15 holiday cookie recipes for every dietary restriction

gluten free? vegan? you get cookies, too.

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Don’t let dietary restrictions stop you or your party guests from enjoying some of the best seasonal treats. We’ve rounded up 15 scrumptious holiday cookie recipes that adhere to some of the most common dietary restrictions—without sacrificing taste.

gingerbread cookies: gluten-free + vegan

Crispy around the edges and tender on the inside, these yummy gingerbread men are sure to please your gluten-free guests. The Minimalist Baker is credited for making such adorable cookies as well as the gluten-free frosting used for the decoration. There’s nothing that says the holidays like the smell of freshly baked gingerbread!

salted caramel thumbprint cookie: dairy-free

If you’re looking for a classic holiday cookie that isn’t the sugar cookie, the thumbprint cookie is the way to go. These delightful dairy-free treats are made by The Speckled Palate using coconut cream and almond milk in place of cow’s milk. The salted caramel filling is a nice added touch and certainly a crowd pleaser no matter what time of year.

fluffy snickerdoodles: nut-free

Who needs nuts when you can have cinnamon and vanilla perfection in these delightful cookies? Made by the creator of How Sweet Eats, they are certainly the fluffiest snickerdoodles around. The recipe calls for pretty standard cookie ingredients, some of which you may already have in your pantry, and are perfect for holiday get-togethers or to leave for Santa. Maybe he, too has a nut allergy!

pistachio chocolate chip and cranberry cookies: diabetes-friendly 

Usually “healthy” and “cookie” don’t belong in the same sentence, but this yummy antioxidant-rich cookie IS good for you! If you’re looking to keep your blood sugar steady but don’t want to sacrifice taste this holiday season, then this is the cookie for you. It is chock-full of texture with pistachios, dark chocolate, and cranberries, making it perfect for gift-giving.

lemon sugar cookies: allergen-free

This recipe has you covered if you have guests with multiple food allergies. These sugar cookies are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free and egg-free. The best part? Taste isn’t compromised—and you can still add a little cheer with the sprinkles and icing!

christmas tree meringue cookies: gluten-free

This flourless recipe is great for gluten-free baking if you need a decorative treat that doesn’t call for any type of grain. The sprinkles look like tiny ornaments and the powdered sugar adds a touch of “snow” to each tree. They are almost too cute to eat! Almost…

quinoa gingersnap cookies: vegan, gluten-free + nut-free

Using quinoa is a great alternative when you want to add a nutty taste without using nuts. The rich taste of ginger and sugar also adds the right amount of seasonal flavor to make this a great cookie for holiday parties.

vegan chocolate peppermint cookies: dairy-free + egg-free

You can’t have holiday desserts without chocolate. This dairy-free and egg-free cookie is a festive treat that would look adorable on any dessert table—and the peppermint garnish adds the perfect festive touch.

polish kolachki cookies: nut-free

The kolachki cookie is a great nut-free cookie for the holidays if you are looking for something a little more unique. With only five ingredients, it is a simple recipe when you need something quick. The fruit preserves make these cookies colorful and party-ready.

skinny chocolate turtle thumbprint cookies: gluten-free

Caramel, chocolate, and pecans make this cookie a show-stopper. The genius at The Skinny Fork shows us that even gluten-free cookies can look amazing—and taste even better. Whip these up for your next holiday fête and your guests will be amazed you made them yourself.

cranberry-honey spice pinwheel cookies: diabetes-friendly

Cranberry, spice, and everything nice! Cut the refined sugar to make these pinwheels even more diabetes-friendly. The honey and cranberries will add enough sweetness to keep your blood sugars stable so you can indulge in this adorable cookie creation.

healthy sugar cut-out cookie: diabetes-friendly

This is a great low-sugar cookie that calls for lemon zest and honey to keep it sweet and flavorful. The recipe also provides tips on where to find natural food dyes and healthy sugars to make this an all-around health-conscious cookie. Grab your cutest festive cookie cutters and get to decorating without the guilt!

hot chocolate cookies: gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free

Turn one of your favorite cold-weather beverages into a cookie with this delicious recipe. Who doesn’t love a good gooey chocolate cookie? These delights are gluten-free and top allergen-free so you can spoil yourself with more than one.

vegan frosted eggnog cookies: dairy-free + egg-free

Yes you can make a scrumptious eggnog cookie without eggs, butter, or dairy. This vegan recipe brings together all the sugar and spice you are looking for this season without milk. With Half Full Travel’s recipe you can turn your favorite holiday drink into a delicious dairy-free treat.

dark chocolate dipped almond cranberry biscotti: gluten-free + grain-free

Here is a great seasonal twist on an Italian favorite. These chocolate and cranberry biscotti cookies will make a great addition to your morning coffee or tea ritual during the holidays. Bundle them with a bow and they’ll also make a nice last minute gift.