King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Cookie Mix

This was an interesting trial for me.  Occasionally, I get to try kitchen products or foods.  So I was intrigued when I got the request the try King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Cookie Mix.

First off, I can have gluten products, so this product is not necessary for me.  But that also gave me a way to truly compare it to 'the real thing' I would normally make.  I've never (knowingly) had a gluten free bakery product.

So to start, this is just a base.  You can add nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or whatever to it.  I added some chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a little something different.  for those who've never tried a gluten free mix, the powder base you work with is typically a rice flour or tapioca powder or a mix of the two.  As anyone whose been in the kitchen can tell you, those two items can become very sticky.  Which, in turn, makes this a very sticky batter when mixing.  Didn't think much of it until I tried to spoon out the cookies... they didn't want to leave the scoop (and I have one of those snazzy cookie scoops)!

Of course I tried the batter... I know... you're not supposed to.  But I can never help myself.  This is when I noticed the next big difference... a much grainier/gritty consistency.  But the taste wasn't far off from your typical batter.

They cooked up pretty well, though they obviously don't rise like some cookies can.  But when they came out, if no one told me from looking at them, I never would've known they were gluten-free!

Now the real test... how do they taste?  I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.  They definitely weren't the same as your flour based cookie, but they had a very similar flavor.  And that grainy texture could still be felt, but that may only be because I knew it was there before.

One thing I will note is they didn't store well as long as normal cookies.  I guess the tapioca/rice dries out faster?  Not sure.  But you may not have them around toolong, anyway.

Final verdict?  If you have a family member that can't have gluten, this is a great substitute that the whole family can still enjoy.  I, myself, don't see buying these 'just because' in the future... but that's probably more because I like making them from scratch.  Or just going to the dairy section of the grocery store if time doesn't allow for scratch.  But all in all, this is a product I could get behind.