Photo courtesy of Nicole, Gluten Free on a Shoestring
With December’s holidays now just around the corner, we can’t wait to begin our annual baking. From the cozy warmth of the oven to the sweet, spicy scents to the simple happiness that a homemade treat brings friends and loved ones, it’s easy to see why baking is such an important part of so many families’ traditions.
Thanks to sites like Pinterest and our favorite food bloggers and authors, it’s also easy to find an array of delicious, gluten-free holiday cookie recipes – so easy, in fact, that it was difficult for us to narrow down the list. But we did our best to present you all with a varied and inspiring (yet hopefully not overwhelming) list of the top gluten-free holiday cookie recipes that we are just so excited to try this season:
Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies, The Healthy Maven
An obvious place to start holiday baking is with a good, old-fashioned shortbread cookie. These are made festive by the addition of red and green sprinkles, and made gluten-free by replacing traditional flour with brown rice flour.
Almond Flour Sugar Cookies, Meaningful Eats
Another crowd-pleaser this time of year is the sugar cookie, preferably in a seasonal shape. These are just the right amount of sweet (and sweetly decorated) and they’re also completely gluten-free, thanks to a combination of almond and coconut flours.
Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, Gluten Free on a Shoestring
Looking for something chocolaty? We hear you, and these incredible crinkle cookies should satisfy all your cravings. More chewy than crispy, they’re similar to a brownie in texture – but, of course, without the gluten.
Creamy Dreamy Peppermint Patties, Oh She Glows
Like the name says, these treats are creamy and dreamy – so creamy and dreamy, in fact, that no one will ever guess they’re vegan! Made with pureed cashews and coconut oil, these peppermint patties are like a cross between a cookie and candy – and they’re sure to be a hit.
Gluten Free Rainbow Cookies, Gluten Free on a Shoestring (pictured)
So you’ve got the basics covered, and now you’re ready to tackle something a bit more complicated? This recipe is that, but the results are well worth the work. Layers of colorful, almond-flavored cookie and sweet jam are topped with rich chocolate to create a truly unforgettable holiday treat.
Quinoa Gingersnap Cookies, Eating Bird Food for Ancient Harvest
These cookies recently won our Modern Meal Cook-Off. One bite, and you’ll quickly see why. Made with quinoa flour and plenty of warming spices, these seasonal cookies are so delicious and nutritious that you’ll want to make them all year round.
(Gluten-Free) Italian Wedding Cookies, The Dusty Baker
Lemony Italian Wedding Cookies are always a welcome addition to the holiday dessert table, and these are sure to please even the biggest connoisseur. Top them with colorful sprinkles or candy decorations, and you have a treat that is just as eye-catching as it is tasty.
Cranberry White Chocolate Pecan Cookies, Boulder Locavore
These cookies have it all – tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, sweet white chocolate, and a dough that features gluten-free oat flour for all of your gluten-free holiday guests. In short, they are the ultimate holiday cookie.
For more gluten-free recipes to take you through the holiday season and beyond, be sure to visit the recipes page at AncientHarvest.com. You can also download our free Modern Meal Cookbook, which is filled with delicious and nutritious recipes to take you through the holiday season and beyond, right here.
