows

There’s nothing better than a Hot Cup of Cocoa with Homemade Marshmallows, a good Book and a Crackling Fire on a cold Winter’s night! This recipe can be easily tweaked by adding different flavored Gelatins or Extracts, adding hot cocoa powder to the powdered sugar to make chocolate marshmallows and cutting the marshmallows into fun designs using cookie cutters! Let your imagination soar 🙂 Thank you to dinnerthendessert.com for this awesome recipe!

  • 3 1/4 oz. packets Unflavored Gelatin (3/4 oz. Total)
  • 1/2 + 1/2 Cup Water (1 Cup Total)
  • 1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
  • 1/8 tsp Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract (Can substitute different extract flavors)
  • 1/2 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar (Divided)
  • 1 Candy Thermometer (I know this isn’t an ingredient, but please make sure you have one of these before beginning)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Sprinkle 1/4 Cup of the Confectioner’s Sugar into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Set aside.
  3. Add the 3 Packets of Gelatin and 1/2 cup Water to the bowl of your Standing Mixer.
  4. Meanwhile, in a medium heavy saucepan, fitted with the Candy Thermometer, combine the Sugar, Corn Syrup, Salt and 1/2 Cup Water. Heat over Medium Heat, whisking until all of the Sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking until temperature reaches 240 degrees F. (Note: you do not need to whisk the entire time…let the mixture boil on its own after the sugar has dissolved, but do not leave unattended).
  5. Once the Sugar mixture has reached 240 degrees, turn off heat and leave the pot on the stove while you turn your Standing Mixer on to the Low setting.
  6. Slowly and carefully add the Sugar mixture to the Gelatin mixture in the Standing Mixer and blend for about 2 minutes, until thoroughly mixed.
  7. Next, increase the speed to High and mix for approximately 10 minutes, or until mixture has reached the consistency of Marshmallow Fluff.
  8. Add the Vanilla (or whatever flavor you desire) Extract and mix for another minute to thoroughly blend.
  9. Pour the Marshmallow mixture into the prepared 9″ x 13″ Baking Dish, spreading with a spatula to smooth out the surface.
  10. With the remaining 1/4 Cup Confectioner’s Sugar, sprinkle evenly over the top of the Marshmallow mixture. Place somewhere to let rest and firm up for 24 hours.
  11. Once the Marshmallow has firmed up, remove from the baking dish and place on a cutting surface.
  12. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares or use cookie cutters to make different-themed shapes (dip knife and/or cookie cutters into Confectioner’s Sugar to help prevent sticking).
  13. Enjoy with a Hot Cup of Cocoa, a good book and a roaring fire!
Desserts, Snacks




Butter Cookie Chocolate Batons (Gluten Free)

Butter Cookie Chocolate Batons (Gluten Free)

I have been making these yummy cookies with my children for about 20 years and they are definitely one of our favorites. When our children were younger, they loved squeezing the dough into batons and dipping them in the chocolate and sprinkles! The cookie dough is like a shortbread butter cookie. Combined with the melted semi-sweet chocolate and non-pareils makes them irresistible. I hope you enjoy making these with your little (and grown) ones as much as I did and still do 🙂

Equipment Needed:

  • 1 Stand or handheld Mixer
  • 1-2 Large Mixing Bowls
  • 1-2 Cookie Sheets
  • 1 Large Star Tip
  • 1 Pastry Bag (I used a Sturdy Disposable one for easier cleanup)
  • 1 Small Heavy Saucepan
  • 1-2 Cooling Racks

Cookie Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup Butter, softened
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 2 1/2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I used King Arthur’s Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt

Chocolate Dip

  • 1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter, salted
  • 2 Tablespoons Milk (I used Skim, but any % is fine)
  • Colored Sprinkles (Non Pareils)

Getting Ready!

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Line 1-2 cookie sheets with a silpat cooking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. Gather your ingredients.

Making the Cookie Dough

  1. Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a stand or handheld mixer ~ about 2-3 minutes. Scrape sides.
  2. Add the whole egg and yolk to the butter mixture one at a time ~ mix for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Stir in vanilla extract until just blended.
  4. In a medium or large mixing bowl, combine the GF flour, salt and baking powder. Blend well.
  5. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 1/2 cup at a time, being sure to scrape the sides between each flour addition.
  6. Dough should feel soft and not sticky.

Making the Batons (Kids LOVE doing this part!)

  1. Fit a pastry bag with a large rosette or star tip.
  2. Spoon the cookie dough into the pastry bag.
  3. Squeeze the dough into 2″ batons (logs) onto the prepared cookie sheets.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a golden brown color.
  5. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheets for about 3 minutes before transferring to the cooling racks.

