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My focus this holiday season has been on creating family traditions. With the recent arrival of my second baby, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of creating family recipes that will hopefully last us generations – like the gluten-free cinnamon rolls I plan on making every Christmas morning and the gluten-free Christmas cookies we’ll bake for family and friends.

These gluten-free molasses cookies are classic and totally timeless – yet easy to make in just one-bowl, NO chilling required! It’s these minor tweaks I made over rounds of recipe testing that I hope one day even my great grandkids will appreciate. I also baked these cookies with my toddler last week, and it passed the kid-friendly test with flying colors! He loved rolling the cookies in sugar, and I loved that I only had one bowl to clean. 🙂 Win, win!

a gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

What Makes These the BEST Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

These gluten-free molasses cookies check every box:

  • Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced like classic bakery-style molasses cookies
  • Made in one bowl with easy pantry-staple ingredients
  • No chilling required—meaning cookies in under 20 minutes
  • Naturally gluten-free, and easily dairy-free/vegan with simple swaps
  • Perfect crackly tops thanks to rolling the dough in sugar
  • A reliable dough that doesn’t spread too much and bakes evenly every time

If you’ve been looking for a gluten-free molasses cookie that tastes exactly like the real thing, this is the recipe you’ll keep forever!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Molasses: I recommend using unsulphured molasses and avoiding blackstrap molasses – it’s more bitter and a little too thick for this cookie recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum works best. I love and recommend either the King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon.
  • Butter: To make these cookies dairy-free, swap the butter for vegan butter sticks or softened coconut oil.
  • Spices: The spice blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their classic “gingersnap meets molasses cookie” flavor. Adjust ginger for more or less spice!
one gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store these gluten-free molasses cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. They also freeze beautifully – store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing on the counter before enjoying.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with vegan butter or softened coconut oil. The texture remains soft and chewy.

How do I also make these cookies vegan?

Yes – simply use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water). Bake time remains the same!

Sam’s Baking Tips

  • Don’t skimp on the spices! Molasses cookies need a strong spice profile.
  • Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
  • Roll in sugar for that perfect crackly top and bakery-style finish!
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gluten-free molasses cookies are soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, made in one bowl, and require no chilling—a holiday win! They taste just like the classic version, and no one will ever guess they’re gluten-free or dairy-free.

overhead image of gluten-free molasses cookies on a table.
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One-Bowl Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies (no chilling required!)

These soft and chewy gluten-free molasses cookies are packed with warm holiday spices and made in just one bowl – no chilling required! They bake up with perfectly crackled tops, rich molasses flavor, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture no one will believe is gluten-free. The perfect easy Christmas cookie that’s also dairy-free friendly and ideal for gifting, parties, or cozy winter baking!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

  • 2 large cookie sheets
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter softened (or non-dairy butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating the cookies

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Beat butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl with either a hand or stand mixer, until light and fluffy. Add in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat again until combined.
  • Add in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix again just until a dough forms – careful not to over-mix the cookie dough!
  • Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll the dough between the palm of your hands to form a smooth ball, then roll the ball in sugar before placing it on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly press down each cookie just a little to flatten it, then bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookie from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 7g

Like most of my recipes, this cinnamon sugar pretzel bites recipe started with a craving. Specifically a craving for a cup of warm cinnamon sugar pretzel bites from the mall… yup, you know the kind. The pretzels you smell as soon as you enter the mall and crave the entire time you shop. (No but really, they should seriously make a candle out of them because they smell so good!) Unfortunately though, those mall pretzel bites are made with regular flour and I’m sure a bunch of other ingredients that aren’t great for us. So I figured, why not make them myself?! Though if you look up pretzel bite recipes, you’ll find a bunch of very complicated ones that require kneading, rising, and a ton of steps I simply don’t have the time for. So, I came up with this 6 ingredient pretzels bites recipe that requires just 6 ingredients (!!!) and there’s no kneading, rising, or confusing steps required. Simply mix the dough, roll them into balls, quickly boil, then bake! And if cinnamon sugar really isn’t your thing, you can sprinkle these with salt instead. Either way, I just know you’re gonna love ’em!

