Oh, the joyful hustle and bustle of the festive season! There’s something magical about filling your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas while baking delicious gluten free Christmas treats. I can still remember those cozy afternoons spent with my family, gathering around the oven, eagerly awaiting the moment we could taste our sweet creations. The laughter, the frosting fights, and the scent of cookies wafting through the house just made it feel like Christmas. It’s those little moments that truly make the holidays special! So, trust me when I say, whether you’re gluten-free or just looking for a festive treat, these cookies will become a new favorite in your holiday baking tradition. Let’s dive in and create some delicious memories together!
Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Christmas Treats
These gluten free Christmas treats are not just a delicious addition to your holiday spread; they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, they’ll quickly become a go-to for festive baking. Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Made with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
- Quick prep and bake time means you can make them in a flash!
- They’re delightfully chewy with pockets of melted chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint.
- Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Gluten-free but so tasty, no one will miss the gluten!
Ingredients for Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful gluten free Christmas treats! Each one plays a special role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup almond flour: This nutty flour adds a lovely base and keeps things light and fluffy while being gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup coconut flour: A great complement to almond flour, it helps absorb moisture and gives a slight sweetness.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: This natural sweetener not only adds sweetness but also a wonderful depth of flavor that screams holiday cheer!
- 1/4 cup coconut oil: Melted for easy mixing, it provides healthy fats and a rich, buttery taste.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A must-have for any holiday treat, it enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cookies rise, making them perfectly chewy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all those delicious flavors!
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips: Because what’s a cookie without chocolate? They melt into gooey goodness that’s irresistible!
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies: These add a festive crunch and a refreshing minty kick that’s perfect for the season.
How to Prepare Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Getting these gluten free Christmas treats ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together until they’re well blended. This little step makes sure all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to getting that perfect cookie texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk it well! You want everything to come together nicely, so no lumps remain. Trust me, this will enhance the flavor of your cookies!
Step 4: Form the Dough
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky, but still hold together. If it feels too dry, don’t hesitate to add a tiny splash of water or more coconut oil!
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Peppermint
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candies. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This way, every cookie will have that delightful burst of chocolate and mint in each bite!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Using a spoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each one so they can spread! Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look firm but the centers are still a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool!
Tips for Success with Gluten Free Christmas Treats
To ensure your gluten free Christmas treats turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, make sure to measure your flours accurately; too much can lead to dry cookies. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute the almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option, but be cautious as it may alter the flavor slightly. For storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer freshness—just thaw before enjoying. Trust me, these little tricks will make all the difference!
Nutritional Information for Gluten Free Christmas Treats
When it comes to enjoying these delicious gluten free Christmas treats, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a typical breakdown for one cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
So, as you enjoy these festive cookies, you can feel good about the wholesome ingredients that make them a delightful treat for everyone, gluten-free or not!
FAQ About Gluten Free Christmas Treats
Can I substitute the almond flour?
Absolutely! If you need a substitute for almond flour, you can use sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that it may give your cookies a slightly different flavor and color, but they’ll still be delicious! Another option is to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. Whichever you choose, just know that these treats will still bring the festive cheer!
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your gluten free Christmas treats fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for about a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be just as scrumptious as the day you baked them!
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these treats ahead of time! In fact, I love baking a batch a few days before a holiday gathering. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to share when guests arrive. If you want to prep even further, you can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time while still impressing everyone with your amazing baking skills!
Serving Suggestions for Gluten Free Christmas Treats
These gluten free Christmas treats are a delightful addition to any festive gathering, but let’s take them to the next level with some fun serving ideas! Here’s how you can enhance your cookie experience:
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Pair your cookies with a cozy cup of hot cocoa! Set up a bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks for a truly festive drink.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds make a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies. Plus, they add a refreshing touch!
- Cheese and Nut Board: Create a small cheese and nut platter with gluten-free cheeses and some crunchy nuts. The savory elements balance the sweetness of your cookies beautifully.
- Festive Ice Cream Sundaes: Serve the cookies on top of a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a decadent dessert!
- Holiday Gift Packages: Why not package a few cookies in a festive tin or bag as a sweet holiday gift? It’s a lovely way to share the joy of baking with friends and family.
Whichever way you choose to serve your gluten free Christmas treats, make sure to enjoy the smiles they bring to the table. Happy baking and sharing!
Print
Gluten Free Christmas Treats: 5 Festive Joys Await
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious gluten free treats perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute chocolate chips with dried fruits.
- Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: gluten free christmas treats, gluten free cookies, holiday baking, festive desserts
