Want to find the perfect gluten-free Christmas desserts? You’re in the right place!
This post is a complete roundup of my absolute BEST gluten-free Christmas desserts. They’re all time-tested and reader-approved! Trust me when I say everyone will love these cookies, cakes, brownies, and more!
Making Gluten-Free Desserts for Guests with Allergies
I get it. It can be nerve-wracking to make gluten-free Christmas desserts for guests with food allergies. Here are some tips to ensure your desserts are safe and delicious for everyone at your holiday parties:
- Clean surfaces as you go. A clean kitchen will do wonders to lower your stress as you bake. Choose easy gluten-free Christmas dessert recipes and clean surfaces and dishes as you go!
- Bake in advance. If your gluten free Christmas desserts call for flour, try to make the recipe in advance. You’ll be glad you don’t have to worry about the mess getting on other food you’re prepping on Christmas Eve or Christmas day!
For more holiday recipes, check out these gluten-free christmas cookies, gluten-free thanksgiving recipes, gluten-free thanksgiving desserts and gluten-free pie recipes.
MY TOP PICKS!
Gluten-Free Baking Tips
I’ve learned a thing or two in all of my recipe testing over the years! Here are my TOP secrets for making crowd-pleasing gluten-free Christmas desserts:
- Opt for easy gluten-free pie crusts. Gluten-free graham cracker crust, gluten-free Oreo pie crust, and gluten-free pretzel pie crusts are an easy recipe alternative to traditional gluten-free pie crust. They’re quick to make, don’t need to be rolled out, and pair well with gluten-free peanut butter pie, vegan chocolate pie, gluten-free chocolate pie, and more! Add a tablespoon of gluten-free flour to help the crust turn out crisp!
- Use a pie crust recipe that’s specifically gluten-free. Gluten-free pie crust behaves differently than regular pie crust. Always use a recipe that is specifically designated as gluten-free (like this gluten-free pumpkin pie) to achieve the perfect dessert. (Rather than just subbing gluten-free flour in a normal recipe.)
- Use a metal pie pan. A metal pie pan is an easy way to help a gluten-free pie crust turn out nice and crispy. I recommend this trick for my gluten-free apple pie and gluten-free pecan pie!
- Make a cheesecake. Remember, cheesecake filling is naturally gluten-free, making it one of the best gluten-free Christmas desserts for a crowd! I like to use a naturally gluten-free brown sugar walnut crust in this gluten-free cheesecake.
- Use high-quality gluten-free baking flour. It’s essential to use high-quality, 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. This will make all the difference in the texture of your gluten-free Christmas desserts!
- Use oil instead of butter. Using oil instead of butter makes gluten-free Christmas desserts turn out with a lighter crumb.
Every year we also make these amazing caramels for neighbor gifts!
RECENT GLUTEN-FREE CHRISTMAS DESSERTS
You also might like these collections of gluten-free desserts, gluten-free dinner recipes and gluten-free breakfast ideas.
Gluten-Free Christmas Cakes
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cake
This GLUTEN-FREE Gingerbread Cake is rich with molasses, cinnamon and ginger. EASY to make and tastes just like like old-fashioned gingerbread.
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Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake
Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake! Moist date cakes covered in a decadent, buttery toffee sauce. A show-stopping (but easy!) holiday dessert everyone will love.
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The BEST Gluten-Free Apple Cake
This is the BEST apple cake I’ve ever made! My #1 tip for gluten-free apple cake – slice the apples really thinly. (Also use yogurt/oil for the right texture!)I tested and re-tested this recipe to get it just right! I think one bite and you’ll agree- this is the ultimate gluten-free apple cake!
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Perfect Gluten-Free Pound Cake
Want a gluten free pound cake recipe that is full of flavor and has a tender crumb? This is it! Adding cream cheese for richness and a touch of lemon juice for tenderness is the trick to the best gluten-free pound cake.
