Looking for the best low FODMAP gluten-free Christmas cookies and bar recipes? Whether you are celebrating Christmas or any other winter holiday, we have 60+ low FODMAP gluten-free cookies, brownies and bars for you.
From classic rolled sugar cookies, to the best gluten-free chocolate chunk cookies, to biscotti, ginger cookies, thumbprint cookies, meringue cookies and more. (PS: I threw in some chocolate truffles for you, too – and a tiny fruitcake!)
If you are looking for gluten-free cookie recipes, you’ve come to the right place!
We also have an article on Thanksgiving & Christmas Low FODMAP Desserts that you might like to check out.
If you love to bake, be sure to see our 275 page e-book, Low FODMAP Baking.
- Baking Ingredients
- Equipment
- Holiday Cookie Platters
- Low FODMAP Baking Tips for Gluten-free Christmas Cookies
- Classic & Specialty Low FODMAP Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
- Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate
- Biscotti & Mandelbrot
- Truffles, Candies & Brittles
- Looking for Brownies, Blondies & Bars?!
- Old-Fashioned Favorites & Others Too Delicious To Miss!
Before you start baking, let’s talk about some basics. Here we will point out some important points about ingredients and equipment.
Baking Ingredients
The better the ingredients, the better your cookies. The right kind of butter, fresh eggs, using the ingredients called for, every choice you make will affect the end result. We want your baking time maximized and will help you create the best ever gluten-free Christmas cookies!
Butter
Which butter is the best to use? The one called for in the recipe! I know that sounds cheeky and obvious at the same time, but I see folks making swaps all the time. They figure, hey, why not use high-fat European butter? Well, if the recipe calls for it, then absolutely use it, but typical American supermarket butter, which is what we use in our Test Kitchen (like unsalted Land O’ Lakes) is 80% butterfat. High-fat European style butters are typically about 84% – 86% and will wreak havoc if the recipe wasn’t developed with them. Stick with what is called for,
Flour
While the low FODMAP diet is not a gluten-free diet, both gluten and FODMAPs (fructans in particular) are found in wheat. For this reason the majority of our recipes are gluten-free.
Our go-to flour that we use in most of our recipes is Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Gluten Free Baking Flour. I have found it gives the results most similar to baked goods and desserts made with conventional wheat all-purpose flour. I occasionally use other flours, such as King Arthur Measure For Measure, but I do not consider them equal or swappable. The King Arthur acts for like a traditional cake flour, in our experience. Please do use what is called for in the recipes.
If you would like to make your own gluten free flour blends, we have two recipes for you. Our FODMAP Everyday All Purpose Low FODMAP Gluten-Free Flour (which contains xanthan gum), and our Gum Free Low FODMAP Gluten-Free Flour Blend.
Equipment
Believe it or not, the equipment you use can greatly affect the outcome of your cookies – particularly when it comes to cookie sheet pans and your measuring equipment.
Baking Sheet Pans Can Make or Break Your Gluten-free Christmas Cookies
I have written several books on cookies and I the very first thing I did before I wrote the first cookie book (which happens to be A Baker’s Field Guide To Christmas Cookies) was test baking sheet pans side-by-side. I cannot overstate the difference that your baking sheep pans make in how your cookies turn out.
Commercial weight “half-sheet pans” gave the best results by far. Your cookies will bake evenly and will not burn. The pans are quite sturdy, will not warp and can be used for jellyroll cakes, roasting vegetables and so much more. The term “half-sheet pan” refers to an actual dimension. These pans are abut 18 by 13-inches with a 1-inch lip.
Possibly the worst performing sheet pans were air-cushioned. True, cookies won’t burn, but the sugars in the cookies will not caramelize either and the cookies baked on these were pale in color and flavor.
Measuring Equipment
Not all measuring equipment is created equal. Please use high quality measuring cups and spoons in order to actually measure by volume as accurately as possible. Toss any sets that are dented for sure! In side-by-side tests, tablespoons were shown to vary by more than 100%! Read more here.
to preserve your cookies’best flavors and textures.
Holiday Cookie Platters
Once you have made your cookies – and we do encourage you to make as many different gluten-free holiday cookies as you can – you will want to share them, and we encourage you to do so. But we do have a lot to say about the classic holiday cookie platter.
If you create a holiday cookie platter laden with all sorts of cookies, which is what we often see, you have to pick and choose wisely. We suggest pairing crisp cookies with crisp, and soft with soft, for instance. If you don’t the moisture in the moist cookies will soften the crisp ones. And flavor counts, too. Do not put peppermint or mint flavored anything with other cookies – yup, you got it. Everything ends up tasting like mint. The same thing can happen if you pair highly spiced cookies together with simple sugar cookies or shortbread. The buttery delicateness in the plain cookies will be lost and they will pick up the spice aromas of the others.
