Gluten Free Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Love red velvet cake? Try these gluten free red velvet whoopie pies. They have a cake-like texture in a cookie form!

To me, red velvet is much more about the chocolate/vanilla taste than the color. But you can certainly add red food coloring if you want to!

Gluten Free Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

• 2 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
• 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
• 1 Flax-Egg (directions on side of blog)
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Vinegar
• 1/2 Cup Milk
• 3/4 Cup Rice Flour
• 1/2 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1 Tablespoon Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• Red Food Coloring, optional

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt two tablespoons of butter.
3. In a large bowl, combine the rice flour, starch, sugar, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, salt and mix.
4. Add the melted and softened butters and mix into the dry ingredients with a fork until crumbly.
5. Add the flax-egg, vanilla, vinegar and food coloring (if using) and mix.
6. Add the milk and beat until the batter thickens and becomes elastic.
7. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and scoop out your batter into small rounds. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
8. Allow to cool on baking sheet and then completely on cooling rack. Find pairs and fill with the frosting of your choice.

Enjoy!

-Bethany

Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cutout Cookies

These chocolate cutout cookies are gluten free and vegan, allowing everyone to have a bit of Christmas cheer! They are delicious and perfect for eating around the holidays or any time of the year.

If you love chocolate and pretty cookies that you can decorate, then you are going to be a huge fan of these cookies! They are soft and chewy and perfect with a full chocolate flavor!

Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cutout Cookies

• 2 Tablespoons Applesauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 2 Tablespoons Oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Rice Flour (I used superfine Asian, might require a bit less with regular rice flour)
• 1/4 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a small bowl, combine applesauce and baking soda. Set aside for a few minutes.
3. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, rice flour, tapioca starch, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Whisk together.
4. Add the applesauce mixture, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Will be very dry and crumbly.
5. Pat dough together and roll out between two sheets of plastic wrap. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. Makes about a dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
7. Cool and frost with a powdered sugar/water glaze, if desired.

Enjoy!

-Bethany

12 Gluten Free Desserts Perfect For The Holidays

From chocolate cookies to crunchy peanut butter cups, these 12 gluten free holiday desserts will keep you and your guests happy and full!

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to bake cookies and make fudge and all kinds of treats. Below I have listed twelve amazing gluten free desserts that are sure to make your holidays special.

1. Chocolate Kiss Cookies. These cookies have a rich chocolate flavor and are so pretty they will make any holiday treat tray better.

2. Chocolate Brownie Peanut Butter Cups. These are a fun take on peanut butter cups with a delicious chocolate twist, and you and your guests will love them. They would also make a great gift idea!

3. Gluten Free/Vegan Chocolate Cookies. If you are a vegan, or you know a vegan, then these delicious cookies are the perfect treat for you to make around the holidays, or anytime!

4. Two Ingredient White Chocolate Cups. These little cups are simple to make and have a great white chocolate flavor. Put sprinkles on top and they will look festive!

5. Peanut Butter Pretzel Puppy Chow. This is a fun take on the classic puppy chow and is perfect for serving at a casual get together. 

6. Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies have the perfect look for Christmas and are super tasty.

7. Chocolate Chip Shortbread Bites. These little guys couldn't be any cuter or easier to make!

8. Four Ingredient Mint Chocolate Fudge. Fudge is the perfect treat for this time of the year, and this fudge is simple to make and full of mint and chocolate deliciousness.

9. Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. They are not only pretty, but they are also delicious and perfect for any chocolate lover!

10. Crunchy M&M Peanut Butter Cups. Another fun take on the classic peanut butter cup, these treats are extra special and perfect for gifting or serving to guests.

11. Chocolate Chip Vanilla Snowball Cookies. Treat yourself to a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat with these snowball cookies.

12. Easy Mint Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. What is better than an easy to put together dessert? These cookies look and taste like you have put a lot of work into them even while being easy!

Happy holiday baking!

-Bethany

Gluten Free/Vegan Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

There gluten free and vegan dark chocolate crinkle cookies are thick, chewy and fudgy, and not too sweet.

I am starting to think about Christmas and all of the desserts I will be making then, and the gifts I need to buy. And the decorations I will be putting up. Anyone with me on that? I even had "Winter Wonderland" in my head today. I'm not looking forward to the snow that is sure to fall soon, though!

There are many great cookies to make at Christmastime, and these cookies will make any chocolate lover's dreams come true!

These cookies need to chill for a while, so make sure that you mix them up ahead of time!

Gluten Free/Vegan Dark Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

• 6 Tablespoons Water
• 2 Tablespoons Flaxseed Meal
• 3/4 Cup White Rice Flour
• 1/4 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Cup Dark Cocoa Powder
• 3/4 Cup Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Powdered Sugar, for rolling

1. Heat the water for 30 seconds in the microwave and then add the flaxseed meal to it. Set aside for ten minutes.
2. In a medium size bowl, add the white rice flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt. Whisk together.
3. Combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and oil in the bowl of your mixer. Beat together.
4. Add half of the flax-egg mixture at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat again until combined.
5. Add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Put the dough in a bowl with a cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Pour about 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl. 
9. Scoop one Tablespoon of dough at a time and roll in powdered sugar.
10. Place dough on the lined pans, flatten down if desired, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Adapted from this recipe.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Easy Caramel Pretzel Fudge

This caramel pretzel fudge has everything that you could want in a good dessert - sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and some crunchy, salty pretzels thrown in. 

