The Best Gluten Free Christmas Cookie and Holiday Cookie Recipes
If you're looking for delicious gluten free Christmas cookies that everyone can enjoy, you've come to the right place! Whether you're baking for a cookie exchange, putting together a holiday cookie tray, making treats with your kids, or simply want a festive cookie to enjoy with a cup of coffee, there are so many delicious gluten free options.
I've been eating gluten free for more than 10 years, and I know that holiday baking can sometimes feel a little more complicated when you're avoiding gluten. So I've rounded up some of my favorite gluten free holiday cookie recipes that are easy to make, delicious enough for everyone, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
From gingerbread and sugar cookies to chocolate, peppermint and classic peanut butter blossoms, these gluten free Christmas cookies are festive, family-friendly and perfect for your holiday baking list.
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What I Look For in a Gluten Free Christmas Cookie Recipe
#1: Easy to make - no complicated directions.
#2: Easy-to-find ingredients - and even better if I have all of them in my pantry already.
#3: Must be delicious - and bonus points if no one can tell that they are gluten free.
#4: The cookies look great - whether on a cookie tray or for gifting.
#5: Freezer-friendly - so you can bake ahead and take them out when you are ready to enjoy them.
Tips for Making the Best Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
#1: Read through the whole recipe before you begin.
Do you need a certain flour? Does the dough need to chill before baking? Being prepared will help increase your chance of success!
#2: Use the correct flour.
When baking gluten free, you need to use the type of flour that the recipe calls for. You cannot interchange almond flour, oat flour, a 1-to-1 flour blend, etc.
#3: Check labels on chocolate, sprinkles, and other add-ins.
Be sure to check labels for all add-ins such as sprinkles or flavored chocolate chips to be sure they are gluten free.
#4: Be careful of cross-contamination.
If you are not a gluten free household, but you're baking for someone who has to eat gluten free, be careful to avoid cross-contamination. You can do this by using very clean utensils, mixing bowls, measuring tools, and baking sheets.
#5: Check your cookies frequently the first time you make them.
Ovens vary, so always start with the shortest recommended time for baking, and watch carefully. Keep a note of how long each cookie type takes in your oven.
What do I need for these gluten free holiday cookies?
For most of these recipes you will need a gluten free flour blend that mimics traditional wheat flour. You can get this at most grocery stores in their gluten free aisle or the baking aisle. I like to use Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour or King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure flour.
Two of these recipes call for almond flour, which can also easily be found in most grocery stores. Almond flour produces a more dense cookie, but also provides a bit more nutrition than a gluten free flour blend. I like to get mine at Costco!
The Best Gluten Free Christmas Cookie Recipes
Classic Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
Chewy Gingerbread Molasses Cookies. These cookies are one of my absolute favorites. They are easy to make, using basic baking staples and a gluten free flour blend. They smell amazing while baking and are full of gingerbread flavor.
Gingerbread Cutout Cookies. This cookie takes a little more time, as you have to make the dough, roll and cut it out, bake and decorate. However, if you are up for a baking project, this one is great. This recipe creates an incredibly easy to work with dough, which is not always easy to find when you are making gluten free cookies. My kids love helping to decorate these.
Peanut Butter Blossoms. These peanut butter blossoms are easy to make and so good. In this recipe, she uses a homemade ganache to top the cookies, but I like to use the traditional Hershey kiss. These cookies are great for making with kids - my kids love to add the chocolate kiss on top. They also freeze well, if they last that long.
Healthy Snowball Cookies. These snowball cookies melt in your mouth - they are so yummy. Made from just a few ingredients (you will need almond flour for these), they come together quickly and look great on a holiday cookie tray.
Chocolate Gluten Free Holiday Cookies
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. These flourless chocolate peppermint cookies are made with almond butter and are lower in sugar than most cookies. They come together easily in one bowl, and look so pretty with the crushed peppermint.
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies. This is a super simple recipe, using a gluten free chocolate cake mix! I like to use gluten free holiday sprinkles to make them extra festive.
Chocolate Chip Cookies. My go-to gluten free chocolate chip cookie recipe, swap in red and green M&Ms for a festive look. My kids ask me to make these on repeat!
Easy Gluten Free Holiday Cookies
No-Bake Gluten Free Buckeyes. Naturally gluten free and no-bake, everyone in my family loves these cookies!
Reindeer Noses. This one is not a cookie, but I love to put it on a cookie tray. You only need three ingredients (sub gluten free pretzels for regular), and it's no-bake. It's a perfect treat for kids to help with.
Bonus Recipe: Peppermint Fudge
Quick and Easy Peppermint Fudge. Not a cookie, but fits the bill for a holiday treat. If you want to whip up a quick and easy holiday treat that is no-bake, needs no special ingredients, and comes together in minutes - this is it. Made with only chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla and peppermint extracts, and holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes, this makes an indulgent sweet treat to share or gift.
Holiday Cookie FAQ
Which flour is best for gluten free Christmas cookies?
Always use the recommended flour in the recipe. However, having a gluten free 1:1 flour on hand is helpful for many recipes. I recommend King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure flour blend.
Can you freeze gluten free Christmas cookies?
Absolutely - freezing cookies ahead is a huge time-saver during a busy holiday season. Just be sure to let cookies cool completely, and follow freezing instructions in the recipe.
What's the best way to package and share these Christmas cookies?
I love to package cookies in these small bakery boxes and wrap the boxes in a festive ribbon.
For More...
Check out these easy and festive chocolate covered pretzels.
Another family favorite, my gluten free gingerbread granola.
The best gluten free pumpkin recipes!
Some helpful tools, my beginner's guide to gluten free baking and my gluten free family guide.
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