After you have spent all that time and money making your holiday cookies, you will want them to be enjoyed and experienced in all their unique glory.
I like going to the dollar store and getting lots of small airtight tins and packaging my cookies separately. Plus, then its like getting to open numerous gifts!
Low FODMAP Baking Tips for Gluten-free Christmas Cookies
This is certainly not a complete list, but if you follow and check off all of the items detailed in this bullet list, you will be set up for success.
- Baking is an art and a science. Follow the recipe exactly, and this means using the suggested ingredients and equipment.
- Make sure you are baking soda and baking powder or fresh.
- Your spices should be fresh as well.
- Use high quality measuring equipment. This goes for measuring cups, measuring spoons and scales.
- Pay attention to temperature recommendations. If a recipe calls for room temperature milk, do not use it cold.
- Use an oven thermometer.
- Do not underestimate the power of a commercial half sheet pan. They conduct heat very differently from flimsy supermarket pans.
- Also, pay attention to the pan prep recommendations. If a recipe suggests lining a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper, do not use a silicone mat. Your results will not be the same.
- We give time cues, but visual cues are more important. If a toothpick is supposed to test clean when inserted into a brownie/bar at 30 minutes, and you were still seeing wet batter, bake the bars until the toothpick tests clean.
- Cooling is important. Have those cooling racks ready.
- Pay attention to storage information as well. In general, refrigeration dries out baked goods.
- Package crisp cookies with crisp, and soft with soft. This is because the moisture in soft cookies will soften crisp ones!
- And, while we know it is tempting to make a cookie tray laden with all your holiday creations, we suggest not doing this, unless right before serving. Spiced cookies, and especially cookies with mint, will lend their aroma and flavors to other cookies, ruining their cookie flavors.
Now, let’s get to the low FODMAP cookie, brownie and bar recipes! (And rich chocolate truffles).
Watch For More Holiday Baking Tips For Low FODMAP & Gluten-free Christmas Cookies
Classic & Specialty Low FODMAP Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
Low FODMAP Rolled Sugar Cookies
We think this is, hands-down, the absolute Best plain rolled gluten-free sugar cookie recipe. It is easy to make, and it is easy to work with and has become our most requested gluten-free Christmas cookie recipe. Use it for cut-out sugar cookies for Christmas, Hanukkah or even Valentine’s Day. And if you were looking for a great icing recipe, we have that too – or simply top with colored sugar or sprinkles!
Low FODMAP Gingerbread Cookies
Low FODMAP gluten-free Gingerbread cookies are a classic winter holiday flavor, and these rolled gingerbread cookies are gluten-free and get rave reviews – even from people not following the diet. The small amount of molasses is low FODMAP!
Low FODMAP Gingersnap Cookies
Looking for a ginger cookie that SNAPS? This is it! Crunchy, easy and really gingery.
Low FODMAP Night Before Christmas Mice – Crafty Gluten-free Christmas Cookies
Are you a bit crafty? These little sugar cookie mice will be a hit with everyone, kids – and big kids. The tails are licorice!
Low FODMAP Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies use a special flour blend with pectin, which provides a special texture. There are low FODMAP amounts of strawberry, raspberry jam, and orange marmalade, which you can pick and choose from for the filling.
Low FODMAP Pecan Butterballs
Crumbly, with that beloved sandy texture, these pecan cookies are showered with confectioners’ sugar and are a gluten-free take on a classic holiday cookie.
Low FODMAP Shortbread Cookies
A simple shortbread cookie that is fantastic plain but can also be enhanced to your heart’s desire. Dipped or drizzled with chocolate, toffee bits, nuts, etc.
Low FODMAP Vanilla Crescents
Simple crescent shaped cookies, with the ends dipped in chocolate! Gluten-free and extra special. Finely textured almond flour makes these extra-special almond flour sugar cookies. Make sure the almond flour you use is fine in texture and made from blanched almonds for best results.
Low FODMAP Fruitcake
Did you think that fruitcake was going to be off-limits? Our version is gluten-free, low FODMAP and packed with diet compliant amounts of dried fruit, nuts – and alcohol!
Low FODMAP Crinkle Cookies
A chocolate cookie dough, rolled into a ball and coated in a variety of coatings, crinkles and cracks upon baking, hence the name. Chocolate Orange Crinkle Cookies; Chocolate Cinnamon Crinkle Cookies; Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies; Chocolate Spice Crinkle Cookies; Chocolate Molasses Crinkle Cookies. Your choice! Or make a few kinds. These gluten-free Christmas cookies belong on your holiday cookie platters!
Low FODMAP Meringue Mushrooms
People will think these are real mushrooms! Toss in a basket and serve – and wait to watch the looks of surprise. Perfect alongside a Buche de Noel!