Making the Chocolate Dip

  1. In a heavy saucepan, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Heat over low heat until completely melted and smooth ~ stirring with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent clumping.
  2. When the chocolate and butter are ready, remove from heat and add the milk, one tablespoon at a time. Whisk or stir well after each addition of milk.

Putting it all Together (The FUN Part!)

  1. Once all of the cookies are completely cooled, dip each end into the melted chocolate mixture and then the sprinkles (put the sprinkles into a cereal bowl for ample dipping room).
  2. Lay each decorated cookie onto a cooling rack to let the chocolate cool and set.
  3. Use different colored sprinkles to mix things up!
  4. Or leave some with just the chocolate for those who don’t prefer sprinkles.
Desserts, Snacks




Moravian Sugar Cake ~ Gluten Free!!!

Moravian Sugar Cake

I just updated this recipe and it’s now Gluten-Free 🙂 This is my all-time favorite Christmas treat and I couldn’t go without it just because of my Gluten allergy, so I rolled up my sleeves and headed into my kitchen to come up with a GF version! I hope you all approve 🙂 The crispy Brown Sugar-Cinnamon topping combined with the buttery, tender yeast cake is seriously addictive! Perfect for Christmas morning, New Years Eve, and Holiday Gifts for your special friends and family 🙂
A huge “Thank You” to pastrychefonline.com for sharing the original version of this Wonderful Recipe!!!

For the Dough

  • 1/2 Cup Warm Water
  • 2 Tablespoons Dried Yeast
  • 1 Cup Mashed Potatoes (Unseasoned – no skin, butter, milk or seasonings)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 11 Tablespoons Salted Butter, Melted ((1 Stick + 3 Tablespoons))
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 4 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (Divided; check to see if your GF flour blend contains Xanthan Gum, if so great, but if not add 2 tsp. Xanthan Gum )
  • *2 tsp Xanthan Gum (*Add ONLY if your GF flour blend does NOT contain Xanthan Gum ~ 1/2 tsp xanthan gum per 1 cup GF flour for cakes, muffins, quick breads)

For the Topping

  • 8 Tablespoons Salted Butter, Melted
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt

Making the Dough

  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. In the bowl of your standing mixer, combine the warm water and yeast. Using the paddle attachment, stir for about 1 minute or until yeast is completely dissolved.
  3. Next, add the mashed potatoes, salt, sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs and 2 cups of the flour. Mix well on low.
  4. Change the paddle attachment to the dough hook. Add the remaining 2 cups of flour and mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the sides as needed. Dough should be very sticky and stretchy when pulling dough between your fingers. Add a little bit of extra flour if dough doesn’t feel like it has enough body…wetter is better than dry!
  5. Smooth the top of the dough with an oiled rubber spatula and cover bowl with a towel. Set in a warm area of your kitchen and let rise for about 1 1/2 – 2 hours. (Dough should double in size).
  6. Spray 2 jelly roll pans with non-stick spray.
  7. Divide the dough in half between the 2 jelly roll pans. Spray the dough and your hands with the non-stick spray and begin patting and stretching the dough until it fills each pan – alternate between the pans to allow the dough to relax and stretch on its own.
  8. Spray the dough with non-stick spray and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm area to let rise once again, about 1 hour.

Making the topping

  1. Place the oven racks in top third and bottom third of your oven. Preheat to 400 degrees.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Mix very well.

Putting it all Together

  1. Once the dough in the pans has risen and become puffy, dimple the dough thoroughly using your greased fingers – do not worry if you puncture all the way through to the pan.
  2. Next, brush the tops of the dough with 4 Tablespoons of the melted butter per pan. Butter should pool in the dimples that you created.
  3. Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture onto each of the cakes until you can no longer see the dough.
  4. Place the cakes on the oven racks (one on the top rack and one on the bottom rack). Bake for 7 minutes.
  5. Switch the cakes on the racks. Bake for another 7 minutes.
  6. Let cakes cool in the pans for about 5 minutes.
  7. Using a large spatula and your hands, transfer to cooling racks – this keeps the bottoms from getting soggy.
  8. Serve warm or wrap very well in freeze-proof bags to freeze for up to 2 months.
  9. Enjoy these yummy cakes throughout the holidays!
  10. They make the PERFECT Holiday Gifts for friends and family 🙂
Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks, Sweet Breads




Gluten Free Blueberry-Orange Muffins

Gluten Free Blueberry-Orange Muffins

The combination of Orange Zest and fresh Blueberries in these Gluten Free muffins is absolutely wonderful! And, I love the fact that they aren’t too sweet, making them perfect for Breakfast, mid-morning and afternoon snacks. Enjoy!
Note: I tweaked this recipe from America’s Test Kitchen’s “The How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook”

  • 8 Tablespoons Butter, Unsalted (1 Stick; Melted & cooled)
  • 2 Cups Blueberries (Fresh )
  • 3/4 Cup Granulated Sugar (Can use 1 Cup, if you want these to be a little bit sweeter)
  • 2-3 teaspoons Orange Zest (Zest of 1 large orange)
  • 1 3/4 + 2/3 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I made the ATK’s Gluten Free Flour Blend (recipe included below), but I also make these with Pamela’s Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Blend, if I don’t have my own mix readily available)
  • 1 Tablespoon Gluten Free Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
  • 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt (I used 0% Fat Yogurt)
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons Turbinado Sugar (i.e. Raw Sugar)
  1. Gather the ingredients.
  2. Melt the butter and let cool a bit while you begin preparing the muffin batter.
  3. In a food processor, pulse the Blueberries a few times (3-4) to coarsely chop them. Scrape them into a separate bowl and set aside.
    Note: I would normally leave them whole, but certain members of my family prefer them when chopped :).
  4. In the same food processor, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Pulse for about 10 seconds until the consistency is sand-like.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the GF Flour mix, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum. Mix well with a whisk. Then add to the sugar mixture in the food processor, pulsing until well blended.
  6. In the same large bowl that you used to whisk together the flour mixture, combine the eggs, yogurt and melted butter. Whisk until well blended, then add to the food processor and blend until there are no lumps.
  7. Transfer the batter to the large bowl and gently fold in the chopped (or whole) blueberries. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.
    (Note: this resting period is important in order to let the grains soften or mature, so that the resulting muffins will not be grainy or sandy in texture)
  8. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
    Line a muffin tin with muffin cups and spray with a non-stick cooking spray.
  9. After the batter has rested for 30 minutes, scoop into the lined muffin tray using a medium or large scoop. This batter does not rise much, so don’t worry about filling the cups to the top.
  10. Sprinkle the tops with the Turbinado sugar.
  11. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and toothpick comes out clean. Cool muffins in the pan for about 10 minutes, before transferring them to a wire rack to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Enjoy these muffins that are chock full of blueberries while warm :).
  13. Any leftovers can be completely cooled and stored in an airtight container for about 2 days or frozen for 2-3 weeks. Before serving, let thaw and microwave for about 20 seconds.

The ATK Gluten Free Flour Blend

Ingredients:

  • 4 1/2 Cups + 1/3 Cup White Rice Flour
  • 1 2/3 Cups Brown Rice Flour
  • 1 1/3 Cups Potato Starch (NOT Potato Flour)
  • 3/4 Tapioca Starch
  • 3 Tablespoons Nonfat Milk Powder (if milk allergies are an issue, substitute with Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Non-Dairy Coffee Creamer Powder, like Nestle Original Coffee-Mate).

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients with a whisk and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 months. Before using, bring to room temperature.




Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread

Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread

Oh my gosh! This recipe for Gluten Free Cinnamon Bread is so delicious and easy to make! You will have a hard time telling that it’s Gluten Free :). I make several of these at a time, since my family can polish off an entire loaf in an afternoon!

Dry Ingredients for Bread

  • 2 Cups Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour (I use Pamela’s All-Pupose Flour – Gluten Free + Vegan Artisan Blend or my own blend if I have some on-hand)
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Gluten Free Baking Powder (I use Clabber Girl)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon

Wet Ingredients for Bread

  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1/4 Cup Canola Oil
  • 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

Cinnamon Topping

  • 4 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
  • 4 Teaspoons Butter, Salted (Keep cold)

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Using a solid shortening, grease a 9″ x 5″ bread pan. Set aside.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Dry Ingredients (the first 6 ingredients for bread mix). Mix well and set aside.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

  1. Using a standard Stand Mixer, whisk the eggs. Then slowly add the Buttermilk and oil. Blend well.
  2. Add vanilla and blend until well combined.

Combining the Dry and Wet Ingredients

  1. Mixing on medium-low speed, slowly add the Flour mixture, one cup at a time, to the Egg mixture, making sure to scrape down the sides between additions. Note: mixture will be sticky/gummy.

Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Layer & Topping

  1. Note: You may make this at the beginning and set aside, while making the loaf part…or make it at this step.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the 4 Tablespoons of sugar with the 2 teaspoons cinnamon. Next, cut in the cold butter with a sharp knife and blend until crumbly.

Putting it All Together

  1. Pour half of the Bread dough mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.
  2. Sprinkle half of the Cinnamon-Sugar mixture on top of this layer.
  3. Pour remaining Bread Dough mixture on top of the Cinnamon layer. Spread evenly.
  4. Sprinkle top with remaining Cinnamon-Sugar mixture.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let rest for about 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool on a rack before slicing. Enjoy!
Desserts, Snacks




Ginger Molasses Cookies ~ Gluten Free

Ginger Molasses Cookies ~ Gluten Free

Get ready for the BEST Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies on the planet! I make batches of these soft, chewy and delicious Cookies for Christmas gifts…our family, friends and neighbors LOVE them! They make great Holiday gifts, so get out your aprons and cookie sheets and start baking! The dough freezes really well, so you can make several batches ahead of time. Enjoy!
*As a special treat for the Holidays, make my Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches by just adding a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream between two of my GF Ginger Molasses Cookies!!! Yummy! 🙂

  • 2 Cups All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour (I use “GF Jules” all-purpose gf flour for this recipe – this GF Flour Blend already has Xanthan Gum in it, so I do NOT add Xanthan Gum)
  • *1 tsp Xanthan Gum (add this ONLY if your GF Flour blend does not already contain it)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 Cup Shortening, melted (cooled for 10-15 minutes)
  • 1/4 Cup Molasses
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
  • *1/2 – 1 Gallon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (If you’re making my Holiday Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, see Notes*)
  1. Gather all your ingredients.

The Flour Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Flour, *Xanthan Gum (only if needed), Baking Soda and spices. Mix well and set aside.

The Shortening Mixture

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the shortening, remove from heat and cool for about 10-15 minutes (this is so you don’t cook the eggs when you add it).
  2. While the shortening is cooling, combine the Molasses, Sugar and egg using a Stand or Handheld Mixer. Add the cooled shortening and mix well.

Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients

  1. Slowly add the Flour Mixture to the wet mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, blending well after each addition.
  2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours – I find that chilling the dough overnight gets the best results.
  3. When ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  4. While the oven is preheating shape the dough into small 1″ balls (you can use a small cookie scoop to get more uniform cookies) and roll in a bowl of granulated sugar, coating well.
  5. Space cookie balls at least 2″ apart on an ungreased cookie sheet lined with a baking mat or parchment paper.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are covered in “cracks.”
  7. Let cool for about 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely…try one (or two) while they’re still warm!
  8. Once they are completely cooled, you can package them in cellophane gift bags
  9. Enjoy!

This dough freezes really well, so you can make several batches ahead of time for Christmas gifts, parties, etc.

*Note: For my “Holiday Ginger Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches ~ Gluten Free” just add a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream between two of my GF Ginger Molasses Cookies, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until ready to eat! 🙂

Desserts, Snacks




Simple Apple Pie

Simple Apple Pie

This is the simplest-to-make Apple Pie recipe on the planet. It only requires 6 ingredients and is oh so yummy! Served with or without vanilla ice cream, it’s delicious either way. Enjoy 🙂

Pie Crust

  • 1 Package Refrigerated Pie Crusts (I used “Pillsbury” Pie Crust, found in the Danish/Biscuit area)

Apple Filling

  • 6 Medium Apples (I used Golden Delicious)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

Topping

  • 3/4 Cup Flour (I used All-Purpose, Unbleached)
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 Cup Butter, salted (Cold)
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Gather your ingredients.

The Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix the flour and 1/2 cup sugar together. Set aside.

The Filling

  1. Peel and cut apples into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl (you may leave peels on the apples, if desired). If the apples start to brown, add cold water and a few ice cubes. In a separate small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon together.
  2. Dump the sugar mixture over the apples and gently toss with a large spoon making sure all of the apples are well-coated.

The Pie Crust

  1. Let pie crust sit out for about 15 minutes before unrolling into the pie dish – this makes it much easier to unroll and press into the dish. Do NOT prick the dough with a fork.

Assembling the Pie

  1. Simply dump the filling into the freshly rolled out pie crust and spread out evenly.
  2. Sprinkle the sugar/flour topping evenly over the apples. Then cut the cold butter into tiny squares and place them evenly on top of the apples.
  3. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes before slicing.
  4. Serve with or without vanilla bean ice cream!
Desserts, Snacks
Apples, dessert, Pie, simple, sweets