And if you love these 6-ingredient cinnamon sugar pretzel bites, you’ll also go crazy for my 5-ingredient single serve cinnamon roll and 3-ingredient gluten-free bagel bites. They even all use the same set of ingredients!

cinnamon sugar pretzel bites on a plate.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites

  • Gluten-free & 6 ingredients – just one bowl, no yeast required!
  • Quick prep + deep flavor – From mixing the dough to baking and coating, you’ll be done in about 30 minutes.
  • Versatile & crowd-friendly – Enjoy plain, with dips, or coated in cinnamon sugar for a delicious sweet treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes – use dairy-free yogurt (for the dough) and replace melted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil for the topping.

How do I store these pretzel bites?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to restore texture.

Recipe variations?
Try topping with chocolate drizzle, sea salt instead of sugar, or adding shredded coconut. You could even roll in pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

close up image of cinnamon sugar pretzel bites on a plate.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Dust your work surface generously with gluten-free flour to prevent sticking – gluten-free dough tends to be a bit softer.
  • After brushing or dipping in the baking soda wash, place the bites on parchment to avoid sticking and allow the coating to set properly.
  • Shake the warm finished bites in a large bowl with melted butter and cinnamon sugar to ensure even coating.
  • Serve warm for the best texture – if they cool down, pop them into a warm oven (350°F) for 2-3 minutes.
cinnamon sugar pretzel bites on a plate, one with a bite taken out.
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6-Ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites (gluten-free!)

These 6-ingredient Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Bites are soft, chewy, and coated in delicious cinnamon sugar! Made with gluten-free flour and Greek yogurt, this no-knead recipe comes together in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy treat. You’ll love how easy these pretzel bites are to make – no yeast, no rising, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

For the baking soda wash:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

For topping:

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix together the gluten-free all purpose flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Then, add in the plain Greek yogurt and mix until a dough comes together (you may need to use your hands to help bring the dough together). If the dough seems dry and won’t come together in a ball, try adding an additional 1-3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the dough.
  • Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between the palms of your hands to form it into an oval nugget shape. Place each pretzel bite onto your prepared baking sheet.
  • Make the baking soda wash by whisking together the water and baking soda in a small bowl, then either brush or dip each pretzel bite into the wash.
  • Bake the pretzel bites for 15-20 minutes, or until deep golden brown. While the pretzel bites bake, make your cinnamon-sugar coating by mixing together the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  • Remove the pretzel bites from the oven and while they’re still warm, toss them in the melted butter then either toss or sprinkle them with the cinnamon sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g

Adding protein to my favorite desserts is nothing new for me. I have a protein dunkaroo dip recipe, protein chocolate chip cookies, and edible protein cookie dough (among many more!). So when I set out to make another protein dessert recipe, I wanted something classic, quick, easy, and ideally no-bake – especially in this summer heat! Rice crispy treats exactly fit the bill. What I love most about this protein rice crispy treat recipe is it’s made with just 4 very simple ingredients. Marshmallows, butter, protein powder, and rice cereal come together to make a protein-packed treat with over 10 grams of protein per serving that are just as delicious as classic rice crispy treats!

overhead image of protein rice crispy treats cut into squares.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Rice Crispy Treats

  • High protein, fun treat: Each square delivers around 10g of protein, making them satisfying and energizing!
  • No-bake: Ready in about 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Kid-approved: Still soft, chewy, and kid-friendly – just with a protein boost!
  • Gluten-free and easily made vegan: These protein treats are made with gluten-free ingredients and can be made dairy-free and/or vegan (see the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below).

What Kind of Protein Powder Can I Use?

Use your favorite – vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based work great. Just be aware that vegan powders might need adjustment: adding extra melted butter can help keep the texture just right!

protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.

Storage Instructions

Store squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days – though they’re best enjoyed sooner for that perfect chewy texture. Want a more solid treat? Chill them briefly for firmer bars.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter in place of regular butter to make this a non-dairy protein treat!

