The holiday season is a magical time for baking, filling our homes with warmth and sweet aromas. For those navigating a gluten-free diet, finding delicious and easy gluten free Sugar Cookies, Christmas dessert recipes can sometimes be a challenge. But fear not! Our classic gluten-free sugar cookies are the perfect solution. This simple, delightful recipe lets everyone enjoy festive treats without compromise. Get ready to bake some unforgettable holiday memories!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with these festive sugar cookies for so many reasons.
- They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels, including beginners and busy parents.
- Each cookie boasts a perfectly soft and chewy texture, never dry or crumbly.
- The dough is wonderfully customizable for various designs, shapes, and flavors.
- They are safe for everyone to enjoy, completely free from gluten worries.
- These cookies are ideal for sharing with loved ones or gifting in beautiful tins.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful gluten free Christmas dessert recipes starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the cookies and a basic frosting:
For the Cookies:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup.
- Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: 2 ¾ cups (ensure it contains xanthan gum).
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
For the Basic Glaze Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: 2 cups.
- Milk: 3-4 tablespoons (dairy or non-dairy).
- Vanilla or Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon.
- Food Coloring: Optional, for festive tints.
Notes & Substitutions
The right gluten-free flour blend is crucial. Use a reputable cup-for-cup or all-purpose blend that already includes xanthan gum for optimal texture. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour.
As highlighted by King Arthur Baking, xanthan gum provides elasticity and stickiness, acting as a vital gluten substitute in gluten-free baking.
For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter sticks and a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk). To make them egg-free, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). You can experiment with different extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon for unique flavor twists.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for these gluten free Christmas dessert recipes. Here are the essentials:
- Large and medium mixing bowls.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Rolling pin.
- Assorted holiday cookie cutters.
- Baking sheets.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Wire cooling racks.
- Spatula or thin metal offset spatula.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect gluten free Christmas dessert recipes that everyone will adore. This recipe focuses on classic sugar cookies, a staple for any holiday platter.
Prepare the Dough
First, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gently flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. Proper chilling is vital for easy handling and preventing spread.
Roll and Cut Cookies
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. On a lightly floured surface (using gluten-free flour or rice flour), take one disk of chilled dough. Roll the dough to your desired thickness, typically ¼ to ⅜ inch thick. Use your festive cookie cutters to cut out various holiday shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch of space between each. Gently gather any dough scraps, re-form them into a disk, and chill again briefly if the dough becomes too warm or sticky before re-rolling.
Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Watch for the edges to be lightly golden, but avoid overbaking to maintain their soft texture. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up slightly before moving. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks to cool completely before decorating.
Decorate Cookies
While the cookies cool, prepare your royal icing or a classic buttercream frosting. For the simple glaze, whisk powdered sugar with milk and extract until smooth. Add food coloring to create vibrant holiday hues. Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them as desired. You can use a piping bag with a small tip for intricate designs or simply spread the glaze with a knife or small offset spatula. Add sprinkles immediately if using. Allow the frosting to set completely before stacking or storing the cookies.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect gluten free Christmas dessert recipes requires a few key insights. Firstly, do not overwork gluten-free dough; mix until just combined to prevent toughness. Chill dough properly for at least 2 hours. This prevents spreading and makes handling easier. Use a consistent rolling pin to ensure even cookie thickness, promoting uniform baking. Avoid overcrowding baking sheets to allow for proper air circulation. If your dough is crumbly, add a tiny bit more milk or softened butter. If it’s sticky, chill it longer or dust with more gluten-free flour. For perfect frosting consistency, add milk slowly, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s smooth but not runny. To prevent cookies from spreading too much, ensure your butter is cold enough when you start creaming and that the dough is well-chilled before baking.
When baking, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines, as recommended by the Home Baking Association, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, especially when children are involved.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These delightful gluten free Christmas dessert recipes are perfect for many occasions.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange them artfully on a festive platter for a holiday gathering.
- Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or a glass of milk.
- Package them beautifully in decorative tins or bags to create edible gifts for friends, family, and teachers.
Storage Instructions
- Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days.
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers.
- You can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before rolling. Baked, unfrosted cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
Flavor Variations
- Add citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) to the dough for a bright twist.
- Incorporate almond extract or peppermint extract for distinct holiday flavors.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips or festive sprinkles directly into the dough.
- Transform them into gingerbread spice cookies by adding ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Creative Decoration Ideas
- A simple glaze with a generous dusting of festive sprinkles is always a hit.
- Try detailed royal icing designs for an elegant, professional look.
- Use edible glitter or metallic dust for a magical sparkle.
- Experiment with layered frosting techniques to add depth and dimension.
Nutrition Information
Please note that this nutrition information is an estimate based on general ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes. This is an approximate count per one medium-sized cookie (assuming 24 cookies per batch).
| Nutrient | Amount Per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 |
| Total Fat | 8-10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-6g |
| Carbohydrates | 20-25g |
| Sugars | 12-15g |
| Protein | 1-2g |
FAQ
- Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
- A: Absolutely! Simply swap the dairy butter for a plant-based butter stick and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in the frosting. These substitutions work beautifully in this recipe.
- Q: What’s the best gluten-free flour blend to use?
- A: We recommend a good quality cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and structure. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 or King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure work well.
- Q: How long do these cookies last?
- A: Unfrosted cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Frosted cookies are best enjoyed within 3-5 days, stored similarly.
- Q: Can the dough be made ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
- Q: Why are my gluten-free cookies crumbly?
- A: Gluten-free dough can sometimes be a bit crumbly if it’s too dry. Ensure you measure your flour accurately and add a tiny bit more milk or softened butter if needed to bring it together.
- Q: Can I skip chilling the dough for these gluten free Christmas dessert recipes?
- A: We strongly advise against skipping the chilling step. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter, which helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in crisp edges and a perfect shape.
Conclusion
Baking during the holidays should be a joyous and inclusive experience for everyone. These delightful gluten free Christmas dessert recipes for sugar cookies prove that delicious, festive treats are well within reach, even with dietary considerations. Their simplicity, amazing flavor, and customizable nature make them a perfect addition to any holiday celebration. So go ahead, embrace the festive spirit, and bake a batch of these wonderful cookies for all to enjoy. We can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share your creations! Happy baking and happy holidays!
The Best Gluten-Free Christmas Dessert Recipes: Festive Sugar Cookies for All
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes). Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide dough in half. Flatten into disks, wrap tightly, and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into holiday shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed, chilling again if sticky.
- Bake 8–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired.
- Decorate cooled cookies with glaze using a knife or piping bag. Add sprinkles if using. Let icing set fully before stacking or storing.
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.
