King Arthur Measure for Measure: The Ultimate Soft Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Welcome back to another delightful adventure into the world of “back-of-the-bag” recipes! This time, our culinary journey takes us straight to the heart of gluten-free baking with King Arthur’s highly acclaimed Measure for Measure flour blend. While this isn’t a sponsored post or a promotion, it’s an honest exploration of a recipe printed directly on the packaging, a tradition I’ve come to genuinely enjoy. After absolutely raving about the Cup4Cup gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, it felt only right—and deliciously necessary—to put King Arthur’s Soft Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies to the test. Join me as we uncover the secrets to their unique texture and irresistible flavor, perfect for anyone seeking a truly exceptional gluten-free cookie experience.

Unpacking the Measure for Measure Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

The King Arthur Measure for Measure chocolate chip cookie recipe immediately stood out due to its slightly unconventional ingredient list and mixing method. Unlike many traditional cookie recipes that rely heavily on butter and simple creaming, this gluten-free version calls for a modest 6 tablespoons of butter, enriched by the addition of honey, milk, and a whole tablespoon of vinegar. These ingredients aren’t just for flavor; they play crucial roles in the chemistry of gluten-free baking, often substituting for the structural properties that gluten provides.

The method itself also deviates from the norm. Instead of the typical creaming of butter and sugar, this recipe instructs you to beat together the butter, both granulated and brown sugars, honey, vanilla, and all the leavening agents (baking soda and baking powder) first. Only after this initial blend are the vinegar, egg, and milk incorporated, followed by the gluten-free flour. My hypothesis for this specific sequence is to meticulously control the aeration and prevent overbeating. Gluten-free flours can be particularly sensitive to overmixing, which can lead to a dry, crumbly, or overly cakey texture. By combining the leavening agents early, the recipe likely aims to activate them optimally before the flour is fully integrated, ensuring a tender and dense crumb rather than a light, airy, and potentially dry one. Personally, I’ve found that using a simple wooden spoon or a heavy-duty silicone scraper yields the best results, preventing any accidental over-aeration that an electric mixer on higher speeds might cause. This gentle approach helps achieve that coveted soft, dense, and chewy cookie texture that makes these gluten-free treats so delightful.

The inclusion of honey not only adds a lovely depth of sweetness but also contributes to the cookies’ moistness and chewiness. Honey is a humectant, meaning it helps to retain moisture, which is incredibly beneficial in gluten-free baking where dryness can sometimes be an issue. The tablespoon of vinegar might seem odd, but it serves as an acid that reacts with the baking soda, boosting the leavening power and creating a tender crumb. This thoughtful combination of ingredients and technique ensures that these gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are not just acceptable, but truly exceptional.

Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor in Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

The first bite of these King Arthur Measure for Measure chocolate chip cookies immediately confirms their exceptional quality. They are astonishingly soft and thick, yet possess a delightful chewiness that many gluten-free cookies struggle to achieve. Beyond the texture, the flavor profile is rich and complex. The combination of brown sugar and honey provides deep caramel notes, while the vanilla extract elevates the overall aroma. Even the subtle hint of vinegar, when the recipe is followed precisely, contributes a touch of brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully, preventing the cookies from being cloyingly rich.

My initial attempt, however, served as a valuable lesson in attention to detail! In my haste, I completely omitted half of the sugar. The resulting batch, while edible, had a noticeably pronounced vinegar taste, which was quite startling. This unfortunate mishap necessitated a complete redo, but it also reinforced the importance of careful measurement in baking, especially with gluten-free recipes where the balance of ingredients is often more delicate. Once I corrected my mistake and followed the recipe faithfully, these cookies quickly became a staple in my kitchen. I’ve since made them countless times, often in half batches, which is perfectly manageable by using just 2 tablespoons of egg. This flexibility makes them ideal for a quick indulgence or a smaller gathering.

