Delicious Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies for a Joyful Holiday Season
Embrace the festive spirit with these delightful gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies. Exceptionally easy to prepare and perfect for spreading holiday cheer, these cut-out cookies are not only beautiful but also completely dairy-free. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe promises a batch of delectable, celiac-friendly treats. Get ready to bake and decorate your way to a memorable holiday!
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Cookie Season!
The holiday season is officially upon us! That means it’s time to cozy up by the fire, listen to classic Christmas carols, don our favorite sweaters, and, most importantly, fill our kitchens with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. There’s nothing quite like the warmth and joy that comes from sharing homemade treats, and these gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies are designed to bring maximum delight with minimal fuss.
Crafting Beautiful Christmas Sugar Cookies
These aren’t just any cookies; they are a canvas for your holiday creativity! Starting with a perfectly stable cut-out sugar cookie base, these treats are then adorned with vibrant icing and festive designs. The magic truly happens when you transform simple dough into miniature works of edible art, perfect for gifting or serving at any holiday gathering.
Imagine a platter filled with snowmen, stars, and Christmas trees, all sparkling with colorful frosting. Aren’t they simply captivating? They make an ideal homemade gift, showing thought and care to your friends, family, and neighbors. These charming cookies are sure to be a highlight of your holiday spread, bringing smiles to everyone who sees (and tastes!) them.
Why You’ll Adore This Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe:
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure components for these gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies. All the ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, making this recipe convenient and stress-free. From basic pantry staples to a reliable gluten-free flour blend, everything is within easy reach, allowing you to focus on the joy of baking rather than the search for ingredients.
- Effortless Preparation: Don’t let the idea of “from scratch” intimidate you. This recipe is designed for ease. Preparing the cookie dough involves a simple process of mixing wet and dry ingredients, followed by a short resting period. After that, it’s all about rolling out the dough, cutting out festive shapes, and baking until golden. The final touch of decorating with icing is the cherry on top, transforming your simple cookies into holiday masterpieces without any complicated techniques.
- Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: This is truly the best part for many! These delightful Christmas sugar cookies are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can indulge in these festive treats without worry. Everyone deserves to enjoy delicious holiday cookies, and this recipe ensures that no one is left out of the seasonal joy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies:
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a visual overview of the key ingredients you’ll need to create these wonderful gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies. Each component plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your holiday treats.
(For a precise list of exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the comprehensive printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes & Helpful Substitutions for Perfect Gluten-Free Cookies:
- Butter: For a truly dairy-free experience, I’ve opted for a high-quality dairy-free butter (also known as vegan butter). These products have come a long way and offer a rich, creamy texture without any dairy. However, if dairy is not an issue for you or your guests, feel free to substitute with regular unsalted butter in equal measure.
- Sugar: My preferred choice for these sugar cookies is granulated white sugar, which provides a classic sweetness and helps achieve a crisp texture. If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile or texture, cane sugar or even light brown sugar can be used, though brown sugar might yield a slightly chewier cookie. For those managing blood sugar levels, granulated monk fruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 sugar substitute with a zero glycemic index.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract elevates the flavor of these cookies, adding a warm, comforting note that is essential for many baked goods. I highly recommend including it. If, however, you don’t have it on hand or simply prefer not to use vanilla, the recipe will still work beautifully without it.
- Egg: The egg serves as a crucial binding agent in this recipe, helping to hold all the ingredients together and giving the cookies structure. It contributes to both the texture and stability of the dough, so it’s an ingredient you definitely don’t want to omit.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The success of gluten-free baking often hinges on the quality of your flour blend. I strongly advise using a reputable gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend that is specifically designed as a 1:1 substitute for regular all-purpose flour. Opt for blends that feature lighter flours and starches, such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch. Avoid blends that prominently feature heavier flours like garbanzo bean flour, as these can result in a denser, gritty texture that isn’t ideal for delicate sugar cookies.
- Xanthan Gum: In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum acts as a vital replacement for the elasticity and binding properties of gluten. It’s essential for preventing crumbly cookies and ensuring a smooth, pliable dough. If your chosen gluten-free flour blend does not already list xanthan gum as an ingredient, make sure to add it separately as specified in the recipe.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is the sole leavening agent in this sugar cookie recipe, providing a slight lift and tender crumb. Its inclusion is non-negotiable for the desired cookie texture. For those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, always double-check to ensure you are using a certified gluten-free baking powder.
- Lemon Juice (for icing): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the icing, as its bright, zesty flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of the cookies. However, if fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient and effective alternative.
- Powdered Sugar (for icing): Powdered sugar, also widely known as icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar, is finely milled sugar that dissolves easily, creating a smooth, lump-free icing. For diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals, powdered monk fruit sweetener is a fantastic 1:1 substitute, offering a zero glycemic index alternative for your festive decorations.
- Food Coloring: While I chose classic blue and green food coloring for a winter wonderland theme, the beauty of these cookies lies in their customizability. Feel free to use any colors that inspire your holiday spirit! Remember, if you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, always verify that your food coloring is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How to Bake & Decorate Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide):
Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of delicious and beautifully decorated gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies.
1. Cream Butter and Sugar until Light and Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened dairy-free butter and granulated sugar together until they are well combined and the mixture appears light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
2. Incorporate Egg & Vanilla Extract
Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Continue to beat for another couple of minutes until these wet ingredients are fully integrated, creating a homogenous and fragrant base for your cookies.
3. Sift and Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, a pinch of salt, and the baking powder. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, preventing lumps in your dough.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the bowl containing the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You should end up with a cohesive, slightly sticky dough that is ready for chilling.
5. Chill the Dough to Perfection
Gather the slightly sticky gluten-free sugar cookie dough and flatten it into a disc. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Transfer the wrapped dough to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll out and cut without sticking.
6. Prepare Your Baking Station
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat). This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
7. Roll Out the Chilled Dough Evenly
Once chilled, remove the dough from the refrigerator. For easier handling and to prevent sticking, roll out the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Aim for a uniform thickness of approximately 5 mm (about 1/5 inch). If the dough is particularly large, you might find it more convenient to divide it into two portions and roll them out one at a time.
8. Cut Out Festive Cookie Shapes
With your rolling pin, gently peel back the top layer of parchment paper. Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to press firmly and cut out various shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer these cut-out cookie shapes to your prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake Until Lightly Golden
Carefully arrange the cut-out cookie dough shapes on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 7-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the edges to be just lightly golden, but the centers still soft to ensure a tender cookie.
10. Cool Completely on a Wire Rack
Once baked, remove the finished cookies from the oven. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the cookies to be entirely cool before you begin the decorating process, as warm cookies will melt the icing.
11. Craft Your Colorful Icing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to pipe but not overly runny – think of it as a thick syrup. Once you have your base white icing, divide the glaze into three separate parts. To one part, add a single drop of green gel food coloring, to another, a drop of blue, and leave the final part pristine white. This creates a beautiful trio of festive colors.
12. Decorate Your Holiday Masterpieces
Carefully transfer each colored icing into its own piping bag (or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off). Now comes the fun part! Let your creativity flow as you decorate the completely cooled cookies with your desired designs. Once decorated, allow the cookies to sit undisturbed for 30-60 minutes, or until the icing has fully set and hardened. This ensures a clean finish and prevents smudging.
13. Savor or Store Your Delicious Cookies
Once the vibrant icing has completely set, your delightful gluten-free and dairy-free Christmas sugar cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your holiday party, package them as thoughtful gifts, or simply savor them with a warm cup of tea. For optimal freshness, store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they remain perfectly delicious.
Dish by Dish Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Holiday Cookies:
- Unleash Your Creativity with Decorative Colors: While blue and green offer a lovely winter theme, don’t limit yourself! The beauty of sugar cookies is their versatility. Experiment with classic red and white, playful pastels, or even metallics to match your holiday decor or personal style. Just a friendly reminder for those with dietary needs: ensure any food coloring you use is certified gluten-free.
- Add Sparkle with Optional Decorations: For an extra festive touch, consider adding sprinkles! Apply them immediately after icing the cookies, while the glaze is still wet, so they adhere properly. Edible glitter, sanding sugar, or small candy pearls can transform your simple cookies into dazzling holiday treats.