Make it Vegan: Use vegan marshmallows and vegan protein powder – I like this plant-based protein powder from Aloha.

protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.
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4-Ingredient Protein Rice Crispy Treats

These Protein Rice Crispy Treats are a no-bake, 4-ingredient protein snack with 10 grams of protein per square! Easy to make, gluten-free, and totally delicious, they’re a healthy twist on the classic treat.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Equipment

  • 1 medium pot

Ingredients

  • 6 cups rice cereal
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag marshmallows
  • 1 cup protein powder either vanilla or unflavored

Instructions

  • Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the inside of the pan with butter.
  • Melt the butter and marshmallows together in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Stir often until the mixture is smooth and marshmallows are completely melted.
  • Remove the pot from the heat, then add in the protein powder and mix together until fully combined.
  • Add in the rice cereal and quickly mix them into the melted marshmallow mixture.
  • Transfer the rice crispy treat mixture to your prepared baking dish, press it into an even layer, then let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove the rice crispy treats from the pan and slice into squares then enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 7g | Sugar: 20g

Pregnancy cravings are something I take very seriously. And this week’s cravings?? Cheez its! Or really just anything with cheese – ha! (I’ve also been obsessed with my 3-ingredient gluten free bagel bites slathered with tons of cream cheese – YUM!) Though because classic Cheeze-Its are not gluten-free, I decided to make this entirely gluten-free version with just 3 ingredients. They’re crispy, salty, extra cheesy, and honestly much better than the real thing.

overhead image of a bowl of gluten free cheez its crackers.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Cheez-Its

  • Simple Ingredients: Only three main ingredients needed!
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, or looking for a healthier version of their favorite cracker.
  • Deliciously Cheesy: These gluten free cheez its are packed with REAL cheddar cheese, for even better flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cheez-Its gluten-free?

Traditional Cheez-Its contain wheat and are not gluten-free. This homemade version uses gluten-free flour, making them suitable for those avoiding gluten.​

Do I need to use a food processor?

While a food processor makes the process easier, you can also use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to combine the ingredients.​

How do I store these gluten-free crackers?

Store the cooled crackers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.​

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.​

gluten free cheez its on a table with flaky sea salt.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture.
  • Rolling the Dough: Rolling the dough between parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup!
  • Uniform Size: Cutting the crackers into uniform sizes ensures even baking. You can cut these crackers into whatever shape you’d like though.
overhead image of a bowl of gluten free cheez its crackers.
5 from 1 vote

3-Ingredient Gluten Free Cheez-Its

These homemade gluten free cheez its are crispy, cheesy, and made with just 3 simple ingredients. They're the perfect easy snack that’s gluten-free, kid-friendly, and way better than store-bought. Whip up a batch in under 30 minutes for a satisfying, cheesy crunch everyone will love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor
  • 2 sheets parchment paper
  • 1 large baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose gluten-free flour
  • 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons cold butter cut into cubes
  • 4-5 tablespoons cold water
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add the all purpose gluten-free flour, shredded cheddar cheese, cold butter, and a pinch of salt to a food processor. Pulse until a dry and crumbly mixture comes together (it should resemble breadcrumbs).
  • Pour in 3 tablespoons of cold water, then pulse a few more times until the dough comes together in the ball. If the dough still seems too dry, add in the remaining 1-2 tablespoons of cold water.
  • Transfer the dough to a large sheet of parchment paper and place another sheet of parchment paper on top of the dough. Roll out the dough between the parchment paper until it’s about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Remove the top sheet of parchment paper and cut the dough into 1-inch crackers. Poke a small hole into the center of each cracker and sprinkled the crackers with crackers with flaky sea salt.
  • Then, transfer the dough (still on top of the parchment paper) to a large baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are lightly golden brown. Allow the crackers to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g

We all need a solid vanilla cupcake recipe in our back pocket when the occasion arises. For me, this occasion my son’s upcoming 2nd birthday party (time flies!). But for you, this could be a birthday party, baby shower, holiday party, or a simple Tuesday night when you’re craving something sweet.

Now you might be wondering, what makes these gluten-free cupcakes the best ever?? Well, for one very simple reason. They taste identical to their non gluten-free counterparts. Meaning, those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy/intolerance can enjoy these perfect vanilla cupcakes with everyone else. So no one will feel left out or dissatisfied!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Pantry Staples: This recipe’s ingredients are all items you may have right on hand in your pantry which will make this a super easy vanilla cupcake recipe to put together!
  • Classic Vanilla Cupcake Taste: This gluten-free cupcake tastes exactly like a classic vanilla cupcake so no need to worry about anyone missing out on this sweet treat!
  • Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to use dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter for these cupcakes! You can also use egg replacement to make these vegan! If taking this option, I recommend the Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and Elmhurst Almond Milk. You can also add any cupcake toppings like sprinkles, cupcake jams or toppers to make them special for any birthday or holiday event!
gluten-free vanilla cupcakes on a table with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles on top.

