Best Christmas Sugar Cookies With Sprinkles (Gluten-Free & Healthy)

The holiday season calls for festive treats, and nothing screams Christmas more than sugar cookies decorated with colorful sprinkles. But what if you could enjoy these classic cookies without the guilt? This gluten-free and healthier version of the best Christmas sugar cookies lets you indulge while keeping your gut and overall health in mind

Jump to:

• Quick Recipe Facts
• Why You'll Love This Christmas Frosted Sugar Cookies Recipe?
• 🥣 Ingredients For The Best Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies
• 👩‍🍳 Directions For Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe
• 🩺 Health Benefits of These Sugar Cookies For Christmas
• 🧡 Learn How to Make The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 🍪 Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
• ⭐️ Pro Nutrition Tip
• 💙 Substitutions
• 🥚 Healthy Food Swaps Guide
• 🍴 Variations
• 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• ❄️ Storage
• 🥘 Meal Prep Tips
• 🍳 Equipment
• My Favorite Baking Sheet Pan
• 🤔 FAQ - Common Questions
• Didn't find the answer you're looking for?
• Get my Healthy Holidays eBook!
• 😀 Enjoy These Christmas Sugar Cookies!
• ❤️ You Might Also Love These
• 🤲 Pairing
• 💬 Comments

This recipe was inspired by my other gluten-free cookie recipe, peanut butter chocolate cookies. The buttery flavor make them ideal for the holidays, and they pair beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate.

🥣 Ingredients For The Best Gluten-Free Christmas Sugar Cookies

Here's what you'll need to whip up these delightful treats this holiday season.

1. Gluten-Free Flour - I have celiac disease, so I prefer gluten-free flour. However, if you prefer all-purpose flour, the recipe might vary slightly.
2. Milk of Choice - I used unsweetened almond milk but feel free to use your milk of choice.
3. Almond Flour - Any quality brand of almond flour will work in this healthy Christmas cookie recipe.
4. Coconut Sugar - I prefer coconut sugar in this recipe. However, you can also swap it for a tablespoon of maple syrup.
5. Coconut Oil - Healthy medium-chain fatty acids, which support energy production and gut health, while adding a subtle richness these healthy sugar cookies for Christmas.
6. Vanilla Extract - It's always best to use high quality vanilla extract. The better the quality, the more flavor to the Christmas sugar cookie recipe.
7. Baking Soda - I like to make sure my baking soda is aluminum free. You don't need much to make these cookies rise beautifully.
8. Baking Powder - A pinch is needed to get those extra fluffy cookies.
9. Fine Sea Salt - A pinch will help enhance the sweetness in this Christmas sugar cookies recipe.
10. Egg - I typically use a real egg in my cookie recipes. However, if you have an allergy or are vegan, try using a flax egg. If you want to learn how to make a flax egg and other food swaps for food allergies, check out my free Food Swap Guide.

For Decoration:

1. Naturally Dyed Sprinkles - Look for gluten-free and dye-free options.
2. Powdered Coconut Sugar - For dusting, blended into a fine powder.
3. Crushed Candy Canes - For a peppermint twist on these sugar cookies for Christmas.

For the Frosting:

1. Powdered Coconut Sugar - Or you can swap with traditional powdered sugar for a sweeter option.
2. Milk of Choice - Adjust for consistency.
3. Vanilla Extract - Adds more depth of flavor to the frosting.
4. Optional: Natural Food Coloring - For festive coloring.

See the recipe card for quantities.

👩‍🍳 Directions For Best Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

Ready to bake the most festive and delicious Christmas sugar cookies? Follow these simple directions to create gluten-free treats that will delight everyone at your holiday gatherings.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by measuring all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Cream the Coconut Oil and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened coconut oil and coconut sugar until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat again until fully combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the almond milk. The dough should come together but not be too sticky.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

Lightly dust a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to cut out shapes, re-rolling scraps as needed.

Step 6: Decorate With Toppings

Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle your cookies with naturally dyed sprinkles or crushed candy canes before baking.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for softer cookies.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by mixing the powdered coconut sugar, almond milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.

If using natural food coloring, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add colors as needed. Frost the cooled cookies and decorate with additional sprinkles or crushed candy canes.

🩺 Health Benefits of These Sugar Cookies For Christmas

Many traditional sugar cookies are made with all-purpose flour, refined sugar, and loads of butter. While delicious, they may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with gluten sensitivities or those striving for a more nutritious diet.

These gluten-free sugar cookies swap out conventional ingredients for wholesome alternatives, ensuring that even those with dietary restrictions can savor the season.

