Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (2024)

Published:

Note: This site is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for the site to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.

Jump to Recipe -

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies!

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (1)

These Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies - from my book, "More Than Poutine" - have the texture & flavour of the original Winnipeg favourite!

Note: This recipe was first posted on my original blog, Celebration Generation, on May 19, 2020. It was transferred over to this blog - existing comments and all - on Feb 26, 2021

This recipe is from my cookbook, “More Than Poutine: Favourite Foods from my Home and Native Land”, and it’s for the gluten-free version of my Imperial Cookies recipe. Every recipe in that book - aside from I think 2 - have alternate instructions to make a fantastic gluten-free version of the original.

Don’t need gluten-free? Check the notes in the recipe for how to adjust this recipe to make my traditional, gluteny version!

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (2)

What are Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies?

Imperial Cookies are a traditional sandwich cookie in Winnipeg - you can buy them anywhere, there! Gas stations, bakeries, pretty much every coffee shop... as a dessert at many of the delis, etc.

They’re a sandwich cookie made of two shortbread (or sugar) cookies, raspberry jam filling, and a white glaze flavoured that’s usually flavoured with almond extract.

There is almost always - I swear it’s a requirement - a red dot or blotch of some sort in the middle of the glazed top cookie. (More on this in a little bit).

Usually, the cookies are made with a scalloped edge, as pictured. (I use this Wilton Round Cookie Cutter Setfor not only these cookies, but many other cookies and crackers!), though you can use a smooth edge if you like.

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (3)

An Imperial Cookie by Any Other Name...

While “Imperial Cookies” are fairly specific/regional to Winnipeg, the cookie type itself can be found in various parts of the world... just not by the same name!

Gluten-Free Empire Cookies

Empire Cookies are what they’re known as in pretty much the rest of North America, with one small caveat: The frosting of Empire Cookies tends to be vanilla flavoured, rather than almond.

The almond flavour really ties the whole thing together, IMHO.

Gluten-Free Empire Biscuits

As you may guess by the name, this is what similar cookies are called over in the United Kingdom.

Additionally, they’re more likely to be made from shortbread when found over there, whereas the Winnipeg version tends to be a sugar cookie.

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (4)

Imperial Cookie Variations

Realistically, there’s only so far you can veer from the basics, before it’s something not identifiable as an Imperial cookie. That said, there are two main ways you can tinker with this recipe, without really offending the purists. (Maybe!)

The Filling

Raspberry Jam is traditional, and it’s absolutely the default... but you can definitely get away with using any red type of jam or jelly.

Strawberry or red currant works really well!

Personally, I’ll take it a step further: My favourite jam to use in this is blackcurrant.

After 12 years in the US - with very limited access to blackcurrant anything - I’ll put it in anything I can! Also, I just like it better than raspberry.

Yes, it’s purple... but sometimes the tastebuds want what the tastebuds want... tradition be damned 🙂

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (5)

The ... Accent

That little red dot on top is pretty much a requirement, but what you use for it is a little more freestyle. A few options:

Icing

When whipping up the glaze, set aside a very small amount - about a tablespoon - to tint with red food colouring.

Once tinted, transfer to a pastry bag with a small hole cut in the tip - or is fixed with a small round tip - to pipe the dots once the white glaze is down.

Piping Gel

Piping Gel is a clear, frosting-type gel product that you can buy in the cake decorating section of pretty much any grocery store.

It tends to come in little tubes that you can pipe directly from, and is the easiest option for getting the red dot.

One caveat: It doesn’t tend to dry out, so stacking cookies with gel paste will make a mess of it.

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (6)

Maraschino Cherries

If you’re using maraschino cherries for this, be sure to drain them well, chop them, then blot the chopped bits with paper towel, as excess moisture will ruin the clean look of the cookie.

As a note: I’ve found that you’re more likely to find cherries - either glaceed or maraschino - on these cookies when they’re outside of Winnipeg (“Empire Cookies”), than when they’re in Winnipeg.

Glaceed Cherries

I find glaceed cherries to be inedible and highly offensive, but some people love them - and they’re a popular choice for the red spot on these cookies.

You can buy the glaceed cherries already chopped up, or cut up whole ones.

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (7)

More Canadian Recipes!

Looking for more recipes from the ‘great white north’? Look no further!

Chow Chow Relish
Gluten-Free Bacon Poutine Pizza
Gluten-Free Beaver Tail Recipe
Gluten Free Butter Tart Bars
Gluten-Free Butter Tarts
Gluten-Free Cod Au Gratin

Gluten-Free Chicken Mushroom Tourtiere
Gluten-Free Nanaimo Bar Brownies
Gluten-Free Puffed Rice Bars
Gluten-Free Schmoo Torte
Gluten-Free Tourtiere

Looking for even more Canadian recipes? Check out our full Gluten-Free Canadian Recipes list!

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (8)

Share the Love!

Before you chow down, be sure to take some pics of your handiwork! If you Instagram it, be sure to tag me - @BeyondFlourBlog - or post it to My Facebook Page - so I can cheer you on!

Also, be sure to subscribe to my free email newsletter, so you never miss out on any of my nonsense.

Well, the published nonsense, anyway!

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (9)

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (10)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies

Imperial Cookies are a Winnipeg favourite. This Gluten-Free version - from "More Than Poutine" has all of the texture and flavour, with none of the gluten!

Prep Time25 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Chilling time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Canadian, Gluten-free

Servings: 25 3" Sandwich Cookies

Calories: 200kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Cookies:

To Assemble:

  • ½ cup Raspberry jam
  • 2 ½ cups Icing powdered/confectioner sugar
  • Pinch Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Almond extract
  • 2-3 tablespoon Hot water
  • Red food colouring gel icing, or finally chopped candied cherries

Instructions

  • In a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in eggs and egg white, a little at a time, beating well between each addition. Add vanilla extract, and mix until well incorporated and smooth.

