21 Irresistible Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookie Recipes for Every Craving

Cookies hold a special place in our hearts – they’re the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for celebrating, sharing, or simply treating yourself. Individual, handheld, and utterly delicious, they’re truly a culinary trifecta. But what if dietary restrictions like gluten or dairy allergies prevent you from enjoying these beloved treats? The good news is, you don’t have to miss out on the joy of freshly baked cookies!

This comprehensive collection brings together 21 of the most scrumptious gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipes, all personally developed and perfected. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday bake-off, need a delightful dessert for a special occasion, or just crave a sweet weekend baking project, these recipes are sure to impress. From timeless classics like chewy chocolate chip and festive sugar cookies to more adventurous flavors such as rich chocolate orange and delightful cherry chocolate, we’ve got every craving covered. Prepare to awaken your inner Cookie Monster – these tried-and-true, popular recipes are gathered in one convenient place just for you!

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Essential Tips for Successful Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookie Baking

Before you dive into these amazing recipes, here are some crucial insights and frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is as smooth and delicious as possible. Since all these recipes are my own creations, I can personally attest to their quality and provide detailed guidance.

Mastering Gluten-Free Flour Blends

The choice of flour is paramount in gluten-free baking. For all these recipes, I highly recommend using my homemade gluten-free flour recipe. It’s carefully balanced to provide the best texture and flavor. If you prefer the convenience of a store-bought, pre-made blend, look for one that primarily uses a combination of brown rice flour, white rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca starch (or flour). This blend typically yields the best results for cookies.
Given our additional nut allergies, you won’t find almond flour recommended in any of my recipes. I also avoid less common or more expensive flours such as cassava, teff, or coconut flour. Baking with allergies can already be costly, so I aim to keep ingredients accessible and affordable. However, oat flour is a fantastic ingredient and is utilized in several of my cookie recipes, adding a wonderful chewiness and wholesome flavor. Always ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
For those who only need dairy-free cookies and can consume gluten, a simple substitution is possible. You can replace the gluten-free flour with regular all-purpose flour on a 1:1 basis. If the recipe calls for xanthan gum (which is often used in gluten-free baking to provide structure), you can safely omit it when using regular wheat flour. This makes adapting recipes straightforward for different dietary needs.

Recommended Baking Equipment for Perfect Cookies

For optimal baking results, I swear by these specific baking sheets. They conduct heat evenly, which is crucial for perfectly baked cookies. To prevent sticking and encourage even browning, I always recommend lining your baking sheets. You can use either parchment paper or, for an eco-friendly and reusable option, silicone baking mats. These liners provide a surface for the cookies to grip, which helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures a consistent shape.
Beyond baking sheets, a few other tools are indispensable. My cookie scoop (an ice cream scoop works too) is a lifesaver; it ensures all your cookies are the same size, which means they bake evenly and look uniform. You’ll also need a large mixing bowl and either a reliable hand mixer or, even better, a powerful stand mixer. If you’re a passionate baker like I am, investing in a stand mixer is well worth it – it mixes hands-free, allowing you to prep your next ingredients efficiently. Finally, a cooling rack is essential for allowing your cookies to cool properly, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring a crisp exterior.

Sugar Options and Sweetener Considerations

It’s important to note that my cookie recipes are not designed to be sugar-free. They embrace the deliciousness of sweetness! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar in a 1:1 ratio. Coconut sugar offers a similar caramel-like flavor and moisture profile.
However, I strongly advise against using liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey as direct replacements for white granulated sugar. These liquid sweeteners introduce additional moisture into the dough, which can significantly alter the texture of the cookies, often leading to a cakey or overly spread-out result. Stick to granulated sugars for the best outcome in these recipes.

Egg Replacers for Vegan & Allergy-Friendly Cookies

A fantastic feature of these recipes is that all the cookies can also be made completely egg-free, making them suitable for vegans and those with egg allergies. My son has severe egg allergies, so I always ensure to include clear recommendations for the best egg replacer for each specific cookie.
While options like chia eggs, flax eggs, or commercial egg replacer powders exist, I will guide you on which type works most effectively for each individual recipe to achieve the perfect consistency. If eggs are not a concern for you, feel free to use regular eggs as a 1:1 substitute. An added bonus of using egg replacers? You can safely enjoy eating the raw cookie dough without worry!

Dairy-Free Butter Alternatives

For vegan butter, my go-to choice is usually Earth Balance buttery sticks. They perform exceptionally well in most baking applications, mimicking traditional butter closely. However, in certain recipes, I find that Crisco butter-flavored shortening yields a superior texture, offering a flakier or crispier result. In one particular recipe, coconut oil is the fat of choice, providing a unique flavor and texture. Always check each individual recipe for the specific oil or fat recommendation to ensure the best possible cookie.

Discovering Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips

Finding delicious dairy-free chocolate chips is crucial for many of these recipes. My top two favorite brands are Costco’s Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. While their label doesn’t explicitly state “dairy-free,” I’ve carefully reviewed the ingredients and found no dairy components, and have consistently had great results. As with any allergy, always use what you feel safest with for your unique circumstances.
For those seeking other readily available options, I also highly recommend Enjoy Life, Nestle Toll House Allergen Free, and Great Value dairy-free chocolate chips. If you’re searching for a dairy-free alternative to M&M’s style chocolate candies, the only brand I’ve discovered that fits the bill is No Whey – perfect for adding a pop of color and crunch to your cookies!

To access each individual recipe card, simply click on the name of the cookie or its accompanying photo.

Your Delicious Journey Begins: The Ultimate Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookie