The Sweetest Holiday Twist
Ever had cookies that practically whisper “holiday magic” with every bite? These Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies are a celebration of flavor, joy, and the cozy warmth of the season—all without any gluten! Perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in, this recipe makes baking stress-free and fun.
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love cookies that are deceptively easy to whip up? Imagine a batch of delightful treats that uses simple ingredients and pairs beautifully with your favorite holiday drink. Plus, they’re perfect for everyone around the table, whether they’re gluten-free or just in it for the sweetness!
- Effortless Cleanup: Less time cleaning means more time eating, right?
- Family-Friendly Fun: Get everyone involved in rolling and cutting out shapes—kitchen bonding at its best!
- Festively Delicious: They look as good as they taste. Trust me; your cookie platter will be the talk of the town.
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Gradually add dry ingredients. If the dough feels dry, add milk as needed.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut shapes with cookie cutters and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
How to Make Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies (Overview)
Let’s break it down! Start simple: whisk your dry ingredients, then cream that butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Mixing in the egg and vanilla brings incredible flavor! After combining the dry with the wet, let the dough hang out in the fridge for a tad before rolling it out. Pro tip: The chilling step keeps your cookies from spreading too much. Roll it out, cut those festive shapes, and let them bake till they’re just golden. It’s that straightforward!
How to Serve Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
The best part? Decorate these cookies with icing, sprinkles, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect! Picture this: a vibrant platter of holiday-shaped cookies, each a different color, glistening with icing. The crunch when you bite into them, combined with the sweet aroma, will have your guests reaching for more. Serve them warm and fresh from the oven alongside a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for the ultimate holiday treat.
How to Store Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
These tasty delights can hang out at room temperature for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three months! To enjoy later, let them warm up a bit at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave—just don’t forget to put a timer on!
Tips to Make Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
- Don’t skimp on the chilling: It helps with texture and form.
- For a super rich flavor, try browning the butter before mixing it with sugar.
- Mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can add a lovely surprise to each bite!
- If you’re feeling daring, add a bit of almond extract along with the vanilla for a nutty twist.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Swap in some cocoa powder to make chocolate-flavored cookies or try adding festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday vibe. Want to go vegan? Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter!
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
A: Nope! This recipe is specifically designed for gluten-free flour, so stick with that for the best results.
Q: How do I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: You can make the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Bake fresh cookies when you’re ready!
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Absolutely! Let them cool completely and then freeze in an airtight container. Just thaw before serving.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Easy Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum) Use a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum.
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk As needed for dough consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. If the dough feels dry, incorporate milk as needed.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely before decorating.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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