Simple Gluten-Free Melting Moments Biscuits Recipe
Delicate, crumbly, and utterly irresistible, gluten-free melting moments are the quintessential British teatime treat.
These exquisite shortbread-style biscuits, traditionally made with wheat flour, have been cleverly reimagined for those navigating gluten sensitivities, ensuring that no one misses out on the pure, buttery pleasure of a classic British biscuit.
Crafted with a blend of gluten-free flours and laden with cornflour and butter for that signature tender crumb, these delicate morsels are perfectly paired with a proper cup of Earl Grey.
Table of Contents
What you will love about this recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture these biscuits literally melt in your mouth.
- Versatile flavour options, while classic vanilla is delightful, you can easily customize these biscuits with different buttercream flavours.
- Simple and easy to make this recipe requires minimal ingredients found in most kitchen cupboards.
- Dietary-friendly gluten-free melting moments can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including egg-free, dairy-free, and nut-free versions.
- Nostalgic and delightful, these biscuits bring back childhood memories, offering a sweet treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 110g butter
- 45g icing sugar
- 55g gluten-free self-raising flour
- 55g cornflour
- 3-4 drops of vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut
- Gluten-free decorations sprinkles, cherries, sweets
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 170°C (Gas Mark 3).
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and icing sugar together until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredient: Sieve the cornflour and gluten-free flour, then add to the butter mixture. Mix well until a consistent dough forms.
- Add Flavoring: Incorporate 3-4 drops of vanilla essence (or your chosen flavouring like ginger, cinnamon, or orange peel).
- Chill the dough in the fridge to chill for around two hours. This will help them to keep their shape when baking.
- Shape Biscuits: Roll the mixture into approximately 20 walnut-sized balls, and flatten each ball. Optional: Roll in desiccated coconut.
- Bake: Place biscuits in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Decorate: once cooled, cover with icing and add decorations like cherries or sweets as desired.
What to serve with melting moments biscuits
Gluten-free melting moments pair wonderfully with several accompaniments: Hot Beverages with an afternoon tea. Picnic dessert platters and casual desserts with friends and family.
The versatility of these biscuits allows them to match well with: Vanilla-based desserts, Light fruit competes, Custard, Whipped cream
Since these biscuits have a delicate, buttery texture, they are best served alongside beverages that won’t overpower their subtle flavour profile. The classic pairing remains a simple cup of tea, which allows the biscuits’ melt-in-your-mouth quality to truly shine.
Gluten-free Melting Moments recipe
Are you ready to try my gluten-free melting moments recipe? Then let’s get going.
Gluten-Free Melting Moments Biscuits Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Scales
- Table Spoon
Ingredients
- 110 g butter
- 45 g icing sugar
- 55 g gluten-free self-raising flour
- 55 g cornflour
- 3-4 drops of vanilla essence (or 1 tsp ginger or 1 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp orange peel)
- 1 tbsp desiccated coconut
- Decorations: cherries, sweets or whatever you like
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together.
- Sieve the cornflour and the gluten free flours and add to butter and mix well.
- Add vanilla drops or your chosen flavour.
- Put the dough into the fridge to chill for about two hours. This will help it to hold its shape when baking.
- Roll mixture into about 20 walnut size balls, flatten (you can roll in desiccated coconut if you are using it).
- Bake at 170c or Gas 3 for 20 mins.
- When cool cover with icing and decorate.
Nutrition
If you are interested in more gluten-free biscuit recipes, then you should check out these 👇
- Gluten-free Millionaire Shortbread recipe
- Gluten-free shortcake biscuits recipe
- Gluten-free Welsh griddle cake recipe
Gluten-Free Melting Moments Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free melting moments recipe:
Avoid cross-contamination
If you’re preparing gluten-free melting moments in a kitchen that is not entirely gluten-free, take precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces to prevent gluten from coming into contact with the ingredients.
When possible do not use wooden utensils, cutting boards, and rolling pins that are used with gluten.
Use Quality Gluten-Free Flour
Choose a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ideally one that includes xanthan gum. This helps achieve the right texture and prevents the biscuits from being too crumbly.
Cream Butter and Sugar Well
Beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which contributes to the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the biscuits. Aim for 2-3 minutes of mixing at medium to high speed.
Sift Dry Ingredients
Always sift your dry ingredients (flour, cornflour, and baking powder) before mixing them into the wet ingredients. This helps to aerate the flour and ensures an even distribution of all components.
Chill the Dough if Necessary
If your dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into balls and help maintain their form during baking.
Don’t overbake
Keep an eye on your biscuits as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the centre. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, which is not desirable for melting moments.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your gluten-free melting moments biscuits turn out perfectly every time!
Frequently asked questions
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making gluten-free melting moments?
Overmixing the Dough: Mix ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a gummy and unpleasant texture.
Ignoring Dough Temperature: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even ingredient distribution.
Skipping Binders: Always add a binder like xanthan gum to provide structure and mimic gluten’s elasticity.
Using Only One Type of Flour: Use a blend of gluten-free flours for the best results.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Gluten-free baked goods often require a slightly lower temperature and longer baking time.
Not Resting the Dough: Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate, which improves texture.
Handling the Dry Mixture: The mixture will seem dry – this is normal. Warm the mixture gently through your hands to bring it together, but avoid melting the butter.
What is the best way to store gluten-free melting moments?
Gluten-free melting moments should be stored carefully to maintain their delicate texture.
Airtight Container: Always store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Room Temperature: Keep for 3-5 days at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Refrigeration: They can be stored in the refrigerator, but bring them up to room temperature before serving.
Avoid Moisture: Keep in a dry environment to prevent softening
Temperature Matters: Room temperature is ideal for maintaining texture
Freezing Option Can be frozen for longer storage, but handle carefully due to their fragile nature.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments
There are 4 comments on this post. Leave a comment 👇
This recipe was an absolute delight—simple, quick, and made with pantry staples. The dough was easy to handle, and the biscuits baked perfectly with a golden edge and soft, crumbly texture. True to their name, they melted in the mouth, offering a buttery richness with just the right sweetness.
Perfect for tea time or gifting, these biscuits are a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Easy, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying!
Seriously, they melt in your mouth—total buttery bliss
They actually melt in your mouth, and I may have eaten five in a row.
True to their name, these biscuits melt in your mouth and are utterly delightful.