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Gluten-Free Coffee Cake (with Sour Cream)
This gluten-free coffee cake is made extra rich and tender with the addition of sour cream! It is filled and topped with a cinnamon sugar. Based on a long-time family recipe, this coffee cake is sure to become your new go-to recipe!
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Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cake
Meet your new favorite gluten-free red velvet cake recipe! This cake is light and fluffy thanks to a combination of sour cream, oil. It has the most perfect crumb and texture and turns out every time!
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake
This is the BEST pumpkin bundt cake I've ever had! My #1 tip for gluten-free pumpkin cake – don't use butter. Yes! You read that right. A combination of oil/shortening makes for the most perfect crumb. Full of fall spices, this gluten-free pumpkin cake is everything you love about fall!
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse Cake
With a brownie-like cake layer and cream-cheese-based chocolate mousse, it's a chocolate lover's dream.
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Gluten-Free Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
This gluten-free cheesecake is a long-time reader and family favorite recipe! It's naturally gluten-free thanks to a delicious, walnut-brown sugar crust!This recipe originally comes from a family friend who was known for her delicious southern recipes. We've been making it for years and I hope you love it too!
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake! NOBODY will guess this is gluten-free! Lightly spiced, creamy and totally luxurious. The perfect crowd-pleasing holiday dessert!
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Gluten-Free Holiday Pies
Gluten-Free Crustless Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes (Dairy-Free)
These are meant to be more of a custardy pie center than an actual cupcake. They will sink in the middle as they cook but that's totally normal (they aren't cake)! Just fill in the center with whipped cream. Be sure to use a good cupcake liner like this one or a silcone liner and let them cool completely so they don't stick to the liner.
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Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Meringue
If you’re looking for a show-stopper gluten-free holiday dessert look no further! This homemade sweet potato pie has a nutty cookie crust, sweet potato custard and a pillowy marshmallow meringue.
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Easy, Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Crust
This gluten-free graham cracker crust is sweet, buttery, and SO easy to whip up. It's essential for all of your favorite pie recipes, from key lime to chocolate pudding!The trick to a good gluten-free graham cracker crust is to add 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour along with the graham cracker crumbs to hold the crust together.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Pie
This gluten-free chocolate pie is a long-time FAMILY FAVORITE! It features the best homemade chocolate pudding and a (secret ingredient) cream cheese whipped cream topping. This pie is always a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, birthdays and more. I hope you love it as much as we do!
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Gluten-Free Apple Pie (Homemade Crust!)
This gluten-free apple pie has a flaky, homemade pie crust and sweet-spiced apple filling! My #1 tip for gluten-free apple pie: pre-cooking the apple pie filling! This ensures a crisp bottom crust and a thick, saucy center. UPDATE: Now I also recommend using a metal pie plate for a crisp bottom crust.This post has all the tips and tricks you need to make a classic gluten-free apple pie from scratch. Be sure to watch the full video on how to make it!
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Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Pudding Pretzel Pie
Gluten-Free VEGAN chocolate pudding pretzel pie! Nobody will guess this amazing dessert is dairy-free! This pie has been a long-time reader and family favorite recipe since I published it back in 2016. It was updated with new photos and step-by-step instructions in February 2024.
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The Best Gluten-Free Pecan Pie
With a trusted homemade gluten-free crust and sweet caramelly filling, this gluten-free pecan pie is THE pie you should make for Thanksgiving or Christmas!Be sure to watch the video tutorial to see how to make this pie!
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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie (with Homemade Crust)
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie! A crowd-pleasing holiday favorite made from scratch with a flaky gluten-free pie crust. Thanksgiving isn’t complete without it!
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Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
The Best Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
The ONE TRUE gluten-free sugar cookie recipe! I've tried dozens of gluten-free sugar cookie recipes over the years and this is the one I can't stop making. These gluten-free cut-out cookies are soft in the center, crisp on the edges and hold their shape during baking. Make them with your favorite cookie cutters for any holiday or occasion!
