Are you scrambling for some dazzling Christmas ideas that'll wow both the kiddos and the grown-ups?

Well, guess what?

I've got your back!

As a mom who absolutely adores cooking (and let's be honest, sometimes winging it), I know the joy of whipping up something magical in the kitchen, especially when the clock's ticking down to Christmas Day.

So, put on your aprons, and let's dive into a holiday adventure with some scrumptious Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies! (pssst…they’re also 100% Vegan, but you can hardly tell the difference)

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, these recipes are your secret weapons to spread holiday cheer faster than Santa sliding down the chimney.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies (V)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 90 minutes

Serves: One tray of cookies approx. 20-30 pieces

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 190 g GF flour mix (f.e. 70g rice flour, 40g chickpea flour, 80g starch)

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 40 g sugar

• 50 g maple syrup or date syrup or agave nectar

• 50 g (vegan) butter

• 5 tbsp soy, oat, or almond milk

• 2 tsp gingerbread spices

• 100 g powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Melt the vegan butter and add the  sugar  and the maple syrup (or date syrup or agave nectar) to the butter and continue to mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour mix, baking powder and gingerbread spices. Mix them well and set the dry ingredients aside.

3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while stirring continuously. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk (soy, oat, or almond milk) to reach the desired consistency. The dough should be pliable but not too sticky.

4. Once the dough is well mixed, use your hands to form it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes to firm up.

5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this.

7. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes from the dough. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

8. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the gingerbread cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with icing, frosting, or any other toppings of your choice.

11. For the Icing mix 100 grams of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until it forms a thick, sticky cream. Transfer the icing into a plastic sandwich bag, cut off a tiny corner, and then you can decorate the cookies as desired.

12. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free gingerbread cookies!

Basic Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies (V)

If you are looking for a more basic, but really buttery and delicious Christmas cookie, you should give this recipe a try.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 90 minutes

Serves: One tray of cookies approx. 20-30 pieces

Ingredients:

• 250 g gluten-free flour mix 

• 125 g (vegan) butter 

• 125 g sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp Vanilla sugar

• 100 g powdered sugar 

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour mix, baking powder, egg, butter, vanilla and sugar. Mix them well.  If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk (soy, oat, or almond milk) to reach the desired consistency. The dough should be pliable but not too sticky. 

2. Use your hands to form it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes to firm up.

3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. You can use a rolling pin for this.

5. Use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread shapes from the dough. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges.

7. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Once the christmas cookies have cooled, you can decorate them with icing, frosting, or any other toppings of your choice.

9. For the Icing mix 100 grams of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until it forms a thick, sticky cream. Transfer the icing into a plastic sandwich bag, cut off a tiny corner, and then you can decorate the cookies as desired.

10. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free christmas cookies!

So, there you have it – two delightful, easy-peasy cookie recipes to save your Christmas baking day!

Whether it's for Santa, for the family gathering, or just because you deserve a tasty treat (yes, you do!) these cookies are sure to bring smiles and festive joy.