Christmas is such a magical time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious gluten free Christmas treats? I absolutely adore baking during the holidays, especially when I know my gluten-sensitive family members can join in on the fun without a worry. These treats are not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Trust me, the smell of these goodies baking in the oven will have everyone flocking to the kitchen, eager to indulge in the holiday spirit. Plus, these treats are a wonderful way to show that gluten free doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or joy. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to bring smiles all around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for those last-minute holiday baking sessions!
- Deliciously soft and chewy, these gluten free Christmas treats will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruits, for a personal twist.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.
- They’re festive, fun, and bring that warm, cozy feeling to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients for Gluten Free Christmas Treats
- 2 cups gluten free flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
(Make sure you’re using a certified gluten free flour blend for the best results! It really makes a difference in texture and flavor.)
How to Prepare Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Now, let’s get to the fun part—baking these scrumptious gluten free Christmas treats! The process is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Here’s how to bring these delightful cookies to life:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key to ensuring your cookies bake evenly and come out just right!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes—trust me, it makes a difference in texture!
- Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well blended.
- Next, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. I like to do this in three parts—mixing until just combined after each addition. This helps prevent overmixing.
- Finally, fold in those delicious chocolate chips. You want them to be evenly distributed without breaking them up too much!
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for spreading.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it! Your gluten free Christmas treats are ready to spread joy and sweetness this holiday season!
Tips for Success
To make sure your gluten free Christmas treats turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, when measuring your gluten free flour, scoop it into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge—this avoids packing the flour, which can lead to dense cookies. Also, remember to let your butter soften at room temperature; it should be creamy, not melted! This helps create that lovely fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
Mix gently after adding the dry ingredients—overmixing can affect the final texture. Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake, as ovens can vary. They’re done when the edges are golden, but the centers might look slightly underbaked; they’ll firm up as they cool. Lastly, don’t forget to use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking!
Serving Suggestions
These gluten free Christmas treats are delightful on their own, but if you want to take your holiday spread up a notch, here are some tasty pairing ideas! Serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a rich hot chocolate for that cozy winter vibe. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—yum! For an extra festive touch, consider adding a platter of fresh fruit, like strawberries or oranges, which brings a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Enjoy the holiday spirit with these delicious combinations!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gluten free Christmas treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that just-baked warmth. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying these delightful gluten free Christmas treats, here’s what you can expect nutritionally per cookie. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
So, go ahead and indulge a little! These treats are not only delicious but also make for a sweet holiday experience that everyone can enjoy.
FAQ About Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can, but I recommend sticking with a gluten free flour blend for the best results. If you try something else, just make sure it’s designed for baking to maintain the right texture.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden brown, while the centers might look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit underbaked!
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can mix in nuts, dried fruits, or even different types of chocolate chips. Just make sure to keep the proportions similar to maintain the dough consistency.
What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
No problem! You can substitute them with chopped chocolate, cocoa nibs, or even swap them out for your favorite candies—just get creative!
How should I store these treats?
Store your gluten free Christmas treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freezing them is a great option!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking to make scooping easier.
Are these treats suitable for kids?
Definitely! These gluten free Christmas treats are kid-friendly and delicious, making them perfect for holiday gatherings where everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.
Gluten Free Christmas Treats: 7 Joyful Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious gluten free treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix gluten free flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing.
- Try adding nuts for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: gluten free christmas treats
