A Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie Miracle.
The holiday season always brings back memories of baking with my grandmother. The warm, spicy scent of gingerbread and the sweet aroma of sugar cookies filled the house. This year, I’m excited to share a recipe for gluten free Christmas cookies that not only captures those festive flavors but also skips refined sugars. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are a healthier option that everyone can enjoy—especially my mom, who is gluten intolerant.
When my mom was diagnosed with gluten intolerance, I thought our cherished holiday traditions might be lost forever. That first gluten-free Christmas was a bit of a challenge. I watched as my family indulged in their favorite cookies, feeling a mix of nostalgia and determination to include my mom in our holiday celebrations. Inspired by her resilience, I began experimenting in the kitchen, determined to create delicious gluten-free Christmas cookies that everyone could enjoy.
Now, I’m thrilled to share my favorite gluten-free Christmas cookie recipe. It’s a simple recipe but absolutely delicious. In fact these cookies are so delicious that even my gluten-eating friends and family can’t tell the difference! They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the holiday season without compromising on taste or tradition. And don’t forget to make some extra for Santa—he probably could do without the extra bloat this year, right?
How to Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture.
When making gluten-free cookies, achieving the right texture can be a little different than traditional recipes. Here are some tips to help you create your ideal cookie:
- Soft and Gooey: If you prefer soft and gooey cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Crisp Edges: For cookies with crisp edges, simply bake them a minute or two longer until they are golden brown all over. You can also flatten the dough balls slightly before baking to encourage more even cooking.
- Chill the Dough: If you want your cookies to hold their shape better during baking (especially if using cookie cutters), chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.
Glute Free Christmas Cookie Recipe.
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 square of parchment paper
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pitted, soaked and finely chopped dates
- 1 large egg or flax egg for vegan version
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, maple syrup, and chopped dates until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture at medium speed.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon until a gluten-free cookie dough forms.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and crisp.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Healthy Decoration Ideas
Once your gluten-free Christmas cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to get creative with decorations! Here are three healthy decoration ideas that keep things festive without compromising on nutrition:
- Nut Butter and Cranberry Topping: Spread a thin layer of almond or cashew butter on top of each cooled cookie and then sprinkle finely chopped dried cranberries over it. This combination adds both flavor and nutrition while giving your cookies a festive look! It will look perfect on holiday cookie platters.
- Coconut Flakes: After applying nut butter on top of your cookies, sprinkle unsweetened shredded coconut for an extra layer of texture and flavor. This not only enhances their appearance but also adds healthy fats!
- Crushed Pistachios: For a delightful crunch and vibrant color, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top of the nut butter layer or directly onto the cookies. They add a unique flavor and a boost of nutrients, making your cookies even more special. Pistachios is a perfect addition of something green. Or why not add both, the cranberries and pistachios? There’s your green and red.
These healthy decoration ideas will not only make your gluten-free Christmas cookies look festive but also enhance their nutritional profile, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats without the guilt!
Nutritional Highlights
Almond Flour: Almond flour is incredibly nutritious and provides many health benefits. It’s rich in vitamin E and magnesium—two important nutrients that help reduce oxidative stress and support heart health. Almond flour is also naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Dates: Dates are naturally sweet and provide essential nutrients like fiber and potassium. They help add sweetness without refined sugars while offering digestive benefits due to their high fiber content.
Nutmeg: Nutmeg not only adds warmth and depth to these cookies but also contains antioxidants that can help protect against cellular damage.
These ingredients come together to create not just delicious treats but also ones that are packed with wholesome goodness—perfect for this time of year when we all want to enjoy our favorite holiday cookies without any guilt!
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to gluten-free baking or looking for more ideas this holiday season, consider exploring fellow gluten-free bloggers who share their favorite recipes online.
There are countless free cookie recipes available that cater to various dietary needs—from vegan Christmas cookies to free chocolate chip cookies!So whether you’re baking for someone with food allergies or simply looking to try something new this Christmas time, these gluten-free Christmas cookies are sure to become a staple in your household.
Happy baking! May your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and lots of delicious gluten-free treats!
One Response
Just what I needed as a celiac. Thanks for this recipe. I love the idea of cranberries too.