Recipe: Gluten-Free Cut-Out Cookies

Make the flour blend: Place the brown rice, white rice, sweet rice, and tapioca flours and xanthan gum in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer the mix to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 weeks or in the refrigerator for up to 4 months.

Make the cookies: Place 2 cups of the flour blend, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. (Alternatively, use an electric hand mixer and large bowl.) Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and beat for 1 minute. Add the egg and beat for 1 minute. Add the vanilla and beat to combine. Add the citrus zest (if using). Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed until combined.

Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes, or for up to 3 days.

Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat to 375°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Remove 1 dough disk from the refrigerator. If the dough is rock hard, let it sit at room temperature to warm up a bit. Place the dough between two sheets of waxed or parchment paper and roll to 1/8-inch thick.

Using cookie cutters dipped in tapioca flour, cut out as many shapes as possible. Using a spatula, transfer the cutouts to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Roll out the dough scraps and repeat the process until all the dough is used or the cookie sheets are full. The dough is best cut when it is firm, so you may have to return it to the refrigerator before cutting more shapes.

Sprinkle the shapes with colored sugar if desired, or leave them plain and decorate with icing after baking. Bake until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Let the sheets cool completely and repeat with the remaining dough. While the cookies are cooling, make the icing.

Make the icing: Place the powdered sugar in a large bowl. Add the vanilla and 4 tablespoons of the cream. Whisk until all the ingredients are combined and smooth. If desired, add more cream to make the icing thinner. If you want to color the icing, divide it among small bowls and tint each bowl of icing with a different food coloring. Using a small paintbrush per color, decorate the cookies. Place the decorated cookies on the wire racks to let the icing set.