To make gluten-free cookies for a dirt cake, you can use a few simple substitutions and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Here’s a quick recipe for gluten-free chocolate cookies that work perfectly for a dirt cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. Bake: Scoop small amounts of dough (about 1-inch balls) onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
7. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Crushing for Dirt Cake:

1. Let the cookies cool completely to avoid clumping when crushing.
2. Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor for fine crumbs.

These cookies are rich, chocolatey, and crumble beautifully to create a perfect “dirt” layer for your cake! Let me know if you need a full dirt cake recipe! 😊