If you love the magic of holiday baking, this collection of Gluten Free Christmas Cookies is for you. Each recipe is tried-and-true, full of flavor, and made to bring a little extra joy. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing with friends, taking them to a cookie exchange or just enjoying them on your couch while watching Hallmark Movies on repeat.
Growing up in Austria, Christmas baking was a cherished tradition. My mom and I would spend hours in the kitchen making Austrian classics like Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents) and Linzer Augen (Linzer Cookies). Today, these are still my go-to gluten-free christmas cookies, the ones I make year after year to bring a little holiday magic to the table.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gluten Free Cookies
- Read the Recipe: This seems very obvious to me but let’s be honest, we have all started working on a recipe just to realize we should have saved half of the chocolate for later. I try to cover as much information as possible in the part above the recipe on my website. I write about which ingredients to use, explain a technique, and answer frequently asked questions. There are no personal stories, it’s all facts and knowledge to help you create the best gluten-free baked goods there are.
- Weigh your Ingredients: I share my recipes in grams and by weight because baking by weight is just more accurate, especially when it comes to gluten-free baking. Digital scales are super affordable and easy to use (you can grab one on Amazon for less than a set of measuring cups!). Measuring cups can be surprisingly inaccurate, which can lead to big mistakes in baking. That’s even more true with gluten-free flours, since they weigh differently than regular flour. I do still give some ingredients, like spices and leavening agents, in measuring spoons. If you want to learn more about baking with a digital scale, check out my post on Baking by Weight.
- Use Room Temperature Butter (unless otherwise stated): I prefer my butter soft, but cool and it should not appear shiny or greasy. The ideal temperature for butter is actually 65°F, which is a lot colder than many of us consider room temperature. To test if your butter is at room temperatur,e nudge it with your finger. You should see an indent, but the butter should not feel like you can poke right through it. During the warm summer months, butter only takes 5-10 minutes to come to room temperature. So please plan accordingly. I always mention in the recipe if butter needs to be at room temperature, soft or can be used straight from the fridge. It's for example, very important to use COLD butter when making my Gluten Free Sugar Cookies.
- Replace you leavening agents: Can't remember the last time you used your baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and even dry yeast? Then I highly recommend replacing those ingredients with new containers.
- Egg size matters: All my recipes call for large eggs. Large eggs must be a minimum of 680 grams per dozen or an average of 56.7 grams each. I allow my eggs to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using them unless specifically stated in the recipe. Some recipes call for cold eggs like most of my muffin recipes.
- Cream your Butter & Sugar: Creaming butter and sugar isn’t just about mixing them together - it’s about aerating them. When you cream, you’re trapping tiny air bubbles in the butter. This process is sometimes called “mechanical leavening” because those air bubbles help give your cookies and baked goods lift and a lighter texture. In my recipes, unless I say otherwise, I cream the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes. Then add the eggs and cream for an additional minute to make sure everything is well aerated.
- Scrape down the bowl: Yes, I mention this in every single one of my recipes: Scrape down the bowl. Without scraping down the sides, butter/sugar builds up on the sides of the bowl. When you add the flour, that film of butter will create random streaks of fat in your dough. And we have all seen those ugly cookies where a pocket of butter makes them look sloppy. To avoid this, I recommend scraping your bowl once mid-creaming, after adding the egg, and after adding the flour. Every time, make sure to mix your dough for 10 seconds or so after.
- Chill the Cookie Dough: Chilling cookie dough isn’t just a suggestion - it actually makes a big difference. When gluten free cookie dough rests in the fridge, the butter firms up, which helps prevent your cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also gives the flour time to fully hydrate, improving the texture, and allows the flavors to meld together. A little patience in the fridge = cookies that look better, bake more evenly, and taste amazing.
And last but not least: Have Fun! Remember, we get to bake Gluten Free Christmas Cookies. We don't have to.
The Best Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
Butter Cookies are known for their rich, buttery flavor and tender, shortbread-like texture. Unlike the store-bought ones (yes, the famous blue tin), my Gluten Free Butter Cookies bake up with crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. Piped into pretty little swirls, they’re as lovely as they are delicious. Dip them in melted chocolate and add festive sprinkles, and you’ve got irresistible Christmas cookies everyone will adore.