Gluten-Free Flours

The combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour and almond flour provides a balanced texture and added nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.

Coconut Sugar

A lower-glycemic alternative to refined sugar, coconut sugar helps maintain steadier blood sugar levels.

Coconut Oil

Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil supports energy production and gut health.

Naturally Dyed Sprinkles

Many traditional sprinkles contain artificial dyes linked to potential health concerns. Opting for naturally dyed sprinkles ensures a festive look without compromising your health.

🧡 Learn How to Make The Best Christmas Sugar Cookies

Learn how easy it is to make the best Christmas sugar cookie recipe made with frosting and sprinkles for a tasty holiday treat this Christmas.

📖 Recipe Card

🍪 Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

1. Chill the Dough - If your dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle.
2. Prevent Spread - To maintain the shapes of your cookies, chill the cutouts on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before baking.
3. Vegan Option - Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoon water) and plant-based butter for a completely vegan cookie.

💙 Substitutions

Making healthy Christmas cookies are a personal preference in terms of dietary needs. Check out some easy substitutions and variations to customize this recipe to your liking.

• Keto-Friendly - Replace the coconut sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol and reduce the almond milk.
• Dairy-Free - Use plant-based butter and a flax egg to keep it dairy-free and vegan.
• Nut-Free - Replace almond flour with additional gluten-free all-purpose flour, adjusting the liquid as needed.
• Sweeteners - Use maple syrup or honey instead of coconut sugar for a different sweetness.

🍴 Variations

Here are a few variations for my Christmas frosted sugar cookie recipe.

Flavor Boosts:

• Lemon Zest - Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg - Sprinkle a pinch of warm spices into the dough for a cozy holiday twist.

Alternative Toppings:

• Dark Chocolate Drizzle - Melt some dairy-free dark chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies.
• Crushed Nuts - Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or almonds for added crunch.
• Crushed Candy Canes - For a festive peppermint flavor, add crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These festive cookies are delightful on their own but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your holiday experience.

• Warm Beverages - Serve these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai latte, or a classic peppermint tea to complement the sweet flavors.
• Fruit Platters - Add a touch of freshness by pairing the cookies with a vibrant fruit platter featuring berries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds.
• Holiday Cheese Board - Balance the sweetness by serving these cookies alongside a holiday cheese board featuring dairy-free cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits.

❄️ Storage

These Christmas sugar cookies are not only easy to make but also simple to store, so you can enjoy them over several days or even weeks! Here's how to keep them fresh.

Storage - Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to 10 days.

Freezing - Freeze the raw cookie dough for up to 3 months. Roll it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic, and slice as needed. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months-just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

🥘 Meal Prep Tips

• Pre-Measure Dry Ingredients - Combine your flour, baking soda, salt, and any spices in an airtight container so you're ready to mix the dough without any last-minute measuring.
• Make-Ahead Dough - Prepare your sugar cookie dough in one large batch and chill it overnight in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavor and texture but also saves time on busy holiday days.
• Pre-Roll and Cut - Roll out the chilled dough and use your favorite festive cookie cutters. Place the cut shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover lightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh until you're ready to bake.
• Freeze for Flexibility - For added convenience, freeze the pre-cut dough shapes. When you're ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet straight from the freezer-no thawing needed.
• Set Up a Decorating Station - Pre-mix your icing and portion out any decorations (sprinkles, colored sugars, etc.) into small bowls or containers. This organized setup makes decorating a breeze and speeds up your prep time.
• Portion and Package - If you're planning to gift these cookies or enjoy them over several days, divide them into individual airtight containers. This helps maintain freshness and makes for an easy grab-and-go holiday treat.

These meal prep tips can help streamline your baking process, so you can enjoy more time celebrating during the holidays!

🍳 Equipment

I like to use a sturdy sheet pan when baking the best Christmas sugar cookies. A good-quality sheet pan ensures even baking and crisp edges.

My favorite brand is Wilton. They're durable, non-stick, and dishwasher safe. A sturdy sheet pan is essential for baking all kinds of treats, making it a must-have in any kitchen.

😀 Enjoy These Christmas Sugar Cookies!

These gluten-free Christmas sugar cookies with sprinkles, crushed candy canes, and frosting are proof that festive treats can be both delicious and health-conscious. Whether you're baking for a holiday party, gifting, or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your season.

I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes of your creations on my IG stories!

Give this recipe a try, and don't forget to share your creations with us! Tag us on social media with your beautifully decorated cookies. Happy Holidays!

I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva

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🤲 Pairing

These are my favorite recipes to serve with this Christmas frosted sugar cookie recipe: