...
Go Back
Assorted gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies on parchment paper, decorated with white icing, green Christmas trees, and red snowflakes, with holiday lights in the background

The Best Gluten-Free Christmas Dessert Recipes: Festive Sugar Cookies for All

These gluten-free sugar cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for the holidays. With a simple glaze frosting and festive decorations, they’re a crowd-pleasing Christmas treat everyone can enjoy — gluten-free and optionally dairy-free too!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze frosting)
  • 3-4 tbsp milk (or non-dairy alternative)
  • ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract (for glaze)
  • food coloring (optional)

Equipment

  • large and medium mixing bowls
  • electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • holiday cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • parchment paper or silicone mats
  • wire cooling racks
  • offset spatula or piping bag for decorating

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  3. Divide dough in half. Flatten into disks, wrap tightly, and chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into holiday shapes using cookie cutters.
  6. Place cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Re-roll scraps as needed, chilling again if sticky.
  7. Bake 8–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. To make glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Tint with food coloring if desired.
  9. Decorate cooled cookies with glaze using a knife or piping bag. Add sprinkles if using. Let icing set fully before stacking or storing.

Notes

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. For dairy-free, swap in vegan butter and plant-based milk. Chill the dough thoroughly to avoid spreading. Decorate with glaze, royal icing, or sprinkles for a festive finish.