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The Best Almond Flour Sugar Cookies
The Best Almond Flour Sugar Cookies! Soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. Easy to roll out and perfect for cut-outs!Hundreds of reviewers agree these cookies are the most delicious almond flour sugar cookie recipes around! This tried-and-true recipe was originally published in 2013 and is one of my #1 recipes today!
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Peanut Butter Balls with Rice Krispies
Chocolate + peanut butter is a classic combo for a reason. Add the crunch of Rice Krispies and you have one irresistible treat! Don't forget to include peanut butter balls with Rice Krispies on your holiday cookie plate this year!
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Rich, fudgy, and soft, these gluten free chocolate crinkle cookies taste like gluten-free brownies in cookie form! They're a holiday favorite!
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Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles (Brown Butter)
Soft and chewy gluten-free snickerdoodles with crisp, golden edges! Browned butter and a few other tricks give these cookies delicious flavor and texture.
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Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery, shortbread filled cookies with delicious jam! These gluten-free thumbprint cookies are a Christmas classic you’ll love making every holiday season!My #1 tip for gluten-free thumbprint cookies that don’t spread or absorb the jam – freeze the cookies before baking! Read the full post learn my expert tips for making the perfect thumbprint cookie.
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Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms (Classic!)
These gluten-free peanut butter blossoms are a peanut butter-lover’s dream! They always come out PERFECT and are great for holiday gifting.
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Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies
Perfect, chewy molasses cookies! The dough needs to be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before baking. Rolling these in a little sugar before baking gives the cookies a delicious crunch!
I like making these with King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Flour.
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I like making these with King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Flour.
Rolo Pretzel Bites (EASY!)
Rolo pretzel bites are the perfect combo of sweet, salty + chewy, and crunchy! Take them to your next holiday party — they’ll disappear quickly!
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Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps (Old Fashioned!)
You can make these old-fashioned gluten-free gingersnaps soft and chewy OR crispy, depending on how long you bake them. Either way, we can't stop making these buttery, delightful cookies every holiday season!
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Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
These buttery, gluten-free, drop-style sugar cookies will make a delicious addition to any cookie platter. With festive sprinkles and a chewy texture they're sure to please!
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The Best Gluten-Free Biscotti
This gluten-free biscotti is light, crisp and perfect for dunking into coffee, warm milk, or hot chocolate. It makes a special breakfast or a light dessert – nobody will be able to tell it's gluten-free!
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Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies (Melt in Your Mouth!)
These delicious gluten free snowball cookies have a light, fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavor! They are undetectably gluten-free and just like the classic cookies you know and love. A must for the Christmas season!
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Gluten-Free Shortbread Cookies
This easy gluten-free shortbread recipe makes buttery, lightly sweet and crisp yet perfectly tender cookies. They’re made with only FIVE ingredients and are especially delicious dipped in chocolate. You need these on your Christmas cookie platter!
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Soft, Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
This is my FAVORITE recipe for gluten-free gingerbread cookies. They are soft, chewy and full of holiday goodness! Hooray for cookies that are both soft AND hold their shape. They're the perfect treat for decorating and will bring a smile to your face.
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Mint Cookies
Gluten-free chocolate mint cookies are soft, decadent, and full of peppermint flavor. Make this recipe for family at Christmas time or take to a holiday cookie swap! You could even gift the cookie dough for a busy family member or neighbor to bake at their leisure!
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Chocolate Cloud Macaroons
Chocolate Coconut Cloud Cookies! A cross between a meringue and a macaroon. SOFT and chewy with crispy edges and covered in chocolate and macadamia nuts!
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Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons
With a soft, chewy center and crisp, golden exterior, these are the perfect gluten-free macaroons! Coconut lovers (and chocolate lovers) will go crazy for them!
