If there’s one thing that makes the holiday season extra sweet, it’s a tray full of gluten-free Christmas cookies. Whether you’re into cut-out cookies for decorating, chewy chocolate chip cookies, or gingerbread cookies that make your kitchen smell like pure holiday cheer, this roundup has something for everyone. These are my go-to gluten-free baking recipes tested, perfected, and packed with festive flavor so you can enjoy cookie season without the gluten (or the guesswork!)
I’ve spent years testing the perfect gluten-free cookie doughs that actually hold their shape, taste like the real deal, and deliver that nostalgic cookie texture: crispy edges, soft centers, and all. Think gingerbread men, Italian rainbow cookies, pecan tassies, and protein sugar cookies that let you sneak in a little extra nutrition while you bake.
If you’re new to gluten-free flour blends, don’t stress. Many of these recipes use easy-to-find options like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Flour, both available at most grocery stores. And if you’re a high-protein dessert lover, you’ll find some of my signature protein cookie recipes here too like Hot Chocolate Protein Cookies and Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies.
When it comes to spreading holiday cheer, I love baking these with friends, wrapping a few in plastic wrap tied with ribbon, and gifting them as edible love notes. After all, there’s no better sweet treat to share this time of year than gluten-free holiday cookies!
If you're looking for gluten free Christmas dinner options that aren't traditional, I've pulled together 20 non-traditional recipes you might love!
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Why You'll Love These Recipes
- A mix of classic Christmas cookies and high-protein favorites for those days where you want a treat but want to stay on track.
- Made with simple ingredients, most available in regular grocery stores
- Options for almond flour, oat flour, and all-purpose gluten-free flour blends
- Perfect for cookie swaps, parties, or gifting in airtight containers
- Tested and approved by a real gluten-free baker (hi, that’s me!)
Gluten Free Christmas Cookies Pantry Staple Ingredients
Because each recipe has its own unique spin, here are a few pantry staples I recommend having on hand:
- Gluten-Free Flour. I use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Flour. Both already include xanthan gum, so you don’t need to add extra.
- Almond Flour. Great for chewy, soft textures and grain free cookies. It also makes a snappier cut out cookie or gingerbread cookie.
- Vanilla Extract. Real vanilla makes a big difference in flavoring these gluten-free cookie doughs.
- Butter or Coconut Oil. Always bring to room temperature before mixing for that perfect texture.
- Mix-ins. Think red + green M&Ms, festive sprinkles (gluten-free sprinkles are a must!), or chopped nuts for holiday recipes that pop.
Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
This gluten free sugar cookie recipe makes the perfect cut out cookies. My grandmom used to make these every Christmas and once I went gluten free it was one of the very first family recipes I altered. It took a few tries but I eventually landed on a version that's so good you'll never be able to tell it apart from the classic Christmas cookie you know and love!
Gluten Free Gingerbread People
Dive into full-on holiday cheer with my Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies! Chewy, flavorful, and grain-free thanks to almond flour and tapioca starch. These festive gingerbread men are easier to roll, cut, and decorate than a gingerbread house, yet just as fun for a cookie exchange or cozy cookie platter.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
A classic Christmas cookie made even better, these gluten-free chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips (or festive red + green M&Ms if you’re feeling extra merry). With a simple vegan option, they’re the perfect holiday sweet treat for everyone at your cookie swap: refined sugar free, gluten-free, and full of holiday cheer.
Italian Rainbow Cookies
These gluten-free Italian Rainbow Cookies are the ultimate holiday showstopper! A little fancier than your average Christmas cookie, but totally worth the effort. In my family, they’ve always been a holiday tradition, baked every December and stacked high on cookie platters next to all the classics. With rich almond flavor, layers of fruity jam, and a glossy chocolate coating, they bring a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to any gluten-free Christmas cookie lineup.
Magic Cookie Bars
Okay, so these Gluten-Free Magic Cookie Bars aren’t technically cookies, but they’re close enough! My Grammy made them every Christmas, and they’ve always been one of my favorite holiday treats. With gooey layers of chocolate, coconut, and nuts over a buttery crust, they’re rich, nostalgic, and absolutely belong on your gluten-free Christmas cookie platter.
Copycat Crumbl Sugar Cookies
These gluten-free Crumbl copycat sugar cookies are soft, frosted, and perfectly festive. I love decorating them with vanilla frosting and red and green sprinkles for Christmas. They look bakery-level fancy but are secretly gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and so easy to make.
Pecan Tassies
These gluten-free pecan tassies are a non-negotiable part of my holiday baking. Bite-sized, nutty, and buttery, kind of like mini pecan pies that don’t take forever. My family has made them every Christmas for as long as I can remember, and now they’re gluten-free, lactose-free and still completely irresistible.
Almond Croissant Protein Cookies
These Almond Croissant Protein Cookies taste like the fancy pastry version of a Christmas morning cookie. Soft, buttery, and full of rich almond flavor, they secretly pack in some extra protein but feel totally indulgent, like something you’d find in a holiday bakery box.
Protein Hot Cocoa Cookies
These Hot Chocolate Protein Cookies are everything you love about a cozy winter mug of cocoa in cookie form. Soft, chocolatey, and topped with gooey marshmallows, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and high in protein, making them the perfect festive treat to bake all holiday season long.
Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies
These Chocolate Turtle Protein Cookies are rich, fudgy, and loaded with chocolate and crunchy pecans. They’re gluten-free, high in protein, and taste so decadent you’d never guess they’re secretly a healthier take on a Christmas classic.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies
These gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip protein cookies are cozy, chewy, and loaded with chocolate perfect for when you want a sweet treat that still hits your protein goals. Swap in red and green chocolate chips (or sprinkles) and you’ve got a holiday-ready cookie that feels indulgent but keeps you in line with your goals.
Protein Sugar Cookies
These Protein Sugar Cookies taste just like the classic Christmas version: soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, but with a healthy high-protein twist. I love rolling them in red and green sanding sugar before baking for that festive sparkle on your gluten-free holiday cookie platter.
Grinch Cookies (A Bonus Recipe!)
These festive Grinch Cookies are made with gluten-free cake mix and a hint of peppermint extract for the perfect soft, chewy, and minty holiday treat. Bright green and sprinkled with holiday cheer, they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat!
Peanut Butter Blossoms (A Bonus Recipe!)
When I first tasted the raw cookie dough for these gluten free Peanut Butter Blossoms, I was instantly transported back to childhood! This nostalgic holiday treat belongs in your Christmas cookie exchange boxes.
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