The Best Gluten-Free Flour Blends for Cookies (Tested + Ranked)

So, we've been on a mission here, trying to figure out the best gluten-free flour blend for cookies. It's a big question, right? Especially since there are so many options out there, and they all say they're '1:1' replacements. But let's be real, that's not always the case.

We decided to put a bunch of popular blends to the test, using a classic cookie recipe, to see which ones really deliver. We looked at everything: how they bake, how they taste, and even how long the cookies stay good. No more guessing games, we're sharing all our findings so you can bake the best gluten-free cookies every time.

Key Takeaways

• King Arthur Measure For Measure is a top pick for cookies and is pretty easy on the wallet.
• Bob's Red Mill 1:1 works well, but letting the dough sit for a bit helps with any grittiness.
• Namaste is a good organic option, though you might need to add a little extra liquid to your recipes.
• Some blends, like Robin Hood, might need a bit more flour than what the recipe calls for.
• There's no single 'perfect' gluten-free flour blend for every single recipe; it really depends on what you're making.

1. King Arthur Measure For Measure

Okay, let's talk about King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten-free flour. We've been baking up a storm, testing all sorts of blends, and this one definitely stood out. The cookies we made with this flour didn't spread much at all. At first, we thought we messed something up, but after double-checking our measurements, we realized it was the flour itself.

King Arthur uses super fine brown rice flour as its main ingredient, which seems to soak up all the liquid. The result? A more compact cookie. Some people in our online polls weren't initially thrilled with the look, but opinions definitely shifted over time!

Here's what we noticed:

• The cookies had a cakey texture, which some of us really liked.
• The flavor was great, no weird aftertaste or grittiness.
• They stayed fresh for a surprisingly long time – like, five days!

2. Cup4Cup

Cup4Cup has always been a popular choice for gluten-free baking, and we wanted to see how it performed in cookies. One thing to note right away: it contains powdered milk, so it's not suitable if you're vegan or lactose-intolerant.

In our tests, the cookies made with Cup4Cup:

• Tended to spread out quite a bit, resulting in flatter cookies.
• Needed a couple of extra minutes in the oven compared to other blends.
• Had a good texture, soft in the center with crispy edges, but the flavor was a little lacking. The cornstarch base seemed to need some help from the milk powder to boost the taste.
• Unfortunately, they also went stale faster than some of the other blends, so they're best enjoyed within a day or two.

If you like thin, crispy-edged cookies and plan to eat them quickly, Cup4Cup might be a good option. Otherwise, there might be better choices out there for longevity and overall flavor.

3. Bob's Red Mill 1:1

Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour is a pretty popular choice, and for good reason. We've baked with it a bunch, and it's usually a solid performer. It's a readily available option in most grocery stores, which is always a plus when you're in a pinch.

When we made cookies with it, they came out with nice, even edges and a slightly puffed-up middle. The texture was surprisingly similar to a regular chocolate chip cookie, with a bit of chewiness. The flavor was well-balanced, thanks to the sweet rice flour, but we did notice a slight grittiness. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of. Here's a few things we've noticed:

• It's pretty affordable, especially compared to some of the other blends.
• The cookies stayed fresh for a decent amount of time – about four days.
• It's a good all-around option for various baking projects, not just cookies.

4. Better Batter

We've got to say, we were really excited to try Better Batter in our cookie bake-off. It's a blend we've been hearing great things about, and we were eager to see how it performed. This flour blend contains pectin, which is an extra binder in addition to xanthan gum, so we had high expectations for the cookie's structure.

The cookies baked up really evenly, with minimal spreading, which is always a plus. They got nice and crisp around the edges while staying chewy in the center – exactly what we want in a chocolate chip cookie! The crumb was airy, and thankfully, there wasn't any of that gritty texture you sometimes get with gluten-free flours. We're guessing Better Batter uses super-fine rice flours, which makes a big difference.

Another thing we loved? These cookies stayed fresh for a solid three days when stored in an airtight container. By day five, they were definitely crispier, but still perfect for dunking in milk. Talk about a win!

5. Namaste

Okay, let's talk about Namaste. We've tried it, and here's the lowdown. It's a pretty common blend, so you can find it in lots of stores, which is a definite plus. The texture it gives cookies is generally good, but we did notice a slight aftertaste in some of our batches. It wasn't overpowering, but it was there.

Here's what we liked and didn't like:

• Availability: Easy to find in most grocery stores.
• Texture: Produces a decent cookie texture.
• Taste: A slight aftertaste that some might notice.
• Price: Usually pretty affordable compared to some of the other blends.

6. Target Good And Gather

Okay, so Target's Good & Gather gluten-free flour blend is one that we were really curious about. It's readily available, which is a huge plus for a lot of people. We found that it performed decently well, but it wasn't a standout in any particular area. It's a solid, middle-of-the-road option, and here's what we mean:

• The texture was a little bit on the denser side.
• The flavor was pretty neutral, which could be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.
• It didn't spread too much, which is nice for maintaining cookie shape.

7. Robin Hood

Okay, so Robin Hood isn't exclusively gluten-free, but they do offer a fantastic gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that we had to try. It's pretty widely available, which is a big plus for those of us who don't want to hunt down obscure brands. We found that it worked best in recipes where a slightly denser texture is okay. Think things like muffins or quick breads, where a little bit of chewiness is actually welcome.

Here's what we noticed:

• The taste is pretty neutral, which is great because you don't want your flour overpowering the other flavors.
• It can be a little on the dry side, so you might need to add a touch more liquid to your recipes.
• It's a good option if you're looking for something that's easy to find and relatively affordable.

8. Divided Sunset

Okay, so Divided Sunset is one we were really curious about. We'd heard some buzz, but hadn't actually tried it ourselves until this test. Here's the lowdown:

• The texture was surprisingly good. We were expecting something gritty, but it was actually pretty smooth.
• The flavor was...interesting. It definitely had a unique tang that wasn't bad, but wasn't exactly what we were looking for in a classic cookie.
• It browned nicely, which is always a plus.
• It's a bit pricier than some of the other blends, so keep that in mind.

9. Arden Mills

Okay, so Arden Mills is one that some of you might have already tried! It's a blend that some readers have told us they use in our cookie recipes. We've heard good things, but it's not one we've personally spent a ton of time with yet.

From what we gather, it's a decent option, and it's always good to have more choices, right? We're planning on doing a deeper dive (pun intended!) into this one soon, so stay tuned for our full thoughts. In the meantime, if you've used it, let us know what you think!

Here's what we know so far:

• It's a reader-recommended blend.
• It's available in some stores, but availability can vary.
• We're working on a full review!

10. GF Jules

Okay, let's talk about GF Jules. We've heard a lot about this one, and it's definitely a contender, but it comes with a price tag. It's one of the pricier options out there, so let's see if it's worth the splurge.

Here's what we found:

• The texture is really good. Cookies baked with GF Jules had a nice, even crumb and weren't gritty at all.
• The flavor is pretty neutral, which is what you want in a gluten-free flour blend. It doesn't add any weird aftertastes.
• It's a bit on the denser side. Our cookies were a little chewier than with some of the other blends, which some people might like, but others might not.

Overall, GF Jules is a solid choice if you're willing to spend a little extra. It consistently delivers good results, but there are more budget-friendly options that perform almost as well.

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it! We’ve gone through a bunch of different gluten-free flour blends, and hopefully, this helps you pick the right one for your next batch of cookies. It’s pretty cool how much variety there is out there, and honestly, finding your favorite is part of the fun. Don't be afraid to try a few different ones to see what works best for your taste and what you're baking. Happy baking, everyone!