For ultimate convenience and accuracy, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale for all gluten-free baking. Weighing ingredients, particularly gluten-free flour, removes any ambiguity of volume measurements. Gluten-free flours can vary significantly in density depending on how they are packed into a measuring cup, leading to inconsistencies in your final product. If you absolutely must use volume measurements, the best practice is to gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents compacting the flour, which can lead to too much flour in the recipe and a dry, dense cookie. For these particular cookies, aiming for 240 grams of Measure for Measure flour is key. Trust me, investing in a simple kitchen scale will transform your gluten-free baking success.

Creative Baking: Square Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Beyond the traditional round cookie shape, I experimented with baking these delectable gluten-free chocolate chip cookies in a butter-rubbed mini brownie bar pan. The results were not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious! The cookies baked into charming soft square shapes, each piece boasting wonderfully buttery-tasting edges. This simple alteration enhanced the overall flavor experience significantly, as the direct contact with the buttered pan edges created a rich, caramelized crust that was absolutely divine. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, adding another layer of flavor and texture to an already fantastic cookie.

Even if you’re using a nonstick square brownie bar pan, I strongly advise against skipping the generous greasing step with your favorite high-quality butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but, more importantly, infuses the cookie edges with an unparalleled richness and a delicate crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. This method offers a fun and easy way to elevate your baking, transforming a classic treat into something a little more unique and gourmet. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your baking pans; you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy these gluten-free delights!

And for those truly seeking an indulgent experience, I couldn’t resist trying a gluten-free Oreo stuffed version. I only managed to make one of these decadent creations, but it was an absolute revelation! The crunchy, chocolatey Oreo core enveloped by the soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie was a match made in heaven. It’s a fantastic way to take these already wonderful cookies to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

The Magic of Back-of-the-Bag Gluten-Free Cookies: A Culinary Perspective

In summary, the King Arthur Measure for Measure chocolate chip cookies truly deliver on their promise of soft, thick, and flavorful gluten-free goodness. If you’re not strictly gluten-free, I still encourage you to pick up a bag of this blend and try this recipe. It offers a unique opportunity to explore different textures and flavors that gluten-free flours bring to the table, rather than perceiving it merely as a substitute for traditional wheat flour. For me, gluten-free baking is about embracing new culinary possibilities; it’s about adding distinct characteristics and enriching the flavor profile, not just “cutting something out.” The Measure for Measure blend, with its carefully balanced combination of rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch, contributes a neutral flavor profile that allows the other ingredients to shine, while providing excellent structure and chewiness. This makes it an ideal canvas for various baked goods, and especially these cookies.

These “back-of-the-bag” recipes are invaluable resources because they are specifically formulated and tested by the flour manufacturers, ensuring optimal results with their particular blend. They eliminate much of the guesswork often associated with adapting traditional recipes to be gluten-free. It’s a testament to the quality and reliability that brands like King Arthur bring to the gluten-free market, making delicious baking accessible to everyone.

For those eager to continue their gluten-free cookie exploration, here’s a curated list of some other outstanding back-of-the-bag gluten-free cookie recipes that have delighted my taste buds and consistently delivered fantastic results:

• **Bob’s Red Mill Millet Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies:** These offer a wonderfully unique texture and a subtle nutty flavor from the millet, perfectly complemented by the rich peanut butter and chocolate. A delightful departure from the norm.
• **Pillsbury Flour Blend Chocolate Chip Cookies:** Also incredibly soft, these cookies tend to be a bit crumblier than the King Arthur version, but equally delicious. They’re a fantastic choice for those who prefer a more delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• **Trader Joe’s Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies:** If you’re looking for a less sweet option with a distinct, rich almond flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture, these are a must-try. They feel a bit more wholesome while still satisfying that cookie craving.
• **Cup4Cup Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies:** These are truly exceptional, known for their thick, chewy, and slightly crisp edges, reminiscent of a classic bakery-style chocolate chip cookie. They hold their shape beautifully and are a crowd-pleaser every time.

Each of these recipes brings something unique to the gluten-free baking table, proving that living gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Happy baking, and enjoy these wonderful gluten-free treats!

Recipe: King Arthur Measure for Measure Soft Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies