Delicious & Allergy-Friendly Roll-Out Sugar Cookies: Gluten-Free, Vegan, & Top 8 Allergen Free

Can it truly be Christmas, or any festive occasion, without the joy of decorating and devouring classic roll-out sugar cookies? For many, cherished holiday traditions revolve around these delightful treats. However, for families navigating food allergies, this beloved activity can often feel out of reach. But now, you don’t have to miss out on the magic! We’re thrilled to share our soft, roll-out sugar cookie recipe that is completely allergy-friendly. This means these cookies are free from: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. They are not only vegan but also entirely Top 8 Allergen Free, making them a safe and joyful treat for almost everyone. So, gather your cookie cutters, grab all your favorite sprinkles, and get ready to bake up a storm without any worries!

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You’ve asked for it repeatedly, and I am absolutely delighted to finally deliver this recipe – consider it my special gift to all of you, my wonderful readers! For so long, you’ve been searching for a reliable gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and Top 8 Allergen Free roll-out sugar cookie that not only holds its shape beautifully but also remains wonderfully soft and doesn’t crumble. Well, the search ends here! This recipe checks all those boxes and is sure to become a new favorite tradition in your home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMAL!

Oops, sorry about that – we’ve been watching a lot of Home Alone recently, and some lines just stick! But on a more serious note, I genuinely can’t take full credit for developing this incredible recipe. This truly wonderful creation comes from my dear friend, Julie! Yes, the very same ingenious Julie who also shared her amazing cornbread recipe with me. She’s a true culinary wizard when it comes to allergy-friendly baking.

This is precisely why it’s so invaluable to have a supportive network of allergy mom friends. I’ve found it particularly helpful to connect with friends who are in a similar life stage, so you can share the triumphs and lament the everyday challenges of raising children with allergies. But it’s also incredibly important to have allergy mom friends who are further along on the journey. Julie’s boys are teenagers now, which means she possesses a wealth of wisdom regarding recipes, navigating social situations, and dealing with the ever-evolving landscape of food allergies. I am eternally grateful for all the wonderful allergy moms who have uplifted me, shared their knowledge, and guided me on this often-challenging path. If you haven’t found your allergy mom friends yet, please know that I am here to be that friend for you!

It’s incredibly validating to have people who genuinely understand the unique complexities and daily struggles that come with managing food allergies. That’s one of the main reasons I created my private Facebook group. It’s a safe and supportive space where you can connect with other allergy moms from across the country. Whether you need to bounce ideas off someone, ask “has anyone eaten at this restaurant safely?”, or inquire about “what do you do when XYZ happens?” – you’ll find a community ready to offer advice and empathy. To ensure a spam-free and helpful environment, I do ask a few questions before you join. I’d absolutely love to see you over there. If this link to the group doesn’t work for any reason, simply type “Allergy Awesomeness Info Sharing Group” into the Facebook search bar to find us.

Now, back to these incredible allergy-friendly sugar cookies! We’ve definitely made these a staple on Christmas Eve for the traditional “(rice) milk and cookies” for Santa. Kids absolutely adore decorating sugar cookies; it’s such a fun and engaging activity, perfect for filling the time when they’re eagerly awaiting the big man’s delivery. These cookies provide a wonderful canvas for creativity, allowing everyone to get involved in the festive preparations. The joy of decorating, whether elaborate or simple, is truly what makes these cookies so special for families with food allergies, helping to reclaim cherished holiday traditions.

As you can probably tell from my decorating style – I’m not overly concerned with achieving perfect royal icing designs. Perhaps someday, when I don’t have little ones clamoring for attention, I’ll dedicate myself to mastering that art – ha! For now, I need something quick, delicious, and effective that can hold candy and sprinkles firmly in place. That’s why I consistently opt for my classic dairy-free vanilla buttercream. It’s simple, luscious, and always a hit. However, if you are looking for an egg-free royal icing that dries hard and stackable, I highly recommend checking out my friend Tip from a Typical Mom’s recipe. She has perfected a fantastic alternative for those who prefer the crisp finish of royal icing.

So, whether you’re baking for a festive Christmas party, preparing neighborly treats, contributing to a school function, or simply leaving a special snack for Saint Nick himself, I sincerely hope these allergy-friendly sugar cookies help you revive a cherished tradition. For many, discovering food allergies in themselves or a loved one can mean giving up beloved holiday customs. This recipe aims to bring back that joy, ensuring that no one has to miss out on the sweet spirit of the season. Enjoy the process of baking, decorating, and sharing these delightful treats, knowing they are safe and delicious for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Allergy-Friendly Sugar Cookies

Do I have to chill the sugar cookie dough?

Yes, absolutely! Chilling the dough is a crucial step for these allergy-friendly sugar cookies. The dough, especially gluten-free dough, tends to be quite soft and sticky when freshly mixed. Refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) allows the ingredients to firm up, making the dough much easier to handle, roll out, and cut into perfect shapes without sticking or losing its integrity. Skipping this step often results in frustration and misshapen cookies, so I definitely recommend it for the best results.

If I don’t have egg allergies, can I use eggs in these allergy-friendly sugar cookies?

The applesauce in this recipe serves as a fantastic egg replacer, providing moisture and binding qualities essential for the cookie’s texture. While you could technically try experimenting with two regular eggs if egg allergies aren’t a concern for your family, I honestly recommend sticking with the applesauce. My son has severe anaphylaxis to eggs, so I’ve only extensively recipe tested this with applesauce to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Plus, using applesauce not only keeps the recipe consistent and reliable but also adds a subtle hint of natural sweetness and a touch of “healthiness” – a little bonus for a sweet treat!

If I don’t have a gluten allergy, can I use regular flour?

Absolutely! If gluten is not an allergen for you or your loved ones, you can easily substitute regular all-purpose wheat flour for the gluten-free flour blend. Simply use the same amount (a 1:1 ratio). When using regular flour, you can also omit the xanthan gum from the recipe, as wheat flour naturally contains gluten, which provides the necessary structure and elasticity that xanthan gum mimics in gluten-free baking. This makes the recipe versatile for various dietary needs.

If I don’t have a soy allergy, can I use vegetable shortening?

Yes, you certainly can. I specifically listed palm shortening in the original recipe because it is generally considered the most inclusive option, as it is typically soy-free and dairy-free, making it safe for a wider range of allergies. However, if soy is not an issue for you, feel free to use any safe vegetable shortening substitute you prefer or have on hand. Always double-check labels to ensure it meets your specific dietary requirements.

If I can’t find rice milk, what other milk substitutes can I use?

The beauty of allergy-friendly baking is its adaptability! If rice milk isn’t available or isn’t suitable for your diet, you can easily swap it out for any other safe plant-based milk substitute that works for your dietary needs. Popular choices include oat milk, almond milk (if tree nuts are safe for you), or even a safe coconut milk beverage. Just ensure the milk substitute is unsweetened or plain to avoid altering the cookie’s flavor profile too much, unless that’s what you’re aiming for.

Can you use something other than xanthan gum?

Yes, you can! Xanthan gum plays a crucial role in gluten-free baking by providing structure and elasticity that gluten typically offers. If you need an alternative to xanthan gum, guar gum is a common substitute that functions similarly. You can typically use guar gum in the same quantities as xanthan gum for this recipe. Always ensure you purchase pure guar gum and check for any potential cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.

Can you use a store-bought, pre-blended gluten-free flour instead of your homemade version?

Absolutely! While I often use my homemade blend, many excellent store-bought, pre-blended gluten-free flour mixes work wonderfully for these cookies. I frequently recommend brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour (ensure it’s the blue bag as some contain almond flour) or Better Batter All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour. Keep in mind that different brands can have slightly varying absorption rates. If you find your dough seems a bit drier than the typical sugar cookie consistency, simply add a tiny bit more rice milk (or your preferred milk substitute) a teaspoon at a time until you achieve the desired soft, pliable dough. This flexibility ensures success no matter your flour preference.

