As the festive season approaches, many people look forward to baking traditional holiday treats. However, for those following a gluten-free diet, this can sometimes feel restrictive. But fear not! This year, we're sharing 5 Gluten-Free Christmas Biscuit Recipes That Will Delight Your Taste Buds. These recipes prove that you can enjoy all the flavors and joy of Christmas without gluten, delivering an experience that's both delicious and inclusive.
Almond Shortbread Christmas Trees 🌲
Nothing says Christmas quite like the delightful taste of almonds in a biscuit form, shaped into whimsical Christmas trees. Here's how you can bring these festive treats to life:
Ingredients:
- 200g ground almonds
- 100g powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 egg white
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine ground almonds, powdered sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg white and a pinch of salt into the almond mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
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Shape the Trees: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe or shape small trees using the dough. You might need a piping bag with a star nozzle for a detailed look.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F), bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden.
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Decorate: Let the cookies cool, then use melted chocolate to draw outlines or details to enhance the tree look.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Almond Shortbread Christmas Trees" alt="Almond Shortbread Christmas Trees"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">🌟 Note: For a varied texture, try adding small pieces of dried cranberries to mimic Christmas decorations.</p>
Gingerbread Stars ✨
Gingerbread is a classic Christmas flavor, and these gluten-free gingerbread stars keep the spirit alive.
Ingredients:
- 225g gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 175g brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 60ml treacle (or molasses)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough: Sift together the flour, baking soda, and spices. Add sugar, egg, and treacle, mixing well.
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Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to about 3mm thickness and cut into stars.
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Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes.
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Decorate: Cool, then decorate with royal icing to create a festive sparkle.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Gingerbread Stars" alt="Gingerbread Stars"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">✨ Note: Use a toothpick to create indents for eyes or buttons on your gingerbread men or stars.</p>
Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies 🍫
For a modern twist on the traditional Christmas cookie, try these chocolate peppermint bark cookies.
Ingredients:
- 150g butter
- 200g gluten-free flour
- 50g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 150g sugar
- 100g dark chocolate chips
- 50g crushed candy canes
Instructions:
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Cream Butter: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Combine Ingredients: Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and continue mixing. Fold in chocolate chips.
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Chill: Roll into a log, wrap, and chill for at least an hour.
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Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice log into cookies, sprinkle with candy canes.
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Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies" alt="Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies"> </div>
Lemon and Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies 🍋
These cookies combine the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of cranberry for a burst of festive flavors.
Ingredients:
- 175g gluten-free flour
- 100g butter
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
- 50g sugar
Instructions:
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Dough: Mix butter, sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Add flour.
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Form Balls: Roll into small balls, place on a baking tray.
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Thumbprint: Make an indent in each ball with your thumb.
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Fill: Spoon a little cranberry sauce into the indent.
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Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon and Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies" alt="Lemon and Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies"> </div>
<p class="pro-note">🍋 Note: If cranberries aren't to your taste, replace with a dollop of your favorite jam!</p>
Hazelnut Snowball Cookies ❄️
These delightful snowballs not only look the part but also provide a delightful texture with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 175g butter
- 35g powdered sugar
- 200g gluten-free flour
- 150g ground hazelnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
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Cream Butter: Mix butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and ground hazelnuts, blending well.
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Shape: Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
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Roll in Sugar: Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar to coat while still warm.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Hazelnut Snowball Cookies" alt="Hazelnut Snowball Cookies"> </div>
As the holiday season winds down, these gluten-free Christmas biscuit recipes offer a taste of joy and tradition. From the nutty crunch of Almond Shortbread Christmas Trees to the tangy zip of Lemon and Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies, there's something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions. With these recipes in hand, you can now bake a bounty of biscuits that will not only be gluten-free but also flavor-packed and festive, ensuring no one misses out on the holiday baking fun.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can these recipes be made vegan?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can substitute ingredients like butter with vegan alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use egg substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long can these biscuits be stored?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>When stored in an airtight container, these biscuits can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them; they'll keep for about 3 months in the freezer.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds for the Almond Shortbread?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Almond flour can be used, but it will produce a denser cookie compared to the lighter texture of ground almonds.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>