It’s that time of year when you spend time scouring the internet for the best gluten free desserts for the holidays.
Well, don’t worry… I did that for you!
One of the reasons that I made this list is because it’s no fun being unable to fully participate in the “food” experience of the holidays. There is something truly special about the food this time of year that brings us closer. And it reminds us of memorable holidays from years past.
So whether this is your first gluten free Christmas or your tenth (like me), you’ll find everything you need to get your gluten free Christmas experience on!
No need to “go without” when there are plenty of amazing recipes out there to try.
What you’ll find below are 80 gluten free desserts for the holidays that cover your idea of how healthy your dessert should be. There are some that are straight carbs and sugar and spice! While others are paleo, low carb or even keto.
That said, if you’ve got other diet restrictions to account for, HERE’S how to swap out dairy from recipes.
Oh, and here’s why you can’t eat gluten free cookies or desserts served on the same tray as those made with gluten. It’s best to keep your holiday desserts separate and clearly marked so people don’t get them confused.
Depending on how new you are to baking and being gluten free, I thought I’d share some pointers with you to make the process easier.
First of all, always make sure that you purchase spices and extracts (ie. vanilla, almond, peppermint, orange) that are clearly marked “Certified Gluten Free”. It might not seem like a big deal, but there is a gluten contamination problem with spices.
I personally use Spicely Organics since they are certified organic and gluten free. Plus they do not irradiate their spices at all!
If you’re in the market looking for gluten free chocolate chips, you can try:
- Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips
- Lilly’s Chocolate Chips – sweetened with stevia, also make baking chocolate
- Guittard Chocolate Chips
For really good gluten free Baking Mixes that actually work and turn out amazing desserts and baked goods, these two are my favorite:
- Jules GF – Gluten Free Flour mix
- King Arthur Flour – Gluten Free All Purpose Mix
And lastly, if you’re looking for some healthier sweetener options, you can often swap these out in recipes cup-for-cup:
- Lakanto – monkfruit sweetener, keto-friendly
- Swerve – erythritol-based sweetener (not FODMAP friendly), keto-friendly
- Coconut Palm Sugar – lower glycemic index and not quite as sweet as cane sugar
- Sucanat – organic cane sugar
Gluten Free Christmas Cookies
I went a little nuts with the recipe options here, but I personally love gluten free Christmas cookies!
They are around for such a short period of time and frankly… who isn’t eating at least a few cookies?
There’s quite a variety of recipes. I’m sure you’ll find something that will work for you!
I made sure to include some of my favorite Italian Christmas cookies that I just totally love. Enjoy!
4-Ingredient Flourless Nutella Cookies – The Baker Mama (NOTE: Make sure to use gluten-free quick-cooking oats)
Christmas Cucidati (Italian Fig Cookies) – The Spunky Coconut
Cinnamon Star Cookies – The Spunky Coconut
Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies – Otto’s Naturals
Frozen-Inspired Paleo Spritz Cookies Recipe {Paleo, Gluten-Free, Clean Eating, Dairy-Free} – My Natural Family
Ginger Shortbread Cookies – Elana’s Pantry
Gingerbread Cookies and REAL DEAL Vanilla Buttercream Frosting – Primal Palette
Gingersnap Cookies – Primal Palette
Gluten Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Your Gluten-Free Kitchen
Gluten Free Chocolate Pizzelles – Your Gluten Free Kitchen
Gluten Free Milano Cookies – GF Jules
Gluten-Free & Naturally Dyed Holiday Shortbread Cookies – Yum Universe
Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies – Prep Dish
Gluten Free Pizzelle – GF Jules
Gluten-Free Spritz Cookies – Gluten-Free Baking
Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies – Fed + Fit
Homemade Fig Newtons (Gluten Free and Paleo) – A Clean Bake
Keto Macadamia Nut Butter Cookies – Grass Fed Girl
Low-Carb Pizzelle – All Day I Dream About Food
Mexican Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookies (Vegan, Paleo) – Cotter Crunch
Mint Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten-Free, Paleo) – Downshiftology
Paleo Almond Cookies (AKA the World’s Easiest Cookies) – Gluten-Free Baking
Paleo Holiday Cookie Cut-Outs – Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
Snickerdoodles (Gluten-Free, Paleo + Vegan) – Bakerita
Thick & Chewy Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Andes Mint Pieces!) – Gluten-Free on a Shoestring
Vanilla Meringue Cookies – Taste of Home (NOTE: Make sure to use vanilla extract marked “gluten free”)
Gluten Free Cake Recipes For The Holidays
A little cake always adds a nice touch to any event or special holiday occasion. Here’s some that you and your guests will absolutely love!
Cinnamon Apple Cake – Elena’s Pantry
Monkey Bread “Cupcakes” – The Spunky Coconut
No-Bake Paleo Peppermint Chocolate Cheesecake – Paleohacks
Paleo Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake – Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
The Ultimate Chocolate Cake gluten free, paleo & keto – gnom-gnom
Grain Free Cardamom Cranberry Christmas Cake – Kitchen Stewardship
Gluten Free Pies and Tarts Perfect For The Holidays
The pies and tarts at this time of year can be so rich, but that’s what makes them soooo good.