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Gluten-Free Almond Cookies
These gluten-free almond cookies are light, delicate and practically melt in your mouth! Enjoy them plain or top them with an easy almond glaze for even more almond flavor.These cookies make a delicious addition to any holiday cookie plate. Be sure to watch the full video tutorial in this post. You’ll crave them until you make them!
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Gluten-Free Oreos {Easy Homemade}
These gluten-free oreos are made of soft, mini chocolate cookies sandwiched around vanilla creme filling. They’re an irresistible homemade version of everyone’s favorite cookie!This recipe has the option for a cream cheese frosting filling or a classic shortening-based filling. The cookies are easy to make and perfectly chocolatey. These cookies aren’t cakey like a whoopie pie, but they are also not as crispy as store-bought oreos.
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Other Gluten-Free Desserts
Dairy-Free Eggnog (Old Fashioned!)
It’s true: rich, creamy, thick eggnog that happens to be dairy-free! This dairy-free eggnog is the indulgent drink you need this holiday season.
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Easy, Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate
EASY, Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate! Made with almond milk, coconut milk, cocoa powder and dairy-free chocolate chips. This cozy hot cocoa will warm you right up!
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White Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats
White Chocolate Peppermint Rice Krispies Treats are the perfect easy holiday treat for any occasion. They’re perfect for cookie platters, parties and more!
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Gluten-Free Chocolate Pudding
This chocolate pudding is rich, silky, and decadent! Plus it's one of those EASY, make-ahead gluten-free Christmas desserts that's great to serve to guests!
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Easy, Dairy-Free Fudge (3 Ingredients!)
This easy, healthier fudge is made with just 3 ingredients! It’s dairy-free, gluten-free and refined-sugar-free, but rich, smooth and fool-proof!
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Gluten-Free Mint Brownies
These thick and fudgy gluten-free brownies are topped with a double layer of mint & chocolate frosting. This recipe makes a large 9×13 pan of brownies so they're perfect for parties and get-togethers. Nobody will be able to tell they're gluten-free!
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Gluten-Free Christmas Pretzel Treats
These gluten-free Christmas pretzel treats are festive, EASY-to-make and sweet/salty delicious. You'll be tempted to eat the whole batch!These pretzel treats come together in under an hour. Decorate them with festive sprinkles, M&Ms or just a sprinkle of sea salt if you like.
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Dairy-Free Chocolate Fondue
An EASY method for making dairy-free chocolate fondue! Rich, DECADENT and perfect for dipping fruit and sweet treats.
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Perfect Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll (Dairy-Free Option)
This pumpkin roll turns out great using a store-bought gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum (a measure-for-measure flour).
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Gluten-Free White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
Gluten-Free White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels! A sweet and salty holiday treat made gluten-free – but you’d never know. An easy and DELICIOUS food gift!
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Dairy-Free Cranberry Christmas Fluff
Cranberry Christmas Fluff! Tart-sweet cranberries, marshmallows that become little sponges and the crunch of pomegranate seeds make this the best holiday side around!
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FAQs
What sweets can you eat on a gluten-free diet?
Good news! There are lots of sweets you can eat if you have a gluten intolerance. Some desserts are naturally gluten-free, like chocolate pudding, flourless chocolate cake, ice cream, and creme brulee. Others can be made gluten-free using gluten-free flour. I have many delicious recipes for gluten-free cookies, cakes, brownies, and bars.
What is the most eaten dessert on Christmas?
There are many popular desserts to accompany Christmas dinner, including cheesecake, sugar cookies, peppermint brownies, fudge, shortbread cookies, and gingerbread cookies. Hot chocolate and eggnog are also popular drinks, and candy canes, dark chocolate, and peppermint chocolate are common candies.
What is the name of the traditional dessert on Christmas?
Some of the most traditional desserts for the holiday season include yule log, fruitcake, sticky toffee pudding, and panettone (an Italian Christmas cake).
I hope you love these amazing recipes as much as we do! If you try these gluten-free Christmas desserts, be sure to leave me a comment/rating below. I’d love to hear from you! Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