Low FODMAP Whiskey Balls
This is a no-bake cookie that improves as it sits – and yes, whiskey is low FODMAP!
Low FODMAP Peppermint Meringues
A little peppermint extract and red food coloring transforms simple meringue cookies into this colorful, festive treat, especially welcomed at the winter holidays. They are fat-free, too.
Chocolate, Chocolate Chocolate
Low FODMAP Chocolate Chunk Cookies
This is our basic gluten-free chocolate chip cookies recipe, that we think is even better with big chunks of chocolate – but there is nothing “basic” about the texture and flavors, which are out of this world. Maybe it is time to read about dark chocolate and the low FODMAP diet!
Low FODMAP Salted Buckwheat Chocolate Chunk Cookies
These chocolate chunk cookies use gluten-free buckwheat and an extra hit of salt to create an all-new chewy take on classic chocolate chunk cookies.
One-Bowl Low FODMAP Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Raisins
We have several one-bowl baking recipes, but this one is hands down my fave. A lot of you have asked if you can leave out the raisins. Yes, you can 🙂 – but we think they add a chewy texture that is quite welcomed, in addition to flavor.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Spangled Meringue Kisses
While we piped these out with a star-shaped pastry tip, you could dollop out with a teaspoon.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Macaroons
We often cannot choose amongst our macaroon recipes – but this chocolate one is extra special. And, if you are looking for grain-free cookies, macaroons are a good choice!
Low FODMAP Crunchy Hazelnut Cookies
These are egg white based. Like a hazelnut packed meringue cookie, with a bit of cinnamon.
Low FODMAP Double Chocolate Chip Peppermint Cookies
Chocolate and peppermint. Chocolate cookies dough, chocolate chips and peppermint candy.
Low FODMAP Espresso White Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Espresso and white chocolate, in addition to hazelnuts, in a classic brown sugar dough.
Low FODMAP Milk Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Pecans and Orange
Milk chocolate, in addition to toasted pecans and orange zest, in a classic brown sugar dough. A truly elegant chocolate chip cookie variation.
Low FODMAP Double Chocolate Shortbread
Chocolate cookie dough studded with chocolate chips. Decadent and delightful. And it’s fun to press all the chocolate chips into the dough balls.
Low FODMAP Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Follow this recipe to a “T” and you will be rewarded with perfectly chewy and satisfying vegan chocolate chunk cookies. Read through before you start; there are some important time cues.
Biscotti & Mandelbrot
Low FODMAP Chocolate Hazelnut Biscotti
These are a decadent biscotti recipe with cocoa and chocolate in the batter; hazelnuts add crunch.
Low FODMAP Mandelbrot
Mandelbrot are like a somewhat softer, richer biscotti. Try them dipped in your hot beverage of choice.
Low FODMAP Anise Almond Biscotti
Crispy biscotti with anise seeds and bits of almond. A classic cookie all-year round. These are great to have on hand for last-minute guests.
Truffles, Candies & Brittles
Low FODMAP Walnut Truffles
These are incredibly easy to make; read the recipe through. You might have to order the cookies to crush.
Low FODMAP Cocoa Dusted Truffles
These are our simplest truffles. Get ready to get your hands a bit messy. If you are a truffle fanatic, you might enjoy my book on Truffles.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Dipped Truffles
These truffles are little bit fancier than our cocoa dusted. These have a crisp outer shell of dark chocolate.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Chip Cookie Brittle
This cookie brittle is like the crispiest, crunchiest chocolate chip cookie in a slab form. The recipe does not include eggs – which enhances the crisp texture.
Looking for Brownies, Blondies & Bars?!
Brownies, Blondies and Bars are perfect for making ahead and hold up well for shipment. Learn more here 11 Brownies, Bars and Blondies for Gift Giving! Mix and Match! Gluten Free & Low FODMAP
Low FODMAP Chocolate Peppermint Brownies
Chocolate brownies, crunchy peppermint candy and a ribbon of peppermint filling. These are RICH! Watch your portions.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Chunk Nut Blondies
These are a simple chocolate chunk and nut bar. Start here is you are looking for an easy bar recipe.
Low FODMAP Chunky Rice Crispy Treats
Rice crispy treats that bring together the flavors and textures of a “Chunky” candy bar! Peanuts, chocolate and raisins all together!
Low FODMAP Cappuccino Rice Crispy Treats
Here we have rice crispy treats with cappuccino flavors – espresso and cinnamon tame the super-sweet marshmallow.
The Best Low FODMAP Lemon Bars
These are THE BEST gluten-free low FODMAP lemon bars. They just are 🙂
Low FODMAP Browned Butter Maple Nut Bars
Browned butter pairs so beautifully with maple syrup in these easy bars. Nuts add crunch.
Low FODMAP Florentine Bars with Cranberries
Classic Florentine cookies in a bar form, which is easier to make. They combine the flavors and textures of caramel and honey, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts – all in low FODMAP amounts. Watch your serving sizes!
