15 Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies That Santa Would Definitely Approve Of

Whether you're looking for gluten-free sugar cookies, gingerbread, or something more festive (Grinch-inspired macarons, anyone?), we have you covered this holiday season.

Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies That Santa Would Definitely Approve Of , Christmas table scene of mixed sweets and cookies. Above view over a rustic wood background. Holiday baking concept.
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Baking and eating Christmas cookies is a holiday tradition no one should ever have to give up—not even due to a dietary restriction like being gluten-free. Luckily, bakers on the internet have come up with a delicious workaround: festive cookie recipes that use alternative wheat flours. Here are 15 recipes for mouthwatering Christmas cookies, sans gluten.

1. Gluten-free sugar cookies

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
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Nothing screams Christmas quite like sugar cookies—plus, decorating them is half the fun. Get ready to whip out all the icing and sprinkles so you can adorn these delicious gluten-free versions.

2. Gluten-free chocolate chip matcha cookies

Homemade Vegan green cookies with matcha tea and chocolate chip. placed on a wooden board
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This holiday twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie brings a unique, yet subtle, flavor to the mix. Plus, matcha is a good source of antioxidants.

3. Gluten-free gingerbread cookies

gluten-free-gingerbread-cookies
officiallyglutenfree.com

Is it really Christmas without gingerbread cookies? This recipe from Officially Gluten Free will let you indulge in this seasonal, yummy staple.

4. Gluten-free peanut butter cup cookies

gluten-free-peanut-buttercup-cookies
mypennywiselife.com

You know what's even better than dessert? Dessert that's easy to make. These four-ingredient peanut butter cup cookies from My Pennywise Life are both simple and mouth-watering.

5. Gluten-free and vegan meringue cookies

Vegan Meringue Cookies
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Not only is this recipe gluten-free, but it's also vegan-friendly! Instead of using eggs to create all that signature fluffiness of meringues, it uses aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas.

6. Gluten-free chocolate strawberry shortbread cookies

chocolate-strawberry-shortbread-cookies
officiallyglutenfree.com

Chocolate and strawberries are always a winning combination. Incorporate the two into this tasty twist on the classic shortbread cookie from Officially Gluten Free.

7. Gluten-free lemon thumbprint cookies

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
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If you're a fan of citrus, you'll love these zesty cookies, which are made with fresh lemons. However, you might want to skip if you're sugar-free—the recipe does not recommend using a sugar substitute.

8. Gluten-free Grinch heart macarons

grinch-heart-macaroon
whattheforkfoodblog.com

These adorable (and very green!) macarons from What The Fork food blog are exactly what we imagine Cindy Lou Who would be eating this holiday season.

9. Gluten-free almond butter and dark chocolate chip cookies

almond-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies
hangrywoman.com

This almond butter dark chocolate chip cookie recipe from Hangry Woman is the crowd pleaser all your party guests and family members will want more of.

10. Gluten-free almond cookies

Simple Almond Cookies
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These simple almond cookies would pair well with an after-dinner cup of espresso. Plus, the chocolate drizzle adds a bit of pizzaz to their appearance with minimal effort.

11. Gluten-free Christmas cookie bars

gluten-free-christmas-cookie-bars
hunnyimhomediy.com

Bring a little pop of color to your cookie tray this season with these pretty Christmas cookie bars from Hunny I'm Home DIY.

12. Gluten-free chocolate pretzel crinkle cookies

Chocolate Pretzel Crinkle Cookies
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If you're a fan of salty and sweet, this is the recipe for you. With a dusting of powdered sugar on top, these cookies add a festive flair to your next holiday party.

13. Gluten-free gingersnap ice cream sandwiches

Gluten-Free Gingersnap Ice Cream Sandwiches
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While this recipe isn't technically a cookie, we just had to include it. Even in the winter months it's hard to say no to a good ice cream sandwich.

14. Gluten-free Linzer cookies

Gluten-Free Almond-Oat Linzer Cookies
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A staple of both Austrian and German Christmas celebrations, these cookies have a crumbly almond crust with a gooey jam center. Ice on chocolate eyes and ears, and you'll even have a little Rudolph look-alike.

15. Gluten-free peanut butter rice krispies

vegan-peanut-butter-chocolate-rice-crispies
thechocoholicbaker.com

Add something extra onto your Rice Krispies treats this year and try this recipe from The Chocoholic Baker. Not only are they gluten-free, they're also vegan, low in sugar, and FODMAP-friendly.

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Updated by
Grace Wade

Grace Wade is an associate editor for Health.com. While her work covers a wide range of science and health topics, she has a particular interest in nutrition, mental healthcare, the wellness industry, and the relationship between the environmental and public health. Prior to Health, Grace was an associate editor at Insider where she spent the majority of her time trying to hack Google's algorithm. She is also a fact-checker and contributor for Popular Science. When she's not working, Grace can typically be found exploring Brooklyn or hiking mountains with her film camera. Grace holds a dual degree in journalism and science in human cultures from Northwestern University with a concentration in environment, science, and society.

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