Gluten Free Holiday Baking with Kids: 25+ Easy Festive Recipes 2025

The holidays are magical for kids - and baking together creates memories that last a lifetime. Just because your family is gluten-free doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joy of holiday baking traditions.

This complete guide provides 25+ tested, kid-friendly gluten-free holiday recipes, plus tips for making baking with children fun, safe, and stress-free. From classic cookies to festive treats and edible gifts, everything is designed to taste amazing while being easy enough for little hands to help.

Why Holiday Baking with GF Kids Is Extra Special

Building Positive Food Relationships

Empowerment Through Participation

• Kids learn they can make delicious GF treats themselves
• Builds confidence in their baking abilities
• Creates positive associations with gluten-free cooking
• Develops life skills they'll use forever

Inclusion in Traditions

• GF kids often feel left out during holidays
• Making special treats together shows they're not missing out
• Creates NEW family traditions centered around their needs
• Memories of baking with family last a lifetime

Educational Opportunities

• Math skills (measuring, fractions, doubling recipes)
• Science (how ingredients interact)
• Reading (following recipe instructions)
• Patience (waiting for things to bake/cool)

Setting Up for Success

Age-Appropriate Tasks

Ages 3-5: Preschool Helpers

• Washing fruit
• Stirring ingredients
• Using cookie cutters
• Decorating with sprinkles
• Counting ingredients

Ages 6-8: Elementary Assistants

• Measuring dry ingredients
• Cracking eggs (with help)
• Operating hand mixer (supervised)
• Reading recipe steps aloud
• Setting timers

Ages 9-12: Junior Bakers

• Measuring all ingredients independently
• Operating stand mixer
• Using oven (with supervision)
• Following recipes mostly independently
• Creative recipe modifications

Ages 13+: Teen Chefs

• Baking independently
• Recipe research and selection
• Teaching younger siblings
• Advanced techniques
• Making their own recipe modifications

Essential GF Holiday Baking Supplies

Pantry Staples ($50-75 to stock)

GF Flour Options

• All-purpose GF flour blend (Bob's Red Mill 1:1, King Arthur Measure for Measure)
• Almond flour (for richer cookies)
• Coconut flour (for specific recipes)
• Oat flour (for heartier baked goods)

Binders & Leaveners

• Xanthan gum (if not in your flour blend)
• Baking powder (check GF)
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar

Sweeteners

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Honey
• Maple syrup

Fats

• Butter (or dairy-free alternative)
• Coconut oil
• Vegetable oil

Flavorings

• Pure vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Peppermint extract
• Cocoa powder (GF)
• Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)

Mix-Ins

• Chocolate chips (GF)
• Dried fruit
• Nuts (if no allergies)
• Sprinkles (GF certified)
• Shredded coconut

Equipment Checklist

Essential Tools

• Mixing bowls (nested set)
• Measuring cups and spoons (dry and liquid)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets (2-3)
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cooling racks
• Cookie cutters (holiday shapes)
• Rolling pin
• Spatulas (heat-resistant)
• Wooden spoons

Nice to Have

• Cookie scoops (uniform sizing)
• Piping bags and tips
• Silicone baking mats
• Digital kitchen scale
• Timer
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Classic Holiday Cookies (Made GF!)

1. Perfect GF Sugar Cookies

Why Kids Love Them: Decorating is half the fun!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (if not in flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Kid Tasks: Rolling dough, using cookie cutters, decorating with frosting and sprinkles

Pro Tip: Chill dough 30 minutes for easier rolling. Use extra GF flour for dusting.

Makes: 3-4 dozen cookies Difficulty: Easy

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2. Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies

Why Kids Love Them: Classic holiday flavor + gingerbread people to decorate!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp xanthan gum (if needed)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 egg

Kid Tasks: Mixing spices, decorating gingerbread people with royal icing

Pro Tip: Gingerbread dough MUST be chilled 2+ hours or overnight.