You have plenty of options to pick from here that even the gluten-eaters will love!
Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Cocoa Crust – Yum Universe
Chocolate Truffle Pudding Pie (Dairy-free) – Gluten Free School
Chocolate Truffle Tart (Gluten-Free, Paleo) – Downshiftology
Cranberry Curd Tart – Zen Belly
Gluten Free Cashew Cream Pie (No Bake Recipe) – Gluten Free School
Paleo Pie Crust – Back Porch Paleo
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie – Zen Belly
Perfect Holiday Drinks
You just can’t say NO to these festive beverages! These definitely take things up a few notches.
If you’re wondering about what alcohol is safe on a gluten free diet — Check out my list HERE.
Healthy Maple Sea Salt Hot Chocolate – Fit Foodie Finds
Holiday Spice Flavored Coffee – culicurious
Luscious Homemade Eggnog (gluten free, keto & paleo) – gnom-gnom
Pomegranate Spritzer Recipe – Steph Gaudreau
Raw Vegan Eggnog – The Blender Girl
Simple Vegan Hot Chocolate (dairy and sugar free) – Whole New Mom
Slow Cooker Spiced Wine (Mulled Wine) – Well Plated
Bars, Brownies and Fudge
How delicious and yummy do these gluten free desserts look? These are typically easy and can be made quickly which is especially good for short-notice invitations!
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars – Cooking on the Weekends
Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Blondies (Gluten-Free, Paleo + Vegan) – Bakerita
Flourless Brownies – The Ingredient Guru
Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Gluten Free and Paleo) – A Clean Bake
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars – Jay’s Baking Me Crazy
Perfect Paleo Lemon Bars {Nut Free} – Paleo Running Momma
Salted Tahini Fudge – My Heart Beets
Gluten Free Biscotti (Italian Cookies)
I know that biscotti are a very Italian cookie, but I could not leave them off the list!
I’ve got fond memories from childhood of watching the adults drink coffee after dinner dipping their biscotti in the hot mug. And I loved the biscotti my Aunt Feine would make for us every holiday. Though I can’t eat them anymore, these versions definitely do the trick!
Gluten-Free Almond Biscotti – Fit Foodie Finds
Low Carb Almond Flour Biscotti (Paleo, Sugar-Free) – Wholesome Yum
Paleo Biscotti with Hazelnut and Chocolate – Primal Gourmet
Triple Chocolate Gluten-Free Biscotti Recipe – Cooking on the Weekends
Gluten Free Holiday Bark Recipes
In my family, any type of bark was a total sweet indulgence that we’ve never get to the eat the entire bag of! It was just so decadent. What I’ve found for you here are some healthier versions that can easily make your mouth go “mmm”.
Paleo Peppermint Bark – Living Healthy with Chocolate
Pecan Pie Cookie Bark – PaleOMG
Vegan Peppermint Bark – Food Faith Fitness
Gluten Free Puddings, Custards, and Tiramisu
Because they’re just so darn good… what’s why these are worth making!
They are perfect for holiday parties or for a small get-together.
Easy Keto Lemon Custard – Grass Fed Girl
Easy Vegan Tiramisu (Gluten-Free) – The Minimalist Vegan
No Bake Keto Pumpkin Dessert Pudding – Grass Fed Girl
Decadent Chocolate Mousse – Rachael Pontillo
Decadent Holiday Truffles and Balls
There are so many different truffles and dessert balls to enjoy… here is a decadent section!
Chai Collagen Bliss Balls – Paleo Valley
Chocolate Strawberry Truffles – Fed + Fit
Decadently Delicious Low-Glycemic Chocolate Filled Coconut Nougats – Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo
Healthy 5-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls – The Baker Mama (NOTE: Make sure to purchase a gluten free granola)
Low-Carb Almond Joy Bon Bons – My Montana Kitchen
Other Fun Gluten Free Desserts For The Holidays
There are so many different types of desserts you could enjoy at this time of year. Some of which don’t fit into a clear category here, but deserve to be included.
Yum, right?
Poached Pears with Cardamom and Saffron – Bon Appétit
Chocolate Mint Marshmallows – Steph Gaudreau
Paleo Peppermint Marshmallows – Bakerita
Chocolate Peppermint Cups (Gluten Free, Paleo + Vegan) – Bakerita
Easy Cinnamon Baked Apples – Minimalist Baker
Gluten-Free Cream Puffs – Otto’s Naturals
Crunchy Coconut Paleo Macaroons – Paleo Hacks
Homemade Hanukkah Gelt – Elana’s Pantry
LCHF Whipped Cream {keto; primal} – OPL
Vegan Whipped Cream – The Spruce Eats
Vegan Maple Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting {Paleo} – Cotter Crunch
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