It's almost Christmas, which means cookies are non-negotiable. So I made one that tastes exactly how it should: indulgent, festive, and surprisingly kind to your skin, with a gluten-free twist.
Perfect for sneaky late-night Home Alone marathons, cozy movie nights with The Holiday, or for impressing friends at Christmas dinners. The only downside? Everyone will be fighting over the last piece & will bother you to keep making them.
Table of contents
This recipe was inspired by Kim from "letthemeatgfcake". She's been making these cookies for 26 years and has archives of free recipes to try if you're interested in going gluten free without feeling restricted.
Gluten free benefits I’ve experienced first hand: less breakouts, less bloat & better sleep. It was important to give my body a reset without being on a deprivation diet (aka less likely to relapse). Highly recommend making a batch to keep in your freezer so you can have delicious gluten free cookies anytime.
Ingredient & Benefit Breakdown
Gluten Free Flour Blend
Going gluten free can help reduce bloating and support better gut health, which in turn can improve skin clarity and calmness. Many people also notice improved sleep, and a healthy gut-skin connection means that supporting digestion often shows up as healthier, more radiant skin.
Dark Chocoloate
Dark chocolate, especially varieties with high cocoa content, is rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental stress and support overall skin health. It can improve blood flow, keeping skin hydrated and radiant, and its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness and irritation.
Crushed Pistachios
Crushed pistachios are rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and antioxidants, which help protect skin from oxidative stress and support hydration. They also provide essential nutrients that can promote skin repair and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.
Dried Raspberries
Dried raspberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which help protect skin from oxidative stress and support a healthy gut. Their vitamin C content also aids collagen production, promoting firmer, more radiant skin.
Santa's Gluten Free & Skin Food Cookies
30 mins
20 mins
15-18 large cookies
SFC
Recipe
226g softened Butter
454g (2 cups) tightly packed Brown Sugar
560g (4 cups) All Purpose Gluten Free Flour Blend
1½ teaspoon Baking Soda
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 table spoons Dark Rum (totally optional for some festive fun)
340g Semi-sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Crushed Pistachios
Dried Berries
P.S This is the flour brand that I used if you want to look for the same one online or at your grocery store
Method
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream the butter & brown sugar (with a stand or handheld mixer), on low speed until combined. Increase to medium-high & beat mixture for around 4-5 minutes until the mixture, fluffy & pale in colour.
- On low speed, add the eggs, vanilla and rum (if using) and mix until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, baking soda & salt. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-egg mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks by hand or on low speed until evenly distributed.
- Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the prepared sheets
- Add your crushed pistachios on top
- Bake one tray at a time for 18–20 minutes. Cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out — that’s perfect! Let them rest on the tray for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
- Finish off with your dried raspberries on top.
- Makes 15–18 large cookies, depending on your scoop size. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Santa-Approved Christmas Cookies
Soft, chocolatey, festive — and guilt-free enough to sneak straight from the freezer for a cozy night in.
Serve with a glass of milk or if you're like me, a side of soft serve, and enjoy with good company this Christmas.
With love,
Rachel & Alia