Makes: 2-3 dozen Difficulty: Easy

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3. GF Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Why Kids Love Them: Dramatic crackled appearance, rich chocolate flavor

Ingredients:

• 1 cup GF all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Kid Tasks: Rolling dough balls, coating in powdered sugar

Pro Tip: The more powdered sugar, the more dramatic the crinkles!

Makes: 2 dozen Difficulty: Easy

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4. GF Snickerdoodles

Why Kids Love Them: Rolling in cinnamon-sugar is so fun!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla

Coating:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon

Kid Tasks: Rolling dough balls, coating in cinnamon-sugar

Pro Tip: Don't overbake - pull when edges just set but centers soft.

Makes: 3 dozen Difficulty: Easy

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5. GF Peanut Butter Blossoms

Why Kids Love Them: Pressing Hershey's Kiss in center!

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup sugar + more for rolling
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• GF Hershey's Kisses (unwrapped)

Kid Tasks: Rolling in sugar, pressing kisses into warm cookies

Pro Tip: Press kisses immediately after removing from oven.

Makes: 3 dozen Difficulty: Easy

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6. GF Thumbprint Cookies

Why Kids Love Them: Making "thumbprint" and choosing jam flavors

Ingredients:

• 2 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot)

Kid Tasks: Making thumbprints, filling with jam

Pro Tip: Use back of 1/2 tsp measuring spoon for perfect indentations.

Makes: 2 dozen Difficulty: Easy

No-Bake Holiday Treats

7. GF Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Why Kids Love It: Easy, no baking required, looks fancy!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz GF dark chocolate
• 12 oz GF white chocolate
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (GF)

Kid Tasks: Crushing candy canes, sprinkling on top

Makes: 1 lb Time: 15 min + chill time

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8. GF No-Bake Energy Balls

Why Kids Love It: Rolling balls, no oven needed!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup GF oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup GF chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp vanilla

Kid Tasks: Mixing, rolling into balls

Makes: 20 balls Time: 10 minutes

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9. GF Rice Krispie Treats (Holiday Version)

Why Kids Love It: Festive shapes and colors!

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp butter
• 4 cups mini marshmallows
• 6 cups GF rice cereal (Rice Krispies are GF!)
• Red/green food coloring (optional)
• Holiday sprinkles

Kid Tasks: Stirring, pressing into pan, cutting shapes

Makes: 12 servings Time: 10 minutes

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10. GF Buckeyes

Why Kids Love It: Peanut butter + chocolate = perfection!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups GF chocolate chips
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil

Kid Tasks: Rolling peanut butter balls, dipping in chocolate

Makes: 40 pieces Time: 30 min + chill time

Holiday Breakfast Treats

11. GF Cinnamon Rolls

Why Kids Love It: Sweet breakfast on Christmas morning!

Ingredients: Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg

Filling:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp butter, softened

Frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla

Kid Tasks: Spreading filling, rolling dough, frosting

Makes: 12 rolls Difficulty: Moderate

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12. GF Gingerbread Pancakes

Why Kids Love It: Holiday flavors for breakfast!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups GF all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp molasses
• 2 Tbsp butter, melted

Kid Tasks: Measuring spices, pouring batter (with help)

Makes: 12 pancakes Time: 20 minutes

Festive Desserts & Cakes

13. GF Yule Log Cake

Why Kids Love It: Decorating to look like a log!

Difficulty: Advanced (but worth it!)

Kid Tasks: Mixing, decorating with "bark" texture, adding meringue mushrooms

Makes: 10 servings Time: 2 hours

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14. GF Peppermint Brownies

Why Kids Love It: Fudgy + minty + festive!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup GF flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Kid Tasks: Mixing batter, sprinkling candy canes

Makes: 16 brownies Time: 40 minutes

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15. GF Apple Crisp

Why Kids Love It: Warm, comforting, great with ice cream!

Ingredients: Filling:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Topping:

• 1 cup GF oats
• 1/2 cup GF flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Kid Tasks: Peeling apples (with supervision), mixing topping

Makes: 8 servings Time: 1 hour

Edible Gift Ideas

16. GF Cookie Mix in a Jar

Why Kids Love It: Layering ingredients looks beautiful!

