Gluten Free Christmas Desserts Everyone Will Love
The holiday season is my favorite time to be in the kitchen—Christmas music playing, candles glowing, and the smell of cinnamon and spice wafting through the house. And when you’re living with celiac disease or following a gluten-free diet, finding festive treats that feel just as magical can sometimes feel like a tall order. But not this year.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Christmas morning breakfast, a crowd-pleasing Christmas party, or just need a stash of gluten-free Christmas cookies for spontaneous cookie cravings, I’ve gathered all of my best gluten-free Christmas desserts in one merry little list. These are the perfect sweet treats for the whole family, from kiddos to gluten-free family members, and even the ones who swear they don’t like anything “special diet.”
And the best part? Every recipe here is an easy recipe—totally doable, and often with dairy-free options too. There’s something for every craving: cookies packed with peanut butter, cakes kissed with candy canes, and dreamy scoops of homemade ice cream. So let’s get right into the gluten-free baking joy of the Christmas season, shall we?
Cookies + Candy for Santa (and Everyone Else)
Because gluten-free Christmas treats start with a great cookie plate. These are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges too!
Nutty & Nice Gluten-Free Walnut Cookies
Say hello to your new favorite cookie. These buttery snowball-style cookies are made with toasted walnuts and rolled in powdered sugar. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday parties—delicate, nutty, and impossible to eat just one.
Gluten-Free Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
Soft and chewy, these gluten-free cookies are filled with holiday spice and real eggnog. They bring major cozy vibes to your cookie trays.
Gluten-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies
Crumbly, nutty, and dusted with sugar, these are an elegant, nostalgic cookie for any Christmas day table.
Chocolate Candy Cane Crush Cookies
A rich, chewy chocolate cookie topped with crushed candy canes and made with good cocoa powder—these are the perfect treat for peppermint lovers, and a showstopper on any cookie platter.
Flourless Peanut Butter Blossoms
These easy gluten cookies are flourless and packed with creamy peanut butter, topped with a chocolate kiss in the center. Classic, simple, and completely gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
Perfect for decorating (or just munching), these gluten-free gingerbread cookies are crisp at the edges, soft in the middle, and full of holiday spice. Add a few white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies
Simple and buttery, these sugar cookies are perfect for dipping in chocolate or sprinkling with festive sugar.
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Meringues
Light, airy, and dipped in dark chocolate, these peppermint meringues are like little bites of winter wonder. So pretty on a holiday dessert board.
Candied Orange Rind
Bright, sweet, and just the right amount of chewy, this homemade candied orange rind is a simple way to add a burst of citrus to your holiday baking, gift boxes, or even cocktails. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a festive kitchen project that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Cakes, Cupcakes & Things for Your Dessert Table
When you want your gluten-free Christmas desserts to feel extra special. They are perfect after Christmas dinner, or at any holiday party.
Gluten-Free Eggnog Cake
This moist, spiced gluten-free cake recipe is made with real eggnog and a dash of nutmeg. A dusting of powdered sugar makes it a festive centerpiece for Christmas day or a holiday party. It’s been my favorite cake recipe since I was a little kid!
Pumpkin Gingerbread Cake
Rich and warmly spiced, this cake combines pumpkin puree and gingerbread spice in a dense, delicious loaf. A perfect treat with coffee by the tree.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes
Peppermint and cocoa powder are a match made in Christmas heaven. These cupcakes are topped with crushed candy canes and festive frosting and are a delicious holiday treat.
Gluten-Free Cheesecake
This is the kind of bake cheesecake that impresses everyone—creamy, never cracked, and totally gluten-free. Top with berries or chocolate for a holiday twist. It’s a decadent dessert that’s soon to become your new favorite easy dessert.
Gluten-Free Cranberry Coffee Cake
Tart cranberries and cinnamon streusel make this cake a must-have for Christmas morning or a sweet brunch bite during the holidays.
The Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Loaf Cake
Simple, spiced, and oh-so-moist, this loaf is one of those easy gluten free dessert recipes you’ll want to make all winter long.
Gluten-Free Eggnog Cupcakes
Light and fluffy with eggnog buttercream, these are the perfect dessert just made for holiday parties and Christmas cookie swaps.
Sour Cream Gingerbread
This old-school classic is extra tender, thanks to a scoop of sour cream. It’s a cozy and comforting gluten-free dessert recipe you’ll want to make every Christmas season.
Frozen Festive Treats
Because even at Christmas time, we still want ice cream—especially in California.
Cinnamon Ice Cream
This creamy ice cream is bursting with holiday spice. Try it on top of warm gingerbread or pumpkin pie. Dairy-free option included!
Peppermint Ice Cream
Pink, pretty, and flecked with crushed candy canes, this ice cream is cool, creamy, and Christmas in a scoop.
Wherever you are this Christmas season, I hope these gluten-free Christmas desserts bring a little extra joy to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with little ones, sharing sweets at your office Christmas party, or just sneaking cookies before breakfast (no judgment), these gluten-free Christmas dessert recipes are sure to make it all feel a little more magical.
Merry Christmas, from my kitchen to yours.
