For the first time in recent memory, it’s looking as though we’ll have a white Christmas! The festiveness and magic that snow and lights bring to the holidays is hard to beat, though baking for friends and neighbors is right up there too.
From classic sugar cookies that can be rolled and cut into shapes, to irresistible no-bake snack mixes, and festive cookies that are easy enough for kiddos to bake, these 15 Gluten Free Christmas Cookie + Holiday Treat recipes are ones we love to make and share each holiday season.
Find those recipes below, as well as some frequently asked questions when it comes to gluten free baking!
Best Gluten Free Flours for Baking Christmas Cookies
There are dozens of gluten free flour blends on the market, but I find these two readily available blends to be great for baking gluten free Christmas Cookies.
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. This is a fantastic “everyday” gluten free flour blend that already includes xanthan gum as a binder so you don’t need to add anything else to make it work as a 1:1 replacement for all-purpose flour.
King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour. Another great 1:1 replacement for all-purpose flour. Note: King Arthur has a couple different gluten free / paleo flour products, and the packaging all looks very similar, so be sure to get the Measure for Measure blend that includes xanthan gum inside.
Almond flour. One of the recipes below calls for almond flour, and I don’t find any particular brand works better than another. As long as its certified gluten free and labeled “super fine”, you should be good to go.
Gluten Free Holiday Baking FAQ
Can you provide weights for the GF flour amounts in your baking recipes?
The short answer is, no. The longer answer is, because gluten free flour blends all contain different grains/starches that all weigh different amounts, the same quantity of each blend will weigh different amounts. For example, 1/4 cup of the Bob’s Red Mill flour blend I mentioned above weighs 37 grams, while the same amount of the King Arthur blend weighs 31 grams. 1/4 cup of super fine almond flour weighs 28 grams, and so on and so forth!
What’s the best way to measure gluten free flour?
The best way to measure gluten free flour is to use the scoop and level method. Spoon the flour into a measuring cup (vs dunking the cup directly into the bag or container of flour) then use the back of a knife to level it off.
Can I make gluten free cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! Making gluten free cookie dough ahead of time actually makes for a better cookie because the gluten free flour has a chance to properly hydrate, which results in smooth, non-gritty cookies. Check out the “Why You Should Refrigerate Your Cookie Dough” section in this post for more information.
Can I freeze gluten free cookie dough?
Yes. Scoop the cookie dough onto a parchment paper-lined half sheet pan, press down on each dough ball slightly so they’re more like pucks vs balls, then freeze solid. Transfer the frozen cookie dough into gallon size Ziplock freezer bags then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake frozen according to recipe directions, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if needed.
Can I freeze baked gluten free cookies?
Another yes! Bake then cool the cookies completely and then layer them inside gallon size Ziplock freezer bags between sheets of parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months then thaw on the counter.
Where can I find gluten free sprinkles?
Most store-bought sprinkles are made with gluten free ingredients but are processed on lines that are shared with gluten-containing foods. That said, Supernatural, Sweetapolita, Watkins, and Kate’s Safe and Sweet all offer gluten free sprinkles.
What chocolate chips are gluten free?
I use Enjoy Life baking chocolate for all of my gluten free baking as their products are free from 14 common allergens. More than that, their chocolate is just really good. They also have white chocolate chips which we’ve used to veganize Christmas Crunch before.
15 Gluten Free Christmas Cookies and Treats
Soft and Chewy Gluten Free Sugar Cookies (Cut Out and Drop Options)
Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are crisp on the outside, dense and chewy on the inside, and made with everyday ingredients. Meet your new go-to CCC recipe!
2-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark couldn’t be simpler and is perfect for holiday snacking. Package up and tie with a bow for a sweet homemade gift!
Gluten Free Vanilla Cupcakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Topped with a flourish of vanilla buttercream frosting – nobody would ever guess they’re gluten free!
Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies have a hint of toasted brown butter flavor and are sprinkled with coarse sea salt before baking. Meet your new favorite cookie recipe!
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