What You’ll Need

All Purpose Gluten-Free Flour: I swear by the Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour for all my gluten-free baking needs. It does a perfect job at keeping your bakes together, and mimicking the taste and texture of regular all purpose flour. Though you can definitely use whatever brand of all purpose gluten-free flour you prefer! I’ve also tried King Arthur and Nature’s Promise gluten-free flour blends, and they work great as well. Make sure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum. If not, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.

Butter: I used non-dairy butter, but any butter will work in this recipe. Salted or unsalted butter won’t make much of a difference either, so use whichever you have on-hand! Just remember to bring it to room temperature first, so that it’s soft.

Sugar: White sugar or cane sugar both work well in these gluten-free vanilla cupcakes. You can try using either coconut sugar or maple sugar in its place for a slightly healthier recipe, though I haven’t had the chance to test these options myself yet.

Eggs: These eggs will be the binder that holds the batter together for these cupcakes. Make sure that they’re room temperature. Room-temperature eggs are important because they’ll ensure that your cupcakes rise and have a nice fluffy texture!

Vanilla Extract: this will add the perfect balance of sweetness and warm vanilla flavor these vanilla cupcakes need.

Milk: Feel free to use your favorite non-dairy milk if you’d like! The milk will also help to make sure your cupcakes have a nice fluffy texture!

a bite taken out of a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

How to Make The Best Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

  1. Prepare your dry and wet ingredients: Whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Beat in one egg at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
  2. Bake Your Cupcakes: Once you’ve slowly combined your wet and dry ingredients into a batter, fill your cupcake liners and bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  3. Frost Your Cupcakes: Make the frosting by adding all of the frosting ingredients to a large bowl and beating with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Once they’ve cooled, decorate with frosting and sprinkles if you’d like!
  4. Pack & Store: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Top Tips

  • Beat the butter and sugar together really well in the third step of this recipe. The goal is to introduce as much air to the mixture as possible. This will result in a lighter and fluffier gluten-free vanilla cupcakes!
  • Use an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop to fill your cupcake molds. This simple trick makes filling your vanilla cupcake tin much quicker and easier. This also guarantees even-sized cupcakes that will bake at the exact same rate!
  • Sub the vanilla frosting for a cream cheese frosting instead! To do this, replace the butter with 1/4 cup butter plus 1/2 cup softened cream cheese. Whip all ingredients together just as you would the vanilla frosting, then spread over your cooled gluten-free vanilla cupcakes.

Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy milk to make these gluten-free and dairy-free vanilla cupcakes! If taking this option, I recommend the Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks and Elmhurst Almond Milk.

Make it Vegan: For vegan vanilla cupcakes, follow the same modifications as you would for the dairy-free version above. Then, use your favorite vegan egg replacement in place of the eggs – I recommend this one from Bob’s Red Mill.

close up image of a gluten-free vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles.
5 from 3 votes

Best Ever Gluten-Free Vanilla Cupcakes

I don't mean to brag, but these gluten-free vanilla cupcakes are truly the best ever! Perfectly soft, fluffy, sweet, and moist (sorry if that word makes you cringe!). Whip up a batch of these gluten-free cupcakes for your next party as a fun treat even gluten-eaters will love.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 hand or stand mixer
  • 1 cupcake tin

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose gluten-free flour see Notes
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup milk

For the vanilla frosting:

  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer until fluffy. Beat in one egg at a time, then add in the vanilla extract.
  • With your mixer on low speed, add 1/3 of the flour mixture into the butter mixture, then about half of the milk. Then, add in another 1/3 of the flour mixture, then the remaining milk, then the remaining flour mixture.
  • Once batter is fully combined, transfer ¼ cup of batter into each cupcake mold. Bake cupcakes for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  • Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  • Make the frosting by adding all frosting ingredients to a large bowl and beating with either a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Once cupcakes have cooled, decorate with frosting and sprinkles if you’d like.

Notes

Make sure your gluten-free flour contains xanthan gum. If not, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 2.3g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 37g