Easy, Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

This holiday season, cookies don’t just need to taste good—they need to look good. With festive shapes, colorful frosting and glittering sprinkles, your dessert tray can shine. That’s exactly what these gluten-free holiday cookies deliver: simple dough built on a gluten-free sugar-cookie mix, butter, water, vanilla and egg, then shaped, baked and topped with bright icing that transforms plain cookies into holiday stars.

What makes them especially appealing is that they bring joy without compromise: no wheat flour, no need for separate gluten-free recipes that look less abundant—these bring volume, color, and nostalgia without the suspect texture often associated with gluten-free baking. The icing uses powdered sugar, lemon juice and almond extract, then you decorate with snowflakes, trees, stars—or whatever your holiday theme demands.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday cookie swap, gifting baked goods, or simply want to pull together a lively tray in under an hour, these cookies are the answer. Easy to bake, fun to decorate, stunning to serve—and entirely gluten-free.

---

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

Recipe Details

Yield: 18 cookies

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Ingredients

For the cookies

• Gluten-free sugar cookie mix
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon water, plus more for frosting
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg

For the icing

• 2 pounds powdered sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Food coloring

How to Make Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

1. Combine cookie mix, butter, water, vanilla extract, and egg in a mixing bowl and mix into a soft dough.
2. Form tablespoon-sized balls, place them on a cookie sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for 13 to 15 minutes.
3. For the frosting, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond extract in a mixing bowl. Add water as needed. Whip until white and fluffy.
4. Press play to see how to give these sweet treats the prettiest finishing touch—snowflakes! Pro tip: You can use a ziplock plastic bag as a makeshift pastry bag. Put the frosting inside, seal, cut a tiny piece off of the corner of the bag, and squeeze the frosting through.

---

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per cookie (recipe yields 18 cookies). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 cookie
Calories	≈ 250 kcal
Protein	≈ 3 g
Carbs	≈ 40 g
Sugar	≈ 30 g
Fiber	≈ 0 g
Fat	≈ 9 g

---

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Variations & Tips

• Shape swap: Use cookie cutters in holiday shapes (snowflakes, stars, bells, trees) or choose circle shapes for a more classic tray look.
• Color theme: Divide the icing and dye each batch in pastel or traditional holiday colors to match your table or gift box.
• Flavor twist: Add ¼ tsp lemon or orange zest to the dough for citrus notes; or substitute almond extract with peppermint extract in the icing for festive mint flavor.
• Glaze texture control: If the frosting is too runny, chill for 5 minutes; if too stiff, add ½ tsp of water at a time until you reach piping consistency. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Decorating shortcut: Use a zip-lock bag with the corner snipped instead of a piping bag for easy, no-fuss frosting application. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Make-ahead storage: Let cookies and frosting fully set (at least 1 hour) before stacking; store in airtight tin layered with parchment to preserve decoration.

---

Best Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies Pairings

• Hot cocoa or peppermint mocha: Warm drink complements the crisp, festive cookies and invites cozy indulgence.
• Winter spiced nuts: Offer alongside for crunch and contrast—almonds or pecans roasted with cinnamon sugar echo cookie flavors.
• Gluten-free gingerbread or shortbread cookies: Mix with these cookies on a tray to give variety in shape, texture and spice.
• Fruit tea or herbal tea with citrus garnish: A lighter beverage that lets the cookies remain the dessert spotlight.
• Cheese board with few select biscuits: Include some of these decorated cookies alongside savory cheeses for a sweet-savory board that delights guests.

---

When to Make Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies

• Holiday cookie swap or baking party: Bring these decorated cookies and impress with both appearance and substance.
• Gifting baked goods: Pack cookies in clear boxes or tins with ribbon—gluten-free, beautiful and gift-worthy.
• Family baking afternoon: Let kids help with shaping and frosting; it’s approachable enough for young bakers but yields professional-looking results.
• Office or classroom holiday treat: Gluten-free cookie option that fits inclusive snacking where some may avoid wheat.
• Festive dessert tables: Display these cookies as part of a holiday sweets spread—their bright colors and shapes make them visually stand out.

Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography and Editor: Naeem Munaf
Recipe and Styling: Merce Muse