  • Mix flours, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, baking powder, ans salt together. Carefully mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Wrap dough in plastic film, chill for 1 hour.

  • Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C), line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  • Dust work surface generously with corn starch, roll cookie dough out to about ¼" thick (can be slightly thicker).

  • Use cookie cutters to cut out 3" scalloped rounds, place cookies 2" apart on prepared baking sheets.

  • Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until bottoms look lightly golden.

  • Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before moving. Cookies need to cool completely before sandwiching.

  • While waiting for the cookies to cool, make your glaze: Use a fork to whisk together icing sugar and salt. Add almond extract and enough hot water to make a thin glaze.

  • Flip half of the cookies over, spread underside with jam. Top each with one of the remaining cookies.

  • Spread top of each cookie sandwich with glaze, place a dot of red frosting (dyed remaining glaze), gel icing, or a piece of cherry while glaze is still wet.

  • Allow cookies to sit, undisturbed, until set.

Notes

For the Gluten Version:

Omit brown rice flour, sorgham flour, coconut flour, tapioca starch, and xanthan gum. Use 2 ½ cups of All Purpose Flour instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 189IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (11)

Related posts:

Gluten Free Raspberry BarsGluten Free Gingerbread CookiesGluten-Free PaskaGluten-Free Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Gluten-Free Imperial Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep gluten-free cookies from falling apart? ›

Use a Binder

Binders like xanthan gum and guar gum provide structure in gluten-free baking to make up for the missing gluten. This prevents cookies from being too crumbly plus it also helps with freshness.

Why are my gluten-free cookies so dry? ›

Add extra liquid: Gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid than regular flour, so you may need to add more liquid to your recipes to compensate. This can help to keep your baked goods moist and prevent them from becoming dry and crumbly.

Why did my gluten-free cookies not rise? ›

13- Make sure your baking soda and/or baking powder are fresh. These are the leavening agents in your cookie recipe and if they are no longer active, your cookies won't puff up and may spread more. Try a fresh container if they've been open longer than 3 months. 14- Use a tried and true gluten free cookie mix.

How do you know when gluten-free cookies are done? ›

While visual cues like the toothpick test and pressing the top of the cake will still help, the best way to determine if your baked goods are perfectly done is with a timer and oven thermometer. This is because gluten-free treats often look underdone and slightly wet inside after baking.

Should I add xanthan gum to gluten-free cookies? ›

Using xanthan gum helps provide some of the stickiness that gluten free goods lack, replacing some elasticity. Xanthan gum mimics some of gluten's most essential properties by sticking to flour and its moisture. This helps create moist goods that hold their shape after being baked.

Should I refrigerate gluten free cookie dough before baking? ›

Your results may vary if using a different GF flour blend. The longer you let the dough sit in the fridge before baking, the better these cookies will be!

What is the secret to moist gluten-free baking? ›

Moisture – for some reason gluten-free cakes tend to get a little dry. Any gluten-free cake will dry out super-fast and get hard on the outside if it's not properly refrigerated and covered. I swear by always using buttermilk and adding a little more fat into the batter to compensate for the dryness.

How can I improve my gluten-free cookie texture? ›

Give xanthan gum a try – This is a very common bonding agent in gluten-free baked foods. If your recipes tend to crumble too much then add some xanthan gum to the ingredients and you will get much better elasticity. These tips are amazing for improving the texture and taste of your gluten-free foods.

Should you let gluten free cookie dough rest? ›

Instead of proceeding directly to baking, let the gluten-free cookie dough rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period is crucial for hydration, not leavening. During this time, gluten-free flours absorb moisture from the wet ingredients, altering the dough's texture and consistency.

What holds gluten-free cookies together? ›

It might sound scary, but xanthan gum is key for successful gluten-free baking. It helps bind together the ingredients, preventing your cookies from falling to pieces.

Why are my gluten-free cookies dry and crumbly? ›

One of the most common gluten-free baking tips is “let your batter rest”. Letting the batter rest gives the gluten-free flours and starches more time to absorb the moisture. In theory, it will turn your dry, crumbly cakes into delicious, moist masterpieces.

What happens when you use gluten-free flour in cookies? ›

Gluten-free flours often contain fine starches, so they absorb more liquid than conventional flour. To address this, gluten-free recipes usually call for more liquid and produce looser batters. They may also call for a larger quantity of leavening, like baking powder, to help add volume and lighten the texture.

What is the best gluten-free flour to use for cookies? ›

What's the best gluten-free flour for baking? Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix is my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking. It has a mild texture and plenty of "stick" thanks to a blend of sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour, plus some starches and xanthan gum.

What is the trick to baking with gluten-free flour? ›

2 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of gluten-free flour is necessary to ensure proper leavening. Baking soda and buttermilk can be used to leaven instead of baking powder, but 1-1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar should be added for each 1/2 teaspoon baking soda used.

How do you thicken gluten-free cookies? ›

Chilling the dough for at least several hours results in cookies that are extra-thick and chonky because it allows the flours to absorb more moisture.

Why is gluten-free baking crumbly? ›

This might be due to the lack of gluten but can be for many other reasons. Lots of gluten free flour is rice based and this can result in a dry and slightly gritty texture. The Juvela gluten free White and Fibre Mix have been developed to be as comparable to gluten containing flour as possible.

How do you keep cookies from being crumbly? ›

If you overmix the dough, the cookies will be dry and crumbly. The best way to fix this is to add more liquid to the dough. This can be done by adding milk, water, or even melted butter. You may also need to add more flour to the dough if it is too wet.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6672

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.