Another fudge recipe... what can I say? There are just so many things that can be done with it. And there are so many delicious varieties to eat. Yum. I can't get enough of this stuff.

Also, who's with me in thinking that it's crazy that Christmas is less than a week away?! I have to get baking. Like, now.

Caramel Pretzel Fudge

• 1/2 Can Dulce de Leche
• 1 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 Cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 Cup Heavy cream
• A handful of gluten free pretzels

1. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the dulce de leche and white chocolate chips. Microwave 20 seconds at a time, stirring, until melted.
2. Pour into a pan that has been lined with parchment paper, or greased foil.
3. Chop a handful of gluten free pretzels and sprinkle over the top of the fudge, pressing in slightly.
4. Put the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Heat the heavy cream just until it boils, then pour over the chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
5. Pour the chocolate over the top, then pop the fudge into the fridge. Cool until solid, slice, and enjoy. Best eaten soon after making, while the pretzels still have a crunch to them.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays.

White Chocolate Oreo Cookie Dough Fudge

This fudge combines white chocolate and dark chocolate cookie dough, giving it an Oreo flavor! It is so delicious, easy to make, and perfect for the holiday season!

Check out the video that my brother helped me put together for this recipe, and many others, on my Facebook page or Youtube channel!

Fudge has really become a favorite of mine during this time of the year, and this fudge is so simple, and yet, so tasty! 

What are your favorite treats to make at Christmastime? Maybe this can be one of them this year.

White Chocolate Oreo Cookie Dough Fudge

• 2 Tablespoons Butter, melted
• 3 Tablespoons Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 Cup White Rice Flour
• 2 Tablespoons Dark Cocoa Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• A bit of milk, if needed
• 1 1/2 Cup White Chocolate Chips
• 1/2 Can, 7 oz., Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugars. Add vanilla and mix again.
2. Add the dry ingredients and mix, then if it appears too dry, add a bit of milk and stir until combined.
3. In a microwave safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Melt 20 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring, until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
4. Pour half of the fudge mixture into a parchment lined loaf pan. Spread out into an even layer.
5. Add half of the cookie dough mixture and spread out.
6. Add the remaining fudge, then the remaining cookie dough, pressing down into the top a bit.
7. Chill until solid, then cut and eat.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays.

Easy Butterscotch Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is great any time of the year, but especially so during the Christmas season. Treat your family to a new version of the classic recipe with this butterscotch puppy chow!

This recipe is so easy and delicious, and it is a great treat to snack on while wrapping gifts, watching a Christmas movie, or for putting in a pretty bowl for a holiday party. No matter when you decide to have it, you will love every bite!

If you are making the mix for a crowd, think about doubling or tripling the recipe. It will be gone quickly!

Easy Butterscotch Puppy Chow

• 1/4 Cup Milk Chocolate Chips
• 1/4 Cup Butterscotch Chips (make sure they are gluten free!)
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 4 Cups Rice Chex Cereal
• 1/2 Cup to 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
• Extra Butterscotch Chips, optional

1. In a large microwaveable bowl, combine chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and butter. Microwave 20 seconds at a time until melted.
2. Add the vanilla to the mixture and stir. Add the cereal and mix until well combined.
3. Add the powdered sugar and stir in the bowl, or toss in a sealed bag.
4. Stir in some extra butterscotch chips (optional), and serve.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays.

Gluten Free Pinwheel Cookies

Sprinkles make everything more fun! These pinwheel cookies are gluten free, and they can be made whatever color you choose to make your holiday a little bit more festive!

These cookies are super soft, and they are much simpler to make than you might think by looking at them. They are fun and colorful, and they would make a great Christmas gift!

Gluten Free Pinwheel Cookies

• 3 Tablespoons Water
• 1 Tablespoon Flaxseed Meal
• 1 Cup White Rice Flour
• 1/2 Cup Tapioca Starch
• 1 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles

1. Heat water for about 20 seconds in the microwave and add the flaxseed meal to it. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. In a medium size bowl, add the rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together.
3. In the bowl of your mixer, add the butter and sugar. Beat for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the vanilla and flax-egg.
5. Add the dry ingredients and beat until well combined.
6. Divide dough in half and color each as you choose.
7. Roll each half between two pieces of parchment paper until they make a 9x6 inch rectangle. Trim edges. Keep the dough in the paper and place on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
8. Take the top piece of parchment off of each layer, and wet the dough slightly. Put one layer on top of the other, and then roll them up together.
9. Roll the log in sprinkles, if desired. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes or longer.
10. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
11. Slice cookies so that they are about 1/4 inch thick. Place them on parchment lined baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Adapted from this recipe.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays.

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Vanilla Snowball Cookies

These chocolate chip vanilla snowball cookies are gluten free, melt-in-your-mouth good, and simple to make!