Holiday baking always starts with my mom’s Gluten Free Linzer Cookies - a classic Christmas Austrian cookie that’s soft, buttery, and filled with jam. They’re like a cross between a sugar cookie and shortbread, with that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. Whether you use homemade jam or store-bought, these cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season.
These Gluten Free Sugar Cookies are easy to make, hold their shape beautifully, and are perfect for decorating for any holiday or occasion. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t require any chilling, making this a simple and reliable gluten free cut-out cookie recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Gluten Free Butter Pecan Cookies are pure holiday comfort - packed with warm, nutty flavor, crispy edges, and soft, chewy centers. The secret is browning the butter and toasting the pecans, giving every bite that rich, cozy flavor everyone loves this time of year.
Learn how to make the best Gluten Free Chocolate Rugelach. Irresistibly buttery and filled with luscious chocolate filling. A must make for your next Holiday Gathering.
Try these Gluten Free Almond Windmill Cookies, inspired by the classic spiced flavors of traditional speculaas. Thin and crispy with a perfect crunch, they’re packed with warm holiday spices and a hint of almond, making them an irresistible treat for the holidays - or anytime you want a cozy, flavorful cookie
With their buttery crisp, tender texture and a hint of citrus, these Gluten Free Lemon Shortbread Cookies melt in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Whether you enjoy them plain or turn them into the cutest Christmas Wreath Cookies, this recipe makes a beautiful addition to any Holiday Cookie Box.
Gluten Free Crostoli are crispy, airy Italian pastries with a light, flaky texture and a slightly sweet flavor. These irresistible treats have a subtle buttery richness that makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating Carnival, enjoying a holiday, or simply craving a delicious snack, Crostoli are sure to impress. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for an added touch of sweetness.
Buttery, delicious, and simple to make - that’s the best way to describe these Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies. Fill them with your favorite jam, or turn them into bright, zesty lemon curd thumbprints using my foolproof homemade lemon curd. They’re a cozy addition to any holiday cookie platter, but honestly, they’re the kind of cookie you’ll want to bake all year long.
Soft and chewy Gluten Free Chai Sugar Cookies made with warm chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. They’re a cozy, fragrant twist on classic sugar cookies. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Savor the warmth of winter with these Gluten Free Hot Chocolate Cookies. Rich and fudgy with swirls of marshmallow fluff, they capture everything you love about a steaming mug of hot cocoa - in cookie form. One bite, and you’re instantly in full winter-comfort mode.
Gluten Free Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream - a rich, fudgy cookie filled with silky dark chocolate ganache. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top pulls everything together. These cookies come together easily and are guaranteed to become a new Christmas favorite this holiday season.
These Gluten Free Soft Molasses Cookies are everything you want in a classic molasses cookie: soft, chewy, and full of warm spice. The molasses adds a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. They’re an easy, reliable cookie you’ll want to bake for the holidays - and honestly, anytime the craving hits.
Bring the holiday magic to your kitchen with these soft & chewy Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies! Spiced with ginger, cinnamon & cloves, they’re perfect for decorating, gifting, or simply enjoying fresh from the oven. Cozy, festive, and oh-so-delicious - the ultimate gluten-free holiday cookie!
These Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms are soft, chewy, and perfectly topped with a chocolate kiss, making them utterly irresistible. Bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, they’re a classic holiday favorite that’s fun to bake and share. Whether you’re filling a festive cookie platter or just treating yourself, these cookies bring a little sweet magic to any day of the season.
Meet the perfect Holiday Cookie: Gluten Free Fudgy Peppermint Bark Brownie Cookies. With crackly tops, soft and chewy centers, and the perfect balance of chocolate and mint, those peppermint bark cookies are a fabulous addition to any Holiday Cookie Tray and Cookie Exchange. They not only taste good but are also pretty to look at.
Gluten Free Rum Balls, or Rumkugeln as they’re known in Austria, are a beloved holiday classic. Rich, chocolatey, and with just a hint of rum, these little treats are irresistibly festive. Easy to make and completely Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Egg Free, they’re perfect for sharing (or not) during the holidays.