How To:

1. Layer dry ingredients in 1-quart jar
2. Include recipe card tied to jar
3. Decorate jar with ribbon and tag

Variations: Sugar cookies, brownies, hot chocolate mix

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17. GF Granola Gift Bags

Why Kids Love It: Customize flavors, package in festive bags

Base Recipe:

• 4 cups GF oats
• 1 cup nuts/seeds
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Add-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruit

Makes: 6 cups

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18. GF Peppermint Fudge

Why Kids Love It: Microwave easy, looks impressive!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups GF white chocolate chips
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• Crushed candy canes

Kid Tasks: Stirring, swirling colors, adding toppings

Makes: 2 lbs Time: 15 min + chill

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19. GF Hot Chocolate Mix

Why Kids Love It: Perfect for gift-giving!

Ingredients (per jar):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa powder (GF)
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 1/2 cup GF chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt
• Mini GF marshmallows

Kid Tasks: Measuring, mixing, filling jars, decorating

Makes: 8-10 servings per jar

Advanced Holiday Baking Projects

20. GF Gingerbread House

Why Kids Love It: Ultimate holiday project!

Time Investment: 3-4 hours total (spread over 2 days)

Day 1: Make and bake pieces Day 2: Assemble and decorate

Supplies Needed:

• Gingerbread dough (double batch)
• Royal icing
• GF candy for decorating (gumdrops, candy canes, etc.)
• Cardboard base
• Template (print from online)

Kid Tasks: Rolling dough, decorating walls, placing candies

Pro Tip: Let pieces dry overnight before assembling for stronger house.

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21. GF Decorated Cookies (Advanced)

Why Kids Love It: Creating edible art!

Skills Taught:

• Royal icing consistency (flood vs. outline)
• Piping techniques
• Color mixing
• Patience (drying between layers)

Kid Tasks: Outlining, flooding, adding details with piping bags

Best For: Ages 8+

International Holiday Treats (GF!)

22. GF Italian Biscotti

Why Kids Love It: Dipping in hot chocolate!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups GF flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds (if no allergies)

Kid Tasks: Shaping logs, slicing baked logs

Makes: 24 biscotti Difficulty: Moderate

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23. GF Mexican Wedding Cookies

Why Kids Love It: Rolled in powdered sugar!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups GF flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar + more for rolling
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Kid Tasks: Shaping balls, rolling in powdered sugar

Makes: 3 dozen Difficulty: Easy

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24. GF Scandinavian Rosettes

Why Kids Love It: Delicate, snowflake-like cookies!

Requires: Special rosette iron

Difficulty: Advanced

Best For: Ages 10+ (hot oil involved)

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25. GF German Lebkuchen

Why Kids Love It: Spiced cookies with chocolate coating!

Difficulty: Moderate

Flavor Profile: Honey, spices, citrus zest

Makes: 2 dozen

Bonus: Holiday Baking Tips & Tricks

Preventing GF Baking Disasters

Common GF Baking Issues

Problem: Cookies spread too much Solution: Chill dough 30 min before baking, add 1-2 Tbsp extra flour

Problem: Baked goods are too crumbly Solution: Add extra egg or xanthan gum, don't overbake

Problem: Gritty texture Solution: Use finely ground flour blend, let batter rest 10 min before baking

Problem: Cookies are too hard Solution: Reduce baking time by 2 minutes, use parchment paper

Problem: Uneven baking Solution: Rotate pans halfway through, use light-colored baking sheets

Making Ahead & Freezing

Freezer-Friendly Options

Cookie Dough:

• Shape into balls
• Freeze on baking sheet
• Transfer to freezer bag
• Bake from frozen (add 2 minutes)
• Lasts 3 months

Baked Cookies:

• Cool completely
• Layer with parchment paper
• Store in airtight container
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temp 30 minutes

Brownies/Bars:

• Cut into pieces
• Wrap individually
• Freeze up to 2 months
• Great for last-minute gifts!

Cookie Exchange Success

Hosting GF Cookie Exchange

1. Set Clear Rules: All contributions must be certified GF
2. Label Everything: Include ingredients list and allergen info
3. Dedicated Space: Keep GF cookies separate from any gluten items
4. Disposable Containers: Avoid cross-contamination from reused containers
5. Recipe Cards: Have everyone bring copies of their recipe

What to Bring: 6 dozen of one cookie variety (makes exchange easier)

What You'll Get: 6 dozen cookies in 6 different varieties!

Holiday Baking Schedule

4 Weeks Before Christmas

• Make shopping list
• Order specialty items online
• Clean out freezer for cookie storage

3 Weeks Before

• Buy non-perishable ingredients
• Make and freeze cookie doughs
• Bake and freeze sturdy cookies (biscotti, etc.)

2 Weeks Before

• Bake remaining cookies
• Freeze in airtight containers
• Make non-cookie treats (fudge, bark)

1 Week Before

• Defrost frozen cookies
• Bake any delicate items (decorated cookies)
• Assemble gift boxes
• Deliver gifts to friends/neighbors

Days Before Holiday

• Final fresh baking (cinnamon rolls for morning)
• Arrange cookie platters
• Set out holiday treats

Safety & Cross-Contamination Prevention

Dedicated GF Baking Day

Best Practice: Designate entire baking session as GF-only

Prevents:

• Flour in the air from previous baking
• Contaminated utensils
• Shared ingredients
• Accidental mix-ups

Clean Kitchen Protocol

Before Starting:

1. Wipe all counters with clean cloth
2. Use fresh dish towels
3. Wash all equipment thoroughly
4. Check all ingredients for GF certification
5. Remove any gluten-containing items from work area

During Baking:

• Use dedicated GF utensils/equipment
• Avoid shared butter/spreads (use fresh stick)
• Don't double-dip measuring cups into shared containers
• Keep GF and non-GF baked goods completely separate

Labeling:

• Mark ALL GF items clearly
• Use different colored plates/containers
• Include "Gluten Free" labels on gift items
• List all ingredients for potlucks/exchanges

Creating Holiday Traditions

Annual Baking Day Ideas

Make It Special:

• Same date each year (first Saturday of December)
• Matching aprons for everyone
• Holiday music playlist
• Hot chocolate station
• "Official" photographer to document
• Invite grandparents/special friends

Age Progression:

• Young kids: Simple cookies, decorating
• Older kids: More complex recipes, more independence
• Teens: Lead baking projects, teach younger siblings

Memory Keeping:

• Annual photo in matching aprons
• Recipe book additions (try one new recipe each year)
• Handprint cookies (redo each year to see growth)
• Video compilation over the years

Giving Back Through Baking

Share GF Joy:

• Bake extra for friends with dietary restrictions
• Donate to celiac support groups
• Bring GF treats to school parties
• Gift to nurses, teachers (with GF label)
• Host GF baking class for other families

Teaches Kids:

• Generosity and sharing
• That being GF doesn't mean missing out
• How to educate others about celiac
• Value of making inclusive treats

Conclusion: Making Magical Holiday Memories

Holiday baking with your gluten-free kids is about so much more than the cookies - it's about creating traditions, building confidence, and making memories filled with love, laughter, and delicious treats.

With these 25+ recipes and strategies, you're equipped to fill your home with the scents and flavors of the season, while keeping everyone safe and included.

Remember:

• Start simple and build skills over time
• Mistakes are learning opportunities
• The mess is part of the magic
• Focus on fun, not perfection
• Photos capture moments, memories last forever

Quick Start Checklist:

• Choose 3-5 recipes to try this holiday season
• Stock pantry with GF baking essentials
• Set holiday baking date on calendar
• Involve kids in recipe selection
• Gather necessary equipment
• Take photos to remember the fun!

Here's to flour-dusted counters, chocolate-smudged faces, and kitchens filled with love and laughter. Happy GF holiday baking! 🎄🍪✨