How to decorate sugar cookies

Decorating sugar cookies is arguably the most fun part, and there’s truly no “wrong” way to do it! It’s all about creativity and personal expression. I’ve seen countless readers bring their cookies to life with an amazing array of shapes, colors of frosting, and toppings. My personal favorite way, especially around the holidays, is to use a classic tree cookie cutter, and then dye my frosting a vibrant green. For a quick and easy application, you can use actual frosting bags with piping tips, or in a pinch, even a simple plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off works perfectly. I often use a Wilton 104 tip to create a simple zigzag pattern from the top to the bottom of the tree, mimicking branches. Then, I generously add festive sprinkles to represent the twinkling lights. To top it all off, a yellow Skittle (which is larger and stands out more than regular sprinkles) makes for the perfect star on top.

Another very popular method for decorating sugar cookies is to use royal icing. Many people prefer royal icing because it dries hard and flat, which makes the decorated cookies easily stackable and transportable without smudging. If you’re looking for a reliable egg-free option, I also have an egg-free royal icing recipe that works wonderfully for creating those crisp, professional-looking designs. Beyond frostings, use whatever safe candy, edible glitter, or allergy-friendly sprinkles you have on hand to add embellishments. Don’t feel pressured to make them look professionally done – the joy is truly in the decorating process and sharing the experience with loved ones. Plus, they’ll be eaten so quickly you won’t have much time to admire them anyway! We’ve even decorated with just butter knives, simply spreading the frosting on. Go as fancy or as easy as you like – either way, you’ll have a fantastic time and delicious results.

What food coloring do you use?

For vibrant and consistent colors, I typically use Wilton food coloring gels. These gels offer concentrated color without adding excess liquid, which is ideal for frosting. For those seeking another allergy-friendly option, I’ve heard excellent things about TruColor, which is known for its natural and allergy-conscious ingredients. However, it is absolutely paramount to always do your own thorough research and check ingredient labels carefully to ensure that any food coloring you choose aligns with your specific allergy needs and comfort level. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change, so staying informed is key.

What sprinkles do you use?

The sprinkles add that extra touch of festive magic! For these particular cookies, I used the Great Value Sequin mix, which I’ve found to be a generally safe option for our family. Remember, the world of allergy-friendly toppings is vast and exciting! You can use various types of sanding sugar for a sparkly finish, chopped Skittles for bright colors and a chewy texture, or any other favorite allergy-friendly candies that are safe for your specific dietary requirements. Always double-check ingredient lists on all toppings, as formulations can vary by brand and product line. The goal is to have fun and make them uniquely yours, safely!

Are these sugar cookies dairy-free and egg-free?

Yes, absolutely! These delightful sugar cookies are carefully crafted to be entirely dairy-free and egg-free, making them perfect for those managing common allergies. I achieve this by using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (which also makes them gluten-free!) and incorporating applesauce as an effective and natural egg replacer. Applesauce provides the necessary moisture and binding properties without the common allergens. If you only need the cookies to be dairy-free and egg-free, but not gluten-free, you can easily swap back in regular wheat flour at a 1:1 ratio and simply omit the xanthan gum. Milk and egg allergies are incredibly common, especially among young children, and it was precisely for my son, who experienced severe allergies to both, that I developed and perfected these inclusive sugar cookies. Now everyone can enjoy them!

Have fun making these gluten and dairy-free sugar cookies!

I truly hope you enjoy the process of making these wonderful gluten-free and dairy-free sugar cookies! Be sure to watch the accompanying recipe video, which provides a helpful visual guide from start to finish, ensuring your baking journey is smooth and successful. And remember, please don’t feel stressed about achieving perfectly frosted cookies! The most important part is the joy of creating and, of course, the fun of eating them. I know social media often creates pressure to showcase only “perfect” cookies, with countless frosting types and elaborate toppings. However, I often find simplicity to be the most rewarding. I like to stick to one cookie shape per baking session and keep the decorating straightforward. Your cookies don’t need to be magazine-worthy to create a memorable and heartwarming experience with your loved ones. The love and laughter shared during baking are what truly make these moments special.

Do you have other allergy-friendly cookie recipes?

