20 Festive Gluten-Free Holiday Cookie Recipes

Holiday baking becomes simple with these gluten-free cookie recipes that taste just as amazing as traditional versions. Each recipe uses alternative flours and ingredients to create festive treats everyone can enjoy.

From classic sugar cookies to no-bake options, these recipes prove that gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free during the holiday season.

01. Classic Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

This festive version uses any gluten-free flour blend with butter, sugar, and eggs. The cutout cookies hold their shape perfectly during baking.

These cookies stay sturdy enough for decorating with royal icing or colored sugar. The texture remains tender and sweet like traditional versions.

Perfect for cookie decorating parties since they won’t break during handling. Great for beginners new to gluten-free baking.

02. Almond Flour Cinnamon Stars

This seasonal recipe replaces regular flour with finely ground almonds and powdered sugar. Star-shaped cutters create the perfect festive look.

The almond base gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor and delicate texture. They taste amazing with coffee or hot chocolate.

Any cookie cutter shape works if you don’t have stars. These European-style cookies feel elegant and special.

03. No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

This classic no-bake recipe uses just six ingredients including peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. The balls get dipped in melted chocolate.

No oven required makes these perfect for hot weather or busy schedules. The chocolate coating creates a satisfying crunch.

Excellent for gift giving since they travel well in containers. Kids love helping roll these into perfect balls.

04. Simple Italian Coconut Cookies

This easy recipe needs only egg whites, sugar, shredded coconut, and gluten-free flour. The cookies bake up light and chewy.

Drizzling melted chocolate on top adds an elegant finishing touch. The coconut flavor really shines through in every bite.

These come together quickly when you need last-minute treats. The simple ingredient list makes shopping easy.

05. Homemade Peppermint Patties

This family favorite combines peppermint filling with dark chocolate coating. The centers use powdered sugar, butter, and peppermint extract.

Chilling the patties before dipping helps the chocolate coating set perfectly. The cool mint flavor tastes refreshing after heavy meals.

Many families make these as annual Christmas traditions. They store well in the refrigerator for weeks.

06. Sweet Coconut Bon Bons

These festive balls use butter, powdered sugar, condensed milk, and flaked coconut. The mixture gets rolled and dipped in chocolate.

The sweetened condensed milk keeps everything moist and adds richness. Semisweet chocolate balances the sweet coconut filling perfectly.

Only six common ingredients needed makes these accessible for most home bakers. They look fancy but require minimal skill.

07. Vegan Gingerbread Cookies

This plant-based version uses almond flour, arrowroot, and coconut oil instead of traditional ingredients. Warm spices create classic gingerbread flavor.

The almond flour base gives these cookies a tender texture and nutty taste. They roll out well for cutting festive shapes.

Perfect for guests with multiple dietary restrictions. The flavor rivals any traditional gingerbread cookie recipe.

08. Keto Almond Coconut Sandies

This low-carb version uses almond flour and coconut to create sandy-textured cookies. They taste similar to classic pecan sandies.

The slightly sweet flavor works perfectly for keto and low-carb diets. Refrigerating before serving improves the texture significantly.

Great option for people avoiding sugar and grains. These satisfy cookie cravings without breaking dietary goals.

09. Traditional Pine Nut Cookies

This Italian favorite uses almond paste, two types of sugar, egg whites, and pine nuts. The cookies bake up soft and chewy.

Rolling the dough in pine nuts creates a beautiful presentation and nutty crunch. The almond paste provides rich, sweet flavor.

Only five ingredients needed but the results taste sophisticated and bakery-quality. Perfect for elegant holiday gatherings.

10. Brown Butter Cassava Snickerdoodles

This grain-free version uses cassava flour and coconut sugar for healthier results. Brown butter adds deep, nutty flavor throughout.

The cinnamon-sugar coating creates that classic snickerdoodle taste and texture. These taste less sweet than traditional versions.

Great for people avoiding grains but wanting familiar cookie flavors. The brown butter technique elevates the overall taste.

11. Vegan Almond Flour Sugar Cookies

This plant-based recipe uses almond flour instead of wheat flour for tender results. The dough rolls out perfectly for decorating.

These cookies hold their shape well during baking and decorating. The almond flour adds protein and healthy fats.

Excellent for cookie decorating parties with mixed dietary needs. They taste amazing with or without frosting.

12. Festive Peppermint Meringues

This light recipe uses egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar for perfect texture. Crushed candy canes add color and flavor.

Cream of tartar helps create stable, fluffy meringues that hold their shape. Red and green candies make them look festive.

These naturally gluten-free cookies feel light after heavy holiday meals. They dissolve beautifully on your tongue.

13. Layered Hello Dolly Squares

These decadent bars layer gluten-free graham crackers, chocolate chips, coconut, and condensed milk. The bars bake up rich and gooey.

Each layer adds different textures and flavors for complex results. The condensed milk holds everything together perfectly.

Coconut lovers will absolutely adore these indulgent squares. They cut cleanly for easy serving and gifting.

14. Classic Italian Amaretti

This traditional recipe uses almond paste and egg whites for authentic Italian flavor. The cookies start crispy outside and chewy inside.

As they sit, the texture becomes crunchy throughout for different eating experiences. The almond flavor intensifies over time.

These store well in airtight containers for weeks. Perfect for making ahead during busy holiday seasons.

15. Spiced Gingersnap Cookies

This gluten-free version uses alternative flour with traditional gingersnap spices. The cookies bake up crispy with perfect snap.

Warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create that classic holiday flavor. The texture rivals any traditional gingersnap.

Many bakers consider these their new favorite cookie recipe. They taste amazing with milk or coffee.

16. Powdered Sugar Snowball Cookies

This grain-free recipe uses alternative flours and butter for tender results. Rolling in powdered sugar creates the snowy appearance.

The cookies stay soft and buttery inside the sweet powdered coating. They melt in your mouth beautifully.

Easy to adapt for paleo diets by swapping butter and sugar. These look elegant on any holiday cookie plate.

17. Salted Caramel Rice Crispy Treats

This elevated version uses gluten-free rice cereal with caramel and sea salt. The squares taste like gourmet candy bars.

The sweet and salty combination creates addictive flavor that appeals to all ages. Much easier than traditional cookies.

No baking required makes these perfect for beginners or hot weather. They set up quickly at room temperature.

18. Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies

This simple recipe works perfectly without wheat flour for tender results. Adding pecans or peanuts creates extra crunch and flavor.

The peanut butter provides enough binding without needing much additional flour. These taste rich and satisfying.

Any nuts work well in this flexible recipe. Great for using up whatever nuts you have available.

19. Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

This festive recipe uses rice flour and cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor. Peppermint extract adds seasonal appeal.

The cookies bake up chewy inside with slightly crunchy edges. Perfect texture contrast that chocolate lovers crave.

Great for people who want chocolate during the holidays. The peppermint makes them feel appropriately seasonal.

20. Simple Vegan Shortbread

This five-ingredient recipe uses vegan margarine and gluten-free flour for classic shortbread texture. The cookies stay tender and buttery.

The simple ingredient list makes these accessible for people with multiple dietary restrictions. They taste surprisingly rich.

Perfect base recipe for adding extracts or mix-ins. These prove that dietary restrictions don’t limit delicious results.

Final Thoughts

These gluten-free holiday cookies prove that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. Each recipe creates delicious treats that everyone can enjoy together.

Start with simpler no-bake options if you’re new to gluten-free baking, then work up to more complex decorated cookies as your confidence grows.