It's the most wonderful (and sweetest) time of year! Holiday cookie platters at parties, Christmas cookie exchanges, seasonal bake sales, and simply making magical memories with our little ones are sprinkled throughout your December to-do list.
The good news is that all of your favorite cookies can be made gluten-free. This round-up of some of the best gluten-free Christmas cookies is just the beginning. Be inspired to make gluten-free sugar cookies, gluten-free gingersnaps, or a gluten-free version of your family's favorite cookie recipe and carry on your holiday traditions.
Tips for Converting Your Family Christmas Cookies to Gluten-Free
- Choose and measure your gluten-free flour wisely. Use a gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend that contains xanthan gum (or add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of gluten-free flour). My personal favorite gluten-free flour for cookies is King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour. Measure gluten-free flour by weight using an inexpensive kitchen scale (best method), or use the spoon and level method.
- Chill the dough. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour, for the ideal cookie texture and to hydrate the gluten-free flour. This prevents dry, gritty cookies, giving you the perfect gluten-free cookie crumb. For recipes that require prep time with the dough, such as rolled and cut-out cookies, keep half the dough in the fridge while prepping the first batch of cookies. If the cookie dough gets soft during prep, pop it back in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes before baking.
- Cool gluten-free cookies on the baking sheet. After baking, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them. They will continue to cook while resting on the cookie sheet, and they won't crumble when being transferred to a wire rack to cook completely.
- Store cookies properly. Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer. Do not refrigerate unless necessary (for example, a cream cheese frosting or filling), as gluten-free cookies will dry out quickly in the fridge.
Gather your cookie cutters, baking sheets, and your favorite people. Then, brighten your holiday table by baking a few (or several) of these delicious gluten-free cookie recipes.
Enjoy the soft, delicious, classic sugar cookies from your childhood. No one will be able to tell they are gluten-free! The recipe card includes instructions for an easy 2-ingredient icing. Or pick up ready-made Betty Crocker Cookie Icing and Betty Crocker Christmas Sprinkles Check the labels, as most, not all, Betty Crocker Sprinkles are labeled gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe!
Christmas cookies in an adorable red & white, candy cane shape, with hints of vanilla and almond. These retro, crisp cookies are topped with sweet candy cane sugar sprinkles and are perfect for your gluten-free Christmas cookie tray.
Gluten-Free Candy Cane Recipe!
This easy recipe with simple gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients makes the most delicious, chewy gingersnap cookies you have ever tasted! I highly recommend you double the recipe. Then watch these delectable cookies disappear as quickly as you bake them!
Gluten-Free Gingersnaps Recipe!
Soft, chewy Gluten-Free Cookie Bars with dark chocolate and caramel in every bite, then sprinkled with sea salt for the perfect salty-sweet combination. They are easy to make and a decadent addition to your holiday cookie tray!
Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cookie Bars Recipe!
Gluten-free Buttercream Thumbprints are easy gluten-free Christmas cookies with a buttery, shortbread base, rolled in pecans, then topped with irresistible buttercream frosting. You'll love this colorful, festive cookie!
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These naturally, gluten-free cinnamon stars abound at German Christmas Markets and are a centuries-old tradition. Growing up in Germany, I have a sentimental attachment to these little holiday cookies. Made with almonds, they are naturally gluten-free and delicious. The perfect delicate Christmas treat with a star shape that can carry you into a celebration of the Epiphany.
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These Gluten-Free Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are all of the holiday warmth of a cozy cup of hot chocolate wrapped up in the perfect holiday cookie. Delight your little ones (or little ones at heart) with this gluten-free, soft, chewy, cookie, filled with chocolate chips, and topped with a marshmallow, chocolate drizzle, and crushed candy canes.
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Gluten-Free Stained Glass Cookies are adorable Christmas tree-shaped, gluten-free sugar cookies with red and green stained glass windows made from lollipops.
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Orange Shortbread Cookies may be your new go-to holiday shortbread cookies! They are sweet, tangy, and zesty! They easily accommodate multiple diets for a cookie exchange. They are gluten-free (of course), nut-free, eggless, and can be easily made vegan!
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5-ingredient Pignoli Cookies (pine nut cookies) are a classic Italian confection made with simple ingredients. They're sweet, chewy, and a sentimental addition to your Christmas dessert table.
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Meringue Christmas Trees add a light, airy touch to your Christmas celebration! Two versions are included in the recipe card: upright green trees and white flat trees. Both adorable styles are so easy to make. Be sure to check the label on your holiday sprinkles, to make sure they are gluten-free.
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Giant, chewy, decadent Pecan Toffee Cookies are the perfect marriage of salty and sweet. This simple recipe calls for Heath Toffee Bits and Hershey's Sea Salt Caramel Chips. Both are on Hershey's searchable gluten-free list (always check the package for the most up-to-date-information). No one from your holiday cookie exchange will ever guess they are gluten-free!
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Peanut Butter Blossoms are ubiquitous at Christmas bake sales and cookie exchanges because they are so easy and popular. These quick and easy gluten-free peanut butter cookies are soft, chewy, and require only 3 ingredients (plus Hershey's Kisses). Hershey always labels the package gluten-free when the Kisses are gluten-free. Plain milk chocolate kisses, hugs, and some seasonal varieties are gluten-free. Always check the label!
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These Marzipan Cookies will transport you to German Christmas market stands, packed with marzipan treats. A soft, chewy inside made with simple, homemade marzipan, and crunchy almonds on the outside. Naturally gluten-free!
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Being gluten-free does not mean you have to miss out on the tradition of making (and decorating) these little guys! This gluten-free gingerbread cookie recipe is great for making perfectly spiced cookies to share.
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Sweetened with honey or maple syrup and dipped in dark chocolate, these sticky-sweet Coconut Macaroons are made with just 4 ingredients. Add these yummy, bite-size treats to your holiday cookie table!
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Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies with Icing are the perfect kids-in-the-kitchen recipe. Your little ones will love making thumbprint holes, filling them with naturally-colored frosting, and, of course, eating these delicious Christmas cookies.
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Maple Divinity Candy is one of my husband's favorite sweets, made by his mother every Christmas. A melt-in-your-mouth nougat texture and the sweet, creamy essence of pure maple syrup. Add a few of these heavenly confections to a box of assorted Christmas cookies and delight your loved ones!
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are made with a mix of almond flour. coconut flour, and cocoa powder. These fudgy cookies are rolled in powdered sugar that is reminiscent of a snowy day. Enjoy them freshly baked with a glass of milk, or make for holiday gift-giving and cookie exchanges.
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I have a soft spot in my heart for any traditional German Christmas cookie. Haselnussmakronen or German hazelnut macaroons are light and flavorful. They are incredibly easy to whip up and are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
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These drop cookies have it all! Crisp edges, chewy centers, notes of vanilla and peppermint, and colorful sprinkles!
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Impress your Christmas guests with delicate and stunning Gingerbread Macarons, filled with gingerbread buttercream, and topped with chocolate drizzle and holiday sprinkles! This recipe requires an inexpensive kitchen scale, but I highly recommend having one in your kitchen for gluten-free baking, anyway!
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