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is to bake. I love shopping for gifts and all of that, too, but Christmas baking is just so special. And these snowball cookies are a must!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Vanilla Snowball Cookies

• 1/2 Cup Butter
• 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 Cup plus 2 Tablespoons White Rice Flour
• 1/4 Cup Cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Cup Mini Chocolate Chips
• Powdered sugar for rolling

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine white rice flour, cornstarch, xanthan gum, and salt. Whisk together.
3. In the bowl of your mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. 
4. Add the vanilla and beat again.
5. Add in the dry ingredients and mix until combined. 
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Form the dough into balls that are one Tablespoon in size, and place on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes.
8. Remove from oven, allow to cool until you are able to handle them, then roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Best consumed on the day of baking (they are still good later, but they get harder/more dry the longer they sit.)

Adapted from this recipe.

Enjoy!
-Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays and Gluten Free Fridays.

15 Gluten Free Christmas Treats You Need To Make This Year!

 The holidays are such a special time. They bring family and friends together, and they are all about the food! And even if you are eating on the gluten free diet, you don't have to miss out! Check out these fifteen gluten free Christmas treats, and you will have plenty to snack on during this season.

From classic recipes, to a fun new fudge and cookie dough treats, you really can't go wrong with these recipes!

1. Soft M&Ms Cookies. These gluten free cookies are thick, soft, and the perfect classic holiday treat!

2. Peanut Free "Peanut Butter" Cups. If you or someone in your life cannot have peanuts, but still loves the flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate, then you need to make these this Christmas!

3. Coconut Joys. These candies are simple to make, and my family has been making them for years. It doesn't matter if you are gluten free or not - you are going to love these coconut and chocolate candies!

4. Cake Batter Chickpea Cookies. Change things up to be a bit healthier this Christmas by making these cookies with chickpeas in place of flour. Add some festive sprinkles, and no one will ever guess that they are healthy!

5. Brownie Bites. If you love chocolate, then you have to add these brownie bites to your holiday menu. They are so easy to make, and they are a great crowd pleaser (everyone at my brother's graduation party loved them!)

6. Soft Sugar Cookies. What is more traditional than sugar cookies at Christmas time? Just because you are gluten free doesn't mean that you have to miss out. These cookies are super soft and delicious, and can be rolled out just like any sugar cookies!

7. Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies. These cookies are so fun, and they have quickly become a favorite of mine! They are melt-in-your-mouth perfection!

8. Chocolate Chip Scones. Treat everyone to a special breakfast around the holidays with these chocolate chip scones. They taste just like a really good chocolate chip cookie, only in scone form!

9. "Oreo" Cookie Dough Truffles. If you love Oreos, then you will love these truffles! They are made with dark cocoa powder and rice flour, which allows them to have the taste of Oreos without any gluten!

10. Homemade Chocolate Cherry Cups. Anyone who likes chocolate covered cherries is going to love the homemade version! Make them to take to a party, or give them as a gift.

11. Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles. These gluten free sugar cookies are coated in sprinkles. They are child friendly, and they will add a festive pop of color to your Christmas table!

12. Triple Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. What better treat is there for the holidays than fudge? This rich fudge has triple the chocolate, plus peanut butter, too! Can it get any better than that?!

13. M&Ms Cookie Dough Truffles. Who doesn't love mini M&Ms stuffed inside of cookie dough? Roll that dough in chocolate, and you get perfection. You will please everyone when you make a batch of these truffles this holiday season!

14. Cinnamon Roll Bites. Want a simple breakfast treat to make this holiday season? Whip up these cinnamon roll bites, and they be the perfect sweet start to the day.

15. Red Velvet Cake. If you feel like being a bit fancy this holiday season, then why not make a delicious gluten free red velvet cake? Frost it up pretty, and it will be the perfect dessert to impress your guests!

Hopefully you now feel inspired to do some holiday baking! Gluten free treats can really be just as good as gluten-filled ones!

Enjoy!
Bethany

Linking up to Allergy Free Thursdays.

Merry Christmas!

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a great day filled with food and family, and that you realize and appreciate the greatest gift that we could ever receive - Jesus.
-Bethany

Chocolate Chip And M&M Chickpea Cookies

Soft, moist and packed with chocolate, these chocolate chip and M&M chickpea cookies are sure to be a big hit.

This recipe is great for Christmastime when you want to feel a bit better about yourself and all of the treats that you are eating, or for any time of the year when you want to munch on something a bit healthier than the average cookie.

Don't let yourself feel afraid to make these because of the use of chickpeas. I promise that you won't taste them. These cookies taste just as good - if not better - than the average cookie.

Chocolate Chip And M&M Chickpea Cookies 

• 2 cups Chickpeas (or one can)
• 1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/8 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup M&Ms
• 1/4 Cup White Chocolate Chips

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 
2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine drained chickpeas, butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Blend, scraping down sides occasionally, until smooth. 
3. Transfer the dough to a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips and M&Ms.
4. Scoop onto parchment lined cookie sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
5. Makes about 18 cookies.

If you are looking for more Christmas recipes, or if you have some of your own to share, then please check out my Christmas Treat Link Up!

-Bethany