Soft & Chewy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

by Judy Goudy

I still remember the year I first attempted gluten-free Christmas cookies. It was a disaster.

The dough was too sticky, the cookies crumbled like sand, and my brother (the human garbage disposal) took one bite and said, “Yeah… no.”

Fast forward a few years, and now? These cookies are the first to disappear from the holiday tray.

They’re soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, and no one ever guesses they’re gluten-free.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, a gluten-free guest, or just looking for a foolproof holiday cookie that actually tastes good, this recipe is for you.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cookies

  • Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape.
  • Use the Right Flour: A gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum mimics traditional flour for a soft, chewy texture.
  • Don’t Overbake: The cookies will look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out—this keeps them soft as they cool.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Dairy-Free? Swap the butter for vegan butter and use non-dairy milk.
  • Extra Spice? Add ¼ tsp nutmeg or ginger for a deeper holiday flavor.
  • Chocolate Lovers? Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or leaving out for Santa (he deserves gluten-free options too). Pair them with hot cocoa, mulled cider, or a classic glass of milk for the ultimate festive treat.

These cookies are everything I love about Christmas baking—simple, nostalgic, and packed with love. I hope they become a tradition in your kitchen too. If you try them, let me know how they turn out! 🎄🍪

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Soft & Chewy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies


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  • Author: Judy Goudy
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These buttery, lightly spiced gluten-free Christmas cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for decorating. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’ll be a holiday favorite for gluten-free and non-gluten-free eaters alike!


Ingredients

Scale

For the cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)

For the icing:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 12 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles or crushed candy canes for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumping.

Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Then, gradually add the milk, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.

Step 5: Roll & Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes.

Step 6: Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool completely before icing.

Step 7: Decorate

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the icing. Drizzle or spread it onto the cookies, then top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

Notes

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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