Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Sophy

I still remember the first Christmas after my daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease. Standing in my kitchen, surrounded by my grandmother’s old recipe cards, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. How could we carry on our family tradition of decorating sugar cookies together when she couldn’t eat them anymore?

That’s when I decided to create easy gluten-free Christmas cookies that wouldn’t just be “good enough” – they had to be actually delicious. After countless batches (my neighbors were very happy that December), I finally cracked the code. These easy gluten-free Christmas cookies are buttery, slightly crisp on the edges with a tender center, and hold their shape beautifully for decorating. Best of all? Nobody can tell they’re gluten-free.

If you love baking gluten-free desserts, you’ll want to check out our complete collection of tried-and-true recipes.

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Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Let me tell you what makes these easy gluten-free Christmas cookies special:

Simple ingredients found in any grocery store. No hunting down exotic starches or ordering specialty items online. Everything you need for these gluten-free Christmas cookies is probably already in your pantry or available at your local supermarket.

No weird aftertaste or gritty texture. This was my biggest concern when I started baking gluten-free. I’ve tasted cookies that were chalky, grainy, or had that distinctive “gluten-free” flavor. Not these. They’re tender, buttery, and taste like the Christmas cookies you remember from childhood.

Easy to decorate with icing or sprinkles. These easy gluten-free Christmas cookies hold their shape perfectly during baking, so your Christmas trees actually look like trees and your stars have crisp points. The surface is smooth enough for detailed royal icing work or simple enough for kids to go wild with sprinkles.

Perfect for gifting or family baking days. Whether you’re filling cookie tins for neighbors or hosting a decorating party with little ones, these gluten-free Christmas cookies are crowd-pleasers. They’re sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic decorating without crumbling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 24 easy gluten-free Christmas cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (I recommend King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 blends – they contain xanthan gum, which helps bind everything together)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy works great)

Optional Add-ins to Customize:

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg for a cozy spice
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips for chocolate lovers
• Zest of one orange for a citrus twist

For Decorating:

• Royal icing or simple powdered sugar glaze
• Festive sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible glitter
• Food coloring gels

Step-by-Step Instructions Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create perfect easy gluten-free Christmas cookies every time:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for a light, fluffy texture that’s almost white in color. This step incorporates air into the cookies, giving them a tender crumb.

Step 2: Add wet ingredients

Whisk the egg and vanilla extract together until they are well blended. The mixture might look slightly curdled – that’s completely normal. Add the milk and mix until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to mix everything well.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. The dough will be soft but not sticky. If you’re adding any optional spices or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 4: Chill the dough

This is the secret to perfect easy gluten-free Christmas cookies! Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a flat disc. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. Chilled dough is easier to roll out, holds its shape better during baking, and prevents spreading.

Step 5: Cut and bake

Set your oven temperature to  350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking trays by lining them with parchment paper. Working with one disc at a time (keep the other refrigerated), roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to create festive shapes for your gluten-free Christmas cookies.

Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, taking them out when the edges are lightly browned. The centers might look slightly underdone – that’s perfect! They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Cool and decorate

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. This is important – decorating warm cookies will cause icing to melt and slide off. Once cool, unleash your creativity with icing, sprinkles, and whatever festive decorations your heart desires.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. I know you’re excited to get baking, but trust me on this one. Chilled dough is your best friend. It’s easier to work with, creates cleaner cuts, and results in cookies that hold their shape beautifully. If your kitchen is warm, pop the dough back in the fridge between batches.

Roll between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Gluten-free dough can be a bit more delicate than traditional dough. Rolling between two sheets of parchment paper eliminates the need for extra flour (which can make cookies tough) and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also re-roll scraps more easily this way.

Let cookies cool completely before decorating. I know it’s tempting to start decorating right away, but patience pays off. Warm cookies will cause royal icing to melt and create a sticky mess. Give them at least 30 minutes to cool completely on a wire rack. I usually bake one day and decorate the next.

Store in an airtight container for freshness. Gluten-free baked goods can dry out faster than traditional ones. Keep undecorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Once decorated, store them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Don’t overmix the dough. Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and with gluten-free flour, it can also create a gummy texture.

Use a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. Find a mixture that includes xanthan gum or guar gum; they function as a binder. My go-to brands are King Arthur Measure for Measure and Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

Decoration Ideas for Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

The fun part! Here are some of my favorite ways to decorate these cookies:

Classic Royal Icing with Festive Colors

Royal icing is the gold standard for cookie decorating. It dries hard, making these cookies stackable and perfect for gifting. Divide your icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring in classic Christmas colors: red, green, white, and gold. Use piping bags to outline shapes, then flood the centers with thinner icing. Add details with contrasting colors once the base layer dries.

White Chocolate Drizzle with Crushed Candy Canes

For a quick and stunning finish, melt white chocolate chips in the microwave (stirring every 20 seconds). Drizzle over cooled cookies using a fork or transfer the chocolate to a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint touch. The contrast of white chocolate and pink peppermint is gorgeous.

Dusting of Cinnamon Sugar for a Cozy Touch

Sometimes simple is best. Mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Before baking, brush the cookie tops lightly with milk, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar. These come out of the oven smelling like Christmas morning and taste like a warm hug.

Other Creative Ideas:

• Spread with cream cheese frosting and top with dried cranberries and pistachios
• Sandwich two cookies together with Nutella or jam
• Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt
• Use edible gold luster dust for an elegant shimmer

Storing and Freezing Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies

Room Temperature Storage

Undecorated cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them. Keep them away from humidity, which can make them soft.

Decorated cookies (with royal icing) can be stored the same way for up to one week. The icing acts as a protective barrier, keeping the cookies fresh. Just make sure the icing is completely dry before stacking or storing.

Freezing the Dough

This is my favorite make-ahead trick! You can freeze the cookie dough (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll out and cut as directed. Perfect for spreading out your holiday baking.

You can also cut out the shapes, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Completely cooled, undecorated cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in airtight containers or freezer bags, separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving or decorating.

I don’t recommend freezing decorated cookies, as the icing can become soft or discolored during thawing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the smell of cookies baking during the holidays. It transforms a house into a home and creates memories that last a lifetime. The fact that these cookies are gluten-free means everyone at your table can share in that magic – and honestly, that’s the best gift of all.

These cookies have become our new family tradition. My daughter and I spend an entire afternoon rolling, cutting, and decorating, just like I used to do with my grandmother. The recipes may have changed, but the joy and the love baked into every batch remain exactly the same.

I hope these cookies bring as much happiness to your home as they do to ours. Whether you’re baking for someone with celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or simply want to try something new, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes. I’d love to see photos of your decorated creations – tag me on social media or drop a comment below. And if you have any questions or variations you’d like to try, don’t hesitate to ask.

Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of delicious cookies!

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