- Mastering Your Cookie Dough: If your dough becomes too warm and sticky while rolling, simply pop it back into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This makes handling much easier and prevents misshapen cookies. Using a lightly floured surface (with gluten-free flour!) or rolling between parchment papers is key to avoiding sticky situations.
- Even Baking is Key: For perfectly baked cookies, ensure your oven is accurately preheated. Rotating your baking sheet halfway through the baking time can help ensure even browning, especially if your oven has hot spots. Look for cookies that are just set and very lightly golden at the edges to prevent them from becoming too hard.
- Storage for Longevity: Once the icing is fully hardened, stack your decorated gluten-free sugar cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together and helps maintain their freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze undecorated baked cookies for up to a month, then thaw and decorate when ready!
Discover More Irresistible Gluten-Free Cookie Recipes:
If you’ve fallen in love with these gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic cookie creations. Each recipe is crafted with care to be completely gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. Dive into our collection and find your next favorite!
- Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies (Dairy-Free)
- Heart Jam Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies (Dairy-Free)
P.S. If you try this fantastic gluten-free Christmas sugar cookie recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star rating below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated and helps others discover these delicious treats. Don’t forget to explore my entire Recipe Index for more incredible gluten-free and dairy-free recipes on the blog. You can also connect with me and find more culinary inspiration by following me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! For fresh recipes delivered directly to your inbox each week, make sure to sign up for my Email List!
Print Recipe
Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies (Dairy-Free)
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Author:
Felicia Lim -
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes -
Yield:
20 cookies -
Diet:
Gluten Free
Description
These delightful gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies are incredibly simple to make, offering a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. They’re also entirely dairy-free, making them a wonderful treat for everyone. Whip up a batch today and enjoy festive baking!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted dairy-free butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already contains it)
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
For the Icing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6 to 7 tablespoons powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- 1 drop green gel food coloring (ensure gluten-free)
- 1 drop blue gel food coloring (ensure gluten-free)
Instructions
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened dairy-free butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined (approximately 2 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue beating for another 1-2 minutes until fully incorporated.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, salt, and gluten-free baking powder. If your flour blend does not contain xanthan gum, add it here.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover and Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface or between two sheets of parchment paper, roll out the chilled dough to a uniform thickness of about 5 mm (1/5 inch). If needed, work with half the dough at a time.
- Cut Out Cookies: Use your favorite Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice with powdered sugar until smooth and not too runny. Divide the glaze into three parts. Add a drop of green food coloring to one, a drop of blue to another, and leave the third part white.
- Decorate and Set: Transfer each color of icing to a separate piping bag (or a ziploc bag with the corner snipped). Decorate the completely cooled cookies as desired. Allow the icing to sit and fully set for 30-60 minutes before handling or storing.
- Enjoy or Store: Once the icing has set, enjoy your gluten-free dairy-free Christmas sugar cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe entirely dairy-free. If you are not lactose-intolerant, you can certainly use regular unsalted butter as a direct substitute.
Sugar: While I used granulated white sugar, feel free to use cane sugar or light brown sugar for a slightly different flavor. For those managing blood sugar, granulated monk fruit sweetener is a zero-glycemic, 1:1 substitute.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the cookie flavor; I recommend including it. If unavailable or undesired, you may omit it without major issues.
Egg: The egg is crucial for binding the cookie dough and providing structure. Please ensure it’s included.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Opt for a high-quality gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend composed of lighter starches (like rice, tapioca, corn, or potato). Avoid blends containing heavy flours such as garbanzo bean flour, which can alter texture.
Xanthan Gum: If your chosen gluten-free flour blend does not already contain it, add xanthan gum. It’s essential for replicating gluten’s binding properties in gluten-free baking.
Baking Powder: Baking powder is the sole leavening agent here. Ensure it is gluten-free if you have sensitivities or Celiac disease.
Lemon Juice: For the best icing flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice is an acceptable alternative if fresh is not available.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) is necessary for smooth icing. For a sugar-free option, use powdered monk fruit sweetener (1:1 substitute, zero glycemic index).
Coloring: Feel free to use any food coloring you prefer. Always check that your food coloring is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
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Prep Time:
5 mins -
Chilling + Cooling Time:
60 mins -
Cook Time:
10 mins -
Category:
Cookies -
Method:
Baking -
Cuisine:
American