If you love chocolate, these Gluten Free Chocolate Blossoms are an absolute must! Fudgy, rich cookies are topped with everyone’s favorite Hershey’s Kisses, creating the perfect combination. They’re fun to bake, easy to share, and make any holiday cookie platter instantly more festive. Whether you’re gifting them to friends and family or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy every chocolate craving this holiday season.
Indulge in rich, chocolatey Gluten Free Chocolate Cut Out Cookies - the perfect for decorating! These cookies hold their shape beautifully while staying soft and tender, making them ideal for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or any fun baking adventure. Add icing, sprinkles, or your favorite decorations to make them as festive and creative as you like.
If you love the bold flavors of dark chocolate and ginger, these Gluten Free Chocolate Ginger Cookies are a must-try. Made with fresh ginger, rich molasses, and Dutch-processed cocoa, they’re deeply flavorful and perfectly soft. For an extra-special touch, fold in chocolate chips and candied ginger to create the ultimate gluten free ginger cookies that are spicy, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
These Gluten Free Classic Biscotti are perfectly crunchy with a hint of sweetness, making them a festive favorite for the holidays. Ideal for dunking in coffee, hot chocolate, or a sweet dessert wine, they’re twice-baked - first as a log, then sliced and baked again for that signature crisp texture. Not soft or “melt-in-your-mouth,” these biscotti bring a satisfying crunch and cozy holiday flavor to any Christmas cookie platter.
Gluten Free Vanilla Crescent Cookies, also known as Vanillekipferl, are a beloved Austrian holiday tradition. Tender and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re the perfect cookies to make for the holiday season. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are so delicious that they will disappear in no time from your cookie platters.
Gluten Free Pecan Shortbread Cookies are a holiday favorite that’s buttery, tender, and full of flavor. Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while rich dark chocolate chunks give every bite a touch of indulgence. Soft and melt-in-your-mouth, these cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie platters, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. They capture the cozy, festive flavors of the season in every bite.
Enjoy the bright, festive flavors of orange and sweet cranberries in this Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Shortbread. Buttery, tender, and delightfully crumbly, these cookies are simple to make yet full of holiday charm. Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea during cozy winter afternoons.
Gluten Free Brown Butter Snickerdoodles put a cozy twist on the classic snickerdoodle. Browning the butter gives these cookies a rich, nutty, caramel-like flavor that makes every bite irresistible. Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced, they’re a holiday favorite that’s perfect for Christmas cookie platters or gifting to friends and family.
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Note about Salt in my Recipes
I use Diamond Kosher Crystal Salt in all of my recipes unless otherwise stated. If use use a different brand or kind of salt in your kitchen please adjust accordingly since some salts can be saltier. If you use Morton’s Kosher Salt please be aware that their salt granules are smaller in size, denser, and crunchier and twice as salty.
Baking in grams
I share my recipes in grams and by weight since baking by weight is the most accurate way to bake. Digital Scales are very affordable and easy to use. You can purchase them on Amazon for less than a set of measuring cups. For small amounts under 10 grams, I like to use this Precision Pocket Scale. Measuring cups are very inaccurate which can cause significant errors when it comes to gluten-free baking or baking in general. Especially since I bake with gluten-free flours which weigh differently than “regular” flours. I do provide some ingredients like spices and leavening agents in measuring spoons. To learn more about Baking with a digital scale, make sure to check out my post about Baking by weight.
Note about Ovens and Oven Temperatures
All my recipes are tested and developed with a conventional oven. I always bake my baked goods on the rack placed in the MIDDLE of my oven. This way the heat coming from the bottom will not burn my baked goods.
If you are baking with convection (fan-forced), please adjust the recipes accordingly. Convection oven can cause baked goods to dry out quickly and still be raw inside. Since takes at least 15-20 minutes for a standard American Oven to be fully preheated. I highly recommend investing in an Oven Thermometer.
Substitutions and Modifications
Any dietary or ingredient modifications/substitutions to this recipe may alter the end result in appearance and taste. I test my recipes several times as published in this post and The Gluten Free Austrian Blog is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe you find on our website.
Dominica says
Mmmm these all look so delicious!
Daniela says
Thank you! Knowing you you'll bake through them by Monday 😉
Francie Henson says
Do you have a kolachky recipe using gluten free flour?
Daniela says
I do not. I tried a few recipes over the years but didn’t love any of them