Name: Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups gluten free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling; 1/3 cup red and green candied cherries, chopped

Soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and rolled in a sparkling cinnamon-sugar coating, these Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles bring all the cozy holiday flavor without the gluten. They bake up tender and chewy with that classic snickerdoodle tang, then get a festive finish with red and green candied cherries for a cookie tray that feels extra cheerful.

They are the kind of cookies that look special enough for holiday gatherings but are easy enough to make on a busy baking day. Whether you are filling a dessert platter, packing up homemade gifts, or just craving a warm cinnamon cookie with a mug of coffee or cocoa, this recipe delivers a festive treat everyone will want to grab first.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles

These cookies have everything people love about classic snickerdoodles: soft texture, warm cinnamon flavor, and a crackly sugar coating. Using a gluten free flour blend keeps them tender while still giving the dough enough structure to hold its shape beautifully.

They are also perfect for the holiday season because they look bright and celebratory without requiring difficult decorating. A simple garnish of red and green candied cherries adds color, charm, and just enough sweetness to make them stand out on any Christmas cookie board.

What Kind of Gluten Free Flour Should I Use for Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles?

A good all-purpose gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum is the best choice for this recipe. It helps create a dough that is easy to scoop and gives the cookies a soft, bakery-style texture instead of turning dry or crumbly.

If your blend does not already include xanthan gum, adding a small amount helps the dough hold together better. Try to avoid single-ingredient flours on their own, since almond flour, coconut flour, or rice flour alone will not give the same balanced texture these holiday cookies need.

Ingredients for the Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles

Each ingredient in this recipe has a job to do, so keeping the balance right helps you get soft, flavorful cookies with a festive finish.

Gluten free all-purpose flour
This is the foundation of the dough and gives the cookies structure while keeping them suitable for a gluten free diet.

Cream of tartar
This gives snickerdoodles their signature tangy flavor and helps create the classic chewy texture.

Baking soda
A little baking soda lifts the dough and helps the cookies spread just enough while baking.

Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the warm cinnamon and buttery notes.

Unsalted butter
Butter adds rich flavor and gives the cookies a soft, tender crumb.

Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and also helps create those lightly crisp cookie edges.

Eggs
Eggs bind the dough together and help the cookies bake up soft and chewy.

Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds extra warmth to every bite.

Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon is essential for the classic snickerdoodle coating and adds cozy holiday flavor.

Red and green candied cherries
These add the Christmas look and a sweet, colorful finish that makes the cookies feel festive.

Extra sugar for rolling
Rolling the dough in cinnamon sugar creates that sparkling, slightly crisp exterior.

How To Make the Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles

The method is simple, but a few small details help these cookies come out soft, thick, and beautifully festive.

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed through the dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, which helps create a softer cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. The dough should look smooth and creamy before you move on.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes so it is easier to scoop.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, stir together the extra sugar and ground cinnamon. This coating gives the cookies their classic snickerdoodle finish.

Step 7: Shape and Decorate the Cookies

Scoop portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and gently press a few pieces of red and green candied cherries into the tops.

Step 8: Bake Until Just Set

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and the tops look puffed and crackled. Do not overbake if you want soft centers.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without drying out.

Serving and Storing Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles

This recipe makes about 18 medium cookies, which is enough to serve 6 to 9 people depending on how many treats you are setting out. They are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert platters, or a sweet afternoon snack with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving so they keep their soft texture.

What to Serve With Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles

Hot Chocolate

A creamy mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar flavor and makes these cookies feel even cozier.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cookies with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy holiday dessert that feels extra special.

Coffee or Espresso

The buttery sweetness of these cookies balances nicely with hot coffee or a bold espresso.

Fresh Fruit Platter

A platter of fresh berries, orange slices, or apple wedges adds a bright contrast to the rich cookie flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and chilled for up to 24 hours. In fact, a short chill can help gluten free cookie dough feel easier to handle and may give you slightly thicker cookies.

Can I freeze Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles?

Yes, both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough balls freeze well. Freeze the dough after rolling it into balls, then coat in cinnamon sugar before baking for the freshest texture.

Why do snickerdoodles use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their classic tangy flavor and helps create the soft, chewy texture people expect. Without it, the cookies will still be tasty, but they will taste more like cinnamon sugar cookies than true snickerdoodles.

How do I keep gluten free cookies from getting dry?

Measure the flour carefully, avoid overbaking, and store the cookies in an airtight container. Gluten free baked goods can dry out faster, so pulling the cookies from the oven when the centers still look slightly soft is helpful.

Can I make these without the candied cherries?

Absolutely. The cookies are still delicious with just the cinnamon sugar coating. You can also swap in gluten free holiday sprinkles for a festive look.

For more cozy baking inspiration, you can also explore these reader-friendly favorites: gingerbread cake, peanut butter mms cookies, and brownie stuffed chocolate chip cookies.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you bake a batch, share how they turned out. Did you keep them classic with cinnamon sugar, or add extra cherries for a brighter holiday look? Maybe you made them for a cookie exchange or tucked them into gift boxes.

For more daily recipe inspiration, visit Meals We Share. I always love seeing how these recipes become part of your holiday traditions.

Conclusion

Gluten Free Christmas Snickerdoodles are proof that holiday baking can be simple, festive, and full of flavor. They have the cozy cinnamon sparkle everyone loves, plus a soft and chewy texture that makes each cookie hard to resist.

Whether you are baking for family, friends, or your own seasonal dessert cravings, this is one of those dependable cookie recipes you will want to make again every December. Bake a batch, share a few, and save the rest for a quiet holiday treat with something warm to drink.