After I saw Recipe Girl’s beautiful post, “25 Favorite Christmas Recipes,” I knew I’d have to do a similar gluten free post. You see, like everybody else, I’ve been slightly obsessed with Christmas desserts this month.
However, unlike many people, I’m Jewish, so I have a certain lack of confidence when it comes to identifying recipes that are Christmas friendly. Now, thanks to everyone who responded to my self-conscious twitter queries regarding Christmas-worthy cookie recipes I just might be in the know!
Here are my 10 favorite gluten free, grain free, higher protein, lower carb Christmas cookies. I hope you all enjoy them as much as we do!
Click on the image or recipe title to view the full recipe.
These crowd pleasing, whimsical Black and White Cookies are actually a New York deli classic. See, you can take the Jew out of New York, but you can’t take New York out of the Jew. Still, they’re a lovely riff on an “ultra-orthodox” treat that works at Christmas for Jews and Christians alike. Maybe Buddhists and Muslims as well, who knows?
Classic yet festive, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies made with high protein almond flour are perfect for the Kris Kringle in all of us.
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Elegant Cranberry Chocolate Biscotti add European chic to your holiday table.
Can you say “adult friendly?” Deep dark chocolate and a hint of organic coffee merge to create Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies for the sophisticated Santa in you.
Adorable Gingerbread Men are the perfect decorating project for your children and a spicy palate pleaser for adults.
Vegans have feelings too –make these Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies for your plant eating friends.
According to Andrew Broznya (husband of Kelly at Spunky Coconut) his neighbors used to bring over a plate of Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies every year during the holiday season. These are made with heart healthy almond flour and low glycemic coconut sugar.
Last year one of my neighbors brought a version of my Pecan Shortbread Cookies to our Christmas time cookie exchange. She let me know that she had altered my recipe by forming the dough into balls and after taking them out of the oven dipping them in powdered sugar –the result? Gluten free nut ball cookies.
Simple Sesame Cookies contain both superfood almond flour as well as high protein, calcium rich tahini.
Celebratory Star Cookies rock your holiday universe, and are great fun for kids with cookie cutters.
For substitution questions about these cookies, be sure to take a look at the Can I Substitute? post I wrote yesterday.
Didn’t find the cookie recipe you were looking for? Well, check out all of my gluten free cookie recipes. And while we’re at it, let us know what desserts will you be trying this holiday season.
Stephanie says
Long time reader, first time commenter. THANKS so much for your fabulous remakes (Christmas cookies, yay!). It’s such a blessing to have these recipes when raising the bar for my family. My daughters refer to you as “that amazing lady on the internet” who “makes great healthy recipes”. I often am asked, when a new recipe appears (which is often), if it’s from you! Kale chips are a fave here (thx to you and our CSA) and your porridge and a similar one are staples for the fourth grade babe here. LOVE sending kids off to school with a tummy full of nutrition and a lunchbox ready to energize. Thanks for being a warrior in the nutrition battle. Cyber hugs from me!
Thea says
Elana – did you see this link? All your recipes!!!
http://www.parenting.com/gallery/gluten-free-desserts?src=syn&dom=cnnhealth&lnk=rss
Garland says
We have decided on no cards, and only one Santa gift plus one from mom and dad (and a simple stocking). Focusing on activities and togetherness instead of the stuff.
Amy @ Calico Hen says
My baking list just got longer…
Karen says
These all look delicious! Thank you! I am especially interested in the cookies with ground coffee chocolate and coffee combined? Yum!
Ally says
So, I did not make one of these goodies yesterday, I plan on making them today. I did however make Elana’s Brownies & them cut them out with cookie cutters and decorated with shredded coconut! (For adhesive I melted chocolate & a smidge of coconut oil) They were a huge hit at the Christmas party I went to. I am excited to try some of these this evening.
Thanks Elana!
Rachel says
I just made the sesame cookies yesterday…always a big hit! BTW, I am a half n’ half (one parent is Jewish, one is Christian) and we’ve never celebrated Christmas in a religious way but I like the holiday just as a way to get together with loved ones, bake great cookies and have some fun!
Lisa says
I made your gingerbreads with my boys yesterday (they’re one of our favourites — so yummy!), and today we’re making the star cookies. I also use your linzer heart cookie recipe, but instead of making them into hearts, at Christmastime I roll the dough into balls and then make a thumbprint cookie with raspberry jam for filling. Delicious! :) Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes! They’ve sure made it easy to enjoy a gluten-free holiday season.
Carolina D. says
Thank you for all that you do, Elana!–These all look wonderful.
Hallie @ Daily Bites says
Your posts always inspire me, Elana! I love coming to your blog and finding the continual reminder that sweets and treats (and cookies, of course!) can be made so much healthier without sacrificing flavor. Hope you have a fabulous holiday season! :)