Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies: 10 Recipes For Some Jolly Good Treats

It’s that time of year again—the air is filled with the sound of jingling bells and the sweet scent of freshly baked goods. While Christmas isn’t complete without cookies, those with allergies need to be cautious before indulging in the festive treats.

This holiday season, we’ve got you covered with delicious gluten-free Christmas cookie recipes that don’t compromise on taste. Whether you require a gluten-free diet or not, these festive treats are sure to be a hit and make you the most popular guest at any gathering!

Why Choose Gluten-Free Cookies for Christmas?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other cereal grains, making its way into many common foods like pasta, bread, and cereal. While gluten poses no problem for most people, it can be harmful to those with celiac disease—a long-term autoimmune disorder that affects around 1% of the global population [1]. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, they may experience symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain [2].

In addition to celiac disease, some people have gluten intolerance, a more common sensitivity that causes short-term symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as stomach pain and bloating. However, unlike celiac disease, gluten intolerance doesn’t cause long-term damage [3].

While those with celiac disease must follow a lifelong gluten-free diet, people with gluten sensitivity can usually manage their condition by moderating their gluten and carb intake. These gluten-free recipes are perfect for both groups, but they’re so delicious that anyone can enjoy these gluten-free Christmas cookies!

10 Delicious Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie Recipes

Our list of gluten-free cookie recipes is curated to be part of the ultimate Christmas feast, with a wide variety of flavors and types of cookies for you to choose from. You can’t go wrong with any of them!

1. Gingerbread Cookies

These gingerbread cookies can be decorated with gluten-free royal icing or a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp if it doesn’t)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add egg, molasses, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
4. Combine: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll and Cut: Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
6. Bake: Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden around the edges.
7. Cool and Decorate: Let cookies cool on a wire rack, then decorate as desired.

2. Christmas-Themed Sugar Cookies

These gluten-free sugar cookies come in festive shapes and vibrant colors that are bound to bring the Christmas spirit to your home – these are must-haves!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose gluten-free flour (to make gluten-free cookie dough)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Red and green sprinkles

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Chill Dough: Chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
6. Roll & Cut: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes (stars, trees, etc.).
7. Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden.
8. Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool, then decorate with sprinkles or icing as desired.

3. Eggnog Snowball Cookies

This recipe maintains the signature buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that snowball cookies are known for and combines it with the warm, spiced flavor of eggnog. All while being gluten-free!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• ¼ cup eggnog
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggnog, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt, and mix until smooth. Gradually add the gluten-free flour, mixing until fully combined.
3. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom.
5. Coat in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them completely. Let cool on a wire rack.

4. Chewy Marshmallow Cookies

These soft and gooey marshmallow cookies will feel like sweetened clouds in your mouth. Have these with some hot cocoa for a truly divine experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows (gluten-free)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
4. Combine: Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then gently fold in marshmallows (and chocolate chips, if using).
5. Shape & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden around the edges. The marshmallows should be slightly melted.
6. Cool: Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

5. Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Mint Chocolate Chip lovers, assemble here! We’ve got a recipe filled with chocolatey goodness that comes with hints of refreshing mint – perfect to get you into the Christmas mood.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free chocolate chips (mint-flavored or regular)
• 2-3 tbsp green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
4. Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients, then stir in chocolate chips and food coloring (optional).
5. Shape & Bake: Scoop dough into balls and bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are golden.
6. Cool: Let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack

For more gluten-free diet ideas:

Top 20 Gluten-Free Snacks 2024

Are Corn Tortillas Gluten Free? Homemade Recipe and Best Gluten-Free Tortillas To Try

6. Peppermint Meringue Cookies

What’s more festive and jolly than the red, white, and green swirls of peppermint meringue cookies? So these are the perfect additions to the snack table.

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• Pinch of salt
• 2-3 drops red and green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Add Sugar: Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites until glossy and stiff peaks form.
4. Add Flavors: Gently fold in vanilla and peppermint extracts. If using, add food coloring and swirl gently.
5. Shape Meringues: Drop spoonfuls of meringue onto the baking sheet or pipe into small rounds using a piping bag.
6. Bake: Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, until meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside with the door ajar.

7. Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Being vegan comes with double the fun now, and these chocolate-loaded cookies are enough proof.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup melted coconut oil
• ¾ cup coconut sugar
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp flax meal + 6 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make Flax Egg: Mix 2 tbsp flax meal with 6 tbsp water. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and flax egg.
5. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
6. Shape & Bake: Scoop dough into balls and bake for 8-10 minutes.
7. Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Learn more about the vegan diet:

5 Plant-Based Chocolate You Need To Try in 2024

Oat Milk Vs Soy Milk: Which Is The Better Plant-Based Milk?

8. Red Velvet Cookies

Nothing screams Christmas more than striking red cookies with gooey white chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp red food coloring (or beet powder)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp vinegar
• ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
4. Combine: Stir in dry ingredients and fold in white chocolate chips (optional).
5. Shape & Bake: Scoop dough into balls and bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Cool: Let cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

9. Almond Flour White Chocolate Cookies

Craving for a little bit of that nutty taste? Check out this recipe that can also be made as a vegan-friendly snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups almond flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil or butter (melted)
• ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
• 1 cup dairy-free white chocolate chips (or regular)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and egg.
4. Combine: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then fold in the white chocolate chips.
5. Shape & Bake: Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
6. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden around the edges.
7. Cool: Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

10. Coconut Macaroons

Achieve the illusion of a snowy peak that fits perfectly into the Christmas theme with these coconut macaroons – they’re also naturally gluten-free!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 4 oz semi-sweet or dairy-free chocolate (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract (if using). Stir until fully combined.
3. Shape Macaroons: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form small mounds of dough, placing them onto the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the macaroons are golden brown on top.
5. Cool: Allow macaroons to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Optional Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cooled macaroons for an extra touch of sweetness in these Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies.

Discover more recipes:

2 Keto Dinner Ideas and Recipes For Delicious, Low-Carb Meals

A Guide to the Best Mediterranean Diet Recipes [Free PDF]

Final Thoughts

We hope you bring Christmas cheer and spirit into your homes with these delicious gluten-free recipes for Christmas cookies! For resources on leading a fit and active lifestyle that combines diet and workouts, check out the JustFit app!