The holiday season means festive baking! These soft, chewy, and utterly delicious gluten free Christmas cookies bring all the joy without any fuss. Forget complicated rolling and cutting; this easy drop-style recipe is perfect for beginners and busy parents. Everyone at your holiday gathering can enjoy these delightful treats, making them an inclusive centerpiece for your dessert platter.
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies Recipe
You will adore these Gluten-Free Christmas cookies for their irresistible qualities and simplicity.
- They boast a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s wonderfully soft and chewy.
- The simple drop-style method means no chilling, rolling, or cutting dough required.
- Vibrant, festive sprinkles make these gluten free Christmas cookies visually appealing and extra fun.
- They are naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition where consuming gluten leads to small intestine damage.
- You can easily make the dough ahead or freeze baked cookies for ultimate convenience.
- Their crowd-pleasing flavor ensures everyone will ask for the recipe, gluten-free or not!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of amazing gluten free Christmas cookies. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
- 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons softened butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup sprinkles + more for topping
Notes & Substitutions
Always use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that already contains xanthan gum for the best results. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 tablespoons of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Using salted butter enhances the flavor profile significantly. For sprinkles, use good quality, festive jimmie-style sprinkles for vibrant color and minimal bleeding.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear to bake these easy cookies.
- Large and medium mixing bowls
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or electric hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop (1.5-2 tablespoons, optional but recommended)
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Creating these delicious gluten free Christmas cookies is a breeze with these step-by-step instructions. Get ready for a simple and rewarding baking experience!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. Cream them until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on high speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Now, gently mix in the buttermilk and the ½ cup of sprinkles. The dough will be delightfully thick and somewhat sticky.
- Scoop large sections of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and roll them into smooth balls. This size helps ensure a perfectly soft interior.
- For an extra festive touch, lightly dip the tops of your cookie dough balls in more sprinkles. This adds a beautiful, colorful finish to your gluten free Christmas cookies.
- Place the dough balls onto a large plate or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. You can even chill them for up to 3 days; transfer them to an airtight container if storing for more than a few hours. Chilling is key for texture.
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still appear soft in the center. Avoid overbaking for a tender cookie.
- Let the baked cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This helps them set and firm up before moving.
- Carefully transfer the slightly cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade gluten free Christmas cookies!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect cookies every time with these helpful hints. Thoroughly chilling the dough is paramount; it prevents excessive spreading in the oven, ensuring your cookies hold their shape. Always measure your gluten-free flour precisely, preferably by weight (about 240g for 2 cups), to avoid a dense or crumbly texture.
To ensure accurate results, many baking experts recommend measuring gluten-free flour by weight rather than by volume.
Ensure all your cold ingredients, especially the butter and egg, are at room temperature for a smooth, emulsified dough. Avoid overcrowding your baking sheets; bake in batches if necessary for even cooking. Consistent oven temperature is crucial, so consider using an oven thermometer. If your gluten free Christmas cookies spread too much, your dough might not have been chilled enough, or your oven temperature could be too low.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These delicious gluten free Christmas cookies are perfect served warm from the oven or at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or pack them into pretty tins for thoughtful homemade gifts. They truly brighten any holiday table.
Storage Instructions
Store baked gluten free Christmas cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To freeze raw cookie dough, roll into balls as instructed, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations & Other Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie Ideas
Explore endless possibilities with your gluten free Christmas cookies. You can adapt this recipe slightly or try other classic holiday favorites. Consider making gluten free gingerbread cookies, mint chocolate delights, or delicate snowball cookies. For year-round gluten-free enjoyment, try chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookies using your favorite 1:1 flour blend. Experiment with different flour types, like using almond flour for a richer, denser cookie (adjusting liquids as needed). Enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest (lemon or orange), almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon.
Nutrition
Enjoying these delightful gluten free Christmas cookies can be part of a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 106 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 22 g |
| Protein Content | 2 g |
| Fat Content | 1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 1 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 7 mg |
| Sodium Content | 29 mg |
| Potassium Content | 65 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 16 g |
| Vitamin A | 10 IU |
| Calcium | 17 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
FAQ
What kind of gluten-free flour works best? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This ensures the best texture and prevents your cookies from being too crumbly.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter (stick form) and unsweetened almond milk for the buttermilk. Ensure your sprinkles are also dairy-free.
Why is chilling the dough so important? Chilling helps the butter solidify and allows the flours to hydrate, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. This creates a thicker, chewvier cookie.
Can I use these for cut-out cookies? This specific recipe is designed as a drop cookie, so it’s generally too soft for rolling and cutting intricate shapes. For cut-out Christmas cookies, you’d need a different recipe with a firmer dough.
How long do these cookies stay fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to fold in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries with the sprinkles for extra flavor and texture.
What causes gluten-free cookies to spread too much? Common causes include insufficient chilling time, incorrect flour measurement, using butter that’s too soft, or an oven temperature that is too low.
Conclusion
These simple yet stunning gluten free Christmas cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. Their soft, chewy texture and festive appearance make them a delightful treat for everyone, regardless of dietary needs. Sweet Emily believes in making baking simple and delicious, and this no-fuss recipe truly embodies that spirit. Get ready to bake, share, and spread some holiday cheer with these incredible cookies. Try them this season and let us know what you think in the comments below!
The Best Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies (Drop-Style Sugar Cookies)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with a mixer for about 1 minute. Add egg and vanilla, beating until combined, then scrape the bowl and beat again.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low until combined, then stir in buttermilk and sprinkles. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Scoop about 2 Tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and optionally dip tops in extra sprinkles. Place on a plate or lined baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.
- Chill the dough balls for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Preheat oven to 350F. Bake cookies 2 inches apart on a lined sheet for 10-12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