Low FODMAP Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars
PB&J in a bar form.
Low FODMAP Chewy Granola Bars
Homemade gluten-free soft and chewy granola bars – low FODMAP, of course.
Low FODMAP Chocolate Chunk Kahlua Buttercream Bars
These are decadent! Gluten-free chocolate chunk bars, brushed with low FODMAP coffee liqueur, topped with a cloud of coffee flavored frosting.
Low FODMAP Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies
Tart dried cranberries with sweet white chocolate dot a brown sugar dough for a lovely chewy bar.
Low FODMAP Pumpkin Spice Mocha Latte Blondies
This blondie is like a PSL (pumpkin spiced latte) in a bar form! Gently spiced with some coffee flavors, as well.
Low FODMAP Mocha Chocolate Chunk Bars with Whiskey Salted Caramel
Chocolate, coffee, salt, whiskey and caramel in a low FODMAP, gluten-free bar. Gluten-free Christmas cookie can come in bar form! And an extra-special recipe, like this one, is a great host gift.
Low FODMAP One-Bowl Brownies
One-bowl and whisk and you can make low FODMAP gluten-free brownies.
Low FODMAP Black & White Brownies
Dark chocolate brownies with white chocolate chunks. Yes, you can have both kinds of chocolate (and milk, too) on the low FODMAP diet.
Low FODMAP Decadent Chocolate Brownies
These are our fave chocolate brownies; they are rich, rich rich! We show you how to make one batch, creating half with nuts and half without, to please everyone.
Low FODMAP Nutella Brownies
Make our Low FODMAP Nutella first, then, stop eating it by the spoonful and try this brownie recipe (we have Nutella banana muffins, too). Truth be told, we love these any time of year, but certainly consider them as you are planning our your gluten-free Christmas cookie baking.
Low FODMAP Toasted Almond Coconut Fudge Brownies
Toasting coconut and almond flour creates an extra special taste and texture in this brownie.
Low FODMAP Espresso Bars
You have to be a coffee lover – or these won’t be your cup of tea. These have a powerful coffee flavor. Not for the faint of heart.
Low FODMAP Cream Cheese Brownies
YES! You can have cream cheese brownies that are gluten-free, lactose-free and low FODMAP. This is our basic recipe. The next two listings are for variations.
Low FODMAP PB & J Cream Cheese Brownies
These take our basic cream cheese brownie recipe and adds peanut butter and jelly flavors.
Low FODMAP Espresso Cream Cheese Brownies
This recipe takes our basic cream cheese brownie recipe and flavors of espresso.
Low FODMAP Coconut Chocolate Cookie Dough Blondies
If you are a cookie dough lover, these blondies should be next on your list to bake.
Old-Fashioned Favorites & Others Too Delicious To Miss!
Low FODMAP Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
You can never have too many oatmeal cookies recipes – and these are chewy with raisins; these are a crowd pleaser.
Low FODMAP Vegan Sandwich Cookies – Homespun Gluten-free Christmas Cookie
Vegans rejoice in this pretty sandwich cookie; play with the cut-out shapes for the jam to peek through. You can pick and choose the shape of the cookie, as well as the shape of the peek-a-boo window for these gluten-free Christmas cookies.
Low FODMAP Snickerdoodles
Cream of tartar and cinnamon star in this homespun gluten-free snickerdoodles cookie. The cinnamon-sugar topping is so simple, yet classic. You might think of these as an everyday cookie, but we think they make perfect gluten-free Christmas cookies.
Low FODMAP One-Bowl Peanut Butter Cookies
The easiest gluten-free peanut butter cookies to make – let the kids help! Perfect for everyday, but a nice choice as gluten-free Christmas cookies as well.
Low FODMAP Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
Natural peanut butter, ground flax seeds and sugar create magic when they are brought together to make these chewy PB cookies – that are low FODMAP, vegan and gluten-free.
Low FODMAP One-Bowl Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
One-bowl and a whisk, rolled oats, chocolate chips. A classic that kids and adults love.
Low FODMAP Chewy Peanut Putter Chocolate Chunk Cookies
We have several peanut butter cookies recipes, from one with just a few ingredients, to vegan, to this one, which we freakin’ LOVE! A chewy texture and studded with lots of chocolate chunks.
Low FODMAP Peanut Butter & Jam Hearts
Not all peanut butter is the same, and when it comes to baking, it is best to use the type called for. In this case, it is no-stir style, such as Skippy. The heart shaped is very sweet, but you can also make simple rounds.
Low FODMAP Simple Coconut Macaroons
We have two coconut macaroon recipes (here is the other). These are for coconut lovers! And yes, of course they are based on low FODMAP amounts of dried coconut. A great choice for a dairy-free option.
