17 Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies to Make This Holiday Season

By Cooking Light
November 26, 2018
Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
No gluten, no problem. Whether you're looking for holiday cut-out cookies, nutty rugelach, soft and chewy snickerdoodles, or thin and crispy pizzelles—our best gluten-free cookies are perfect for every holiday occasion. (Bonus: several of these recipes are also vegan.) 
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Winn's Fig and Pecan Rugelach

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Winn's Fig and Pecan Rugelach

Even if you follow a gluten-free diet, there are lots of goodies to be had this Christmas season. These gluten-free cookie recipes offer plenty of ways you can swap a few basic ingredients to get delicious cookies that are equally as scrumptious as their counterparts.

First up, these easy Fig and Pecan Rugelach cookies, a gluten-free variation of the traditional Jewish pastry. Filled with fig preserves, pecans, and brown sugar, they are the perfect treat for a holiday cookie swap.

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No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Credit: Photo: Katherine Flynn
View Recipe: No-Bake Cookie Dough Bars

Inspired by our very popular chickpea cookie dough recipe, these gluten-free bars are the perfect sweet and salty balance to satisfy any craving. With creamy almond butter, hearty oats, and sweet honey, these no-bake cookie dough bars are truly the easiest dessert ever. Topped with rich dark chocolate and flaked sea salt, you'll love everything about the familiar cookie dough flavor without the hassle of actually baking. These bars can be made-ahead and kept in the fridge or frozen if properly stored with plastic wrap. Make them vegan by substituting your favorite vegan chocolate variety. 

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Pizzelles

Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Pizzelles

At last, the beloved cookie is now gluten-free. You'll need a pizzelle iron to make these delicate Italian waffle cookies. Prepare the recipe using the Cannoli Shell Variation to make delicious cannoli.

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No-Bake Vegan Brownies

Credit: Photo: Jamie Vespa
View Recipe: No-Bake Vegan Brownies

Finally, a brownie with benefits that you can feel good about eating. Our no-bake treats taste ultra decadent, yet are free of added sugar thanks to naturally sweet dates. Each vegan, gluten free brownie also boasts 6g fiber (about 25% of your daily recommended goal) and 6g of plant-powered protein. Enjoy them for dessert or as pre- or post-workout snack. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week, or in the freezer up to 1 month.

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Snickerdoodles

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Snickerdoodles

Serve these spiced sugar cookies with a mug of tea or hot cocoa or anytime you're craving a tasty cinnamon treat.

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Gingerbread Cookies

Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Gingerbread Cookies

These mouthwatering ginger and spice cookies are as irresistible as the ones we loved as kids. For an easy, make-ahead cookie, shape the dough into 1 1/2-inch-diameter logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and freeze. When ready to bake, defrost the dough for 20 minutes, cut it into 1/2-inch-thick slices, and bake as directed.

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Chocolate-Frosted Cookies

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate-Frosted Cookies

This recipe, reminiscent of the classic black and white cookie, is a quick and easy gluten-free option that everyone will love. In addition to adding whole grains, sorghum flour lends a nutty flavor that pairs well with bittersweet chocolate.

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Mexican Wedding Cookies

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Mexican Wedding Cookies

Also known as Russian teacakes or snowball cookies, these dense, crumbly cookies are perfectly bite-sized. Enjoy them with a frothy cappuccino or steamy mug of hot our Barcelona Hot Chocolate. 

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Chocolate-Hazelnut Meringues

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Meringues

Make up to two days ahead, and store in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate and hazelnut coating adds textural interest to these airy, sweet treats.

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Lemon Sugar Cookies

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Lemon Sugar Cookies

The stark contrast between the sweet sugars and the tart lemon juice gives these cookies personality and bite. They're a great afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

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Chocolate-Walnut-Graham Cracker Bars

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut-Graham Cracker Bars

To give these indulgent bars an even consistency, chop the walnuts the same size as the chocolate chips. If you can’t find gluten-free graham cracker crumbs at the grocery store, you can easily order them online as whole crackers and crush them yourself.

 

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Roll-Out Holiday Cookies

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View Recipe: Roll-Out Holiday Cookies

This gluten-free recipe makes classic sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating to your liking with frosting and sprinkles. Shape them into pretty hearts for Valentine's Day, egg-shaped ovals for Easter, four-leaf clovers for St. Patrick's Day, and trees or stars for Christmas.

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Coconut-Cardamom Macaroons

Credit: Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Coconut-Cardamom Macaroons

When the holidays are upon us, planning ahead is key. You can make this Christmas treat up to a week in advance. Just store at room temperature in an airtight container.

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Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Credit: Photo: Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies make a great anytime treat. Soaking the raisins in warm water rehydrates them slightly, leaving you with a softer cookie that can be a nice change of pace from the typical chewy texture.

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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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View Recipe: Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

You probably have everything on hand to make these chewy, chocolaty peanut butter cookies. To fit the cookies on a single sheet pan, divide cookies into 5 rows of 4. Pressing the cookies flat helps them bake quickly and get lovely crisp edges; otherwise they'll be too round and undercooked.

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PB, Banana, and Oat Cookies

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: PB, Banana, and Oat Cookies

At just 82 calories a pop, these gluten-free cookies are a healthy indulgence packed with peanut butter, bananas, rolled oats, and chocolate minichips. Bake a batch for a special gathering or holiday cookie swap.

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Maple-Pecan Bars

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Maple-Pecan Bars

These pecan pie-inspired bar cookies capture the very best of fall. Don’t forget to line the baking pan with parchment paper before baking, since gluten-free dough and crusts tend to be on the stickier side.

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