Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like a batch of freshly baked Christmas cookies — and yes, even if you’re gluten-free, you don’t have to miss out on the fun! These gluten-free Christmas cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re baking for yourself or someone with gluten sensitivities, this recipe will bring warmth and sweetness to your holiday season.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, make sure you have all your gluten-free essentials ready. Using high-quality gluten-free flour is key to achieving that classic cookie texture without the gluten.
You’ll need:
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds holiday flair!)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup red and green M&Ms or sprinkles
Pro Tip: If your flour blend doesn’t contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon for better binding.
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures your cookies have a consistent texture and rise evenly in the oven.
Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients later — gluten-free dough can become dense if stirred too much.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Then add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until combined.
Step 3: Combine and Add Mix-Ins
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until a dough forms.
Fold in your festive additions — white chocolate chips, M&Ms, or sprinkles — to make your cookies merry and bright!
If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Gluten-free cookies can be delicate when warm, so patience pays off!
Step 5: Add the Holiday Touch
Once your cookies have cooled, get creative! You can drizzle them with melted white chocolate, dust with powdered sugar, or sandwich them with frosting for an extra indulgent treat.
For gifting, wrap them in cellophane with a red ribbon — they’re perfect for friends, teachers, or family members who love homemade holiday goodies.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — irresistibly soft, gluten-free Christmas cookies that everyone at the table will love. They’re festive, flavorful, and easy to make — proof that gluten-free baking can be just as magical.
So preheat your oven, turn on some Christmas music, and start baking joy into every bite! 🎄
Save this recipe for later — your future self will thank you when the cookie cravings hit!
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