Yes, I certainly do! What would life be without an abundance of delicious allergy-friendly cookies to enjoy? My kitchen is a hub for inclusive baking, and all of my cookie recipes are specifically designed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free. Many of them are also proudly soy-free, ensuring a wide range of safe options for various dietary needs. You can explore my comprehensive allergy-friendly cookie index for a full collection, or jump straight to some of these highly-rated favorites that are sure to delight:

Allergy Friendly Sugar Cookie Bars
Allergy Friendly Chocolate Orange Cookies
Allergy Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allergy Friendly Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Allergy Friendly Black & White Cookies
Allergy Friendly Peppermint Crinkle Cookies
Allergy friendly Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
Allergy friendly maple cookies
Allergy friendly white chocolate dipped peppermint cookies
Allergy friendly cherry chocolate thumbprint cookies
Allergy friendly homemade oreos
Allergy friendly peppermint pie

Don’t forget to share these wonderful allergy-friendly roll-out sugar cookies with any other allergy parents you know! Spreading the joy and safety of delicious food is what it’s all about. Happy baking!

Allergy-friendly Soft, Roll Out Sugar Cookies

Yield:
24 cookies

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
8 minutes

Additional Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
48 minutes

Can it really be Christmas without the iconic roll out sugar cookies? Well, now you don’t have to find out because I have soft, roll out sugar cookies that are allergy-friendly–which means these have no: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut or tree nuts. They’re vegan AND top-8-free. So, go get all your sprinkles and get ready to bake up a Christmas storm!

Ingredients

COOKIE INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup shortening
¾ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup apple sauce
4 teaspoons rice milk
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 and 1/4 cups gluten free flour
Optional: 1/2 tsp cake batter extract*

TOPPINGS:

1 Recipe for “THE Best Dairy-free Vanilla Frosting”
Or, egg-free royal icing

Instructions

Mix shortening, sugar, vanilla, applesauce, and rice milk until smooth.
Add in the salt, xanthan, baking powder and half of the gluten-free flour. Mix well.
Add in the rest of the gluten-free flour and blend well.
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Once the 30 minutes are up, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Generously (and I mean GENEROUSLY) sprinkle a clean surface with gluten-free flour or powdered sugar and place your chilled dough on top of it. (Otherwise they will stick when you try to lift the shapes. If you think you’ve done too much, you’ve probably done enough.) Sprinkle even more flour on top of the dough and sprinkle your rolling pin with flour. If your cookies are sticky still, it means you haven’t dusted the dough with enough flour. Keep adding flour/powdered sugar on top, and below the dough until the dough is not sticky and you can roll it (or even better–simply pat it with your hands) into a uniform thickness. (I find rolling it can sometimes cause it to get sticky again.
Roll your dough until it’s 1/4 of an inch thick.
Dip your cookie cutter in the gluten-free flour, and then place it in the rolled dough. Wiggle your cookie cutter to make sure it’s all of the way through.
Fit as many as you can in your dough, and then remove the scraps.
Carefully move the cut shapes onto the parchment paper.
Bake for 7-9 minutes until just barely set. DO NOT OVER BAKE! These will not turn golden.
Take the pan out of the oven, and allow the cookies to rest on the pan/finish cooking for 5 more minutes.
Carefully lift them onto a cooling rack to finish cooling. Cookies are fragile when warm.
Make the buttercream. (Or, my egg-free royal icing.)
Decorate as desired. (See the FAQ for how I did mine.)
Keep covered room temperature.

Notes

I prefer more flavor in my sugar cookies–especially since gluten-free flour tastes slightly more starchy than regular wheat flour. You can see how I add lemon flavor to this same recipe, in my Easter Bunny Cookies and would recommend it for these too!

*OR: To give the sugar cookies more of a regular flavor (versus tasting more like gluten free flour) I like to add a 1/2 tsp cake batter extract. Some people may not feel comfortable with cake batter extract because it is a combo of vanilla butter and nut. We have been fine using it because we feel OK that it is all artificial flavors. But, if you don’t feel comfortable using it, that’s fine too!

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! BE SURE TO ALSO CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS for even more inspiration and delicious ideas.

Looking for more festive and allergy-friendly Christmas cookies? Explore these other delightful favorites from our kitchen:

Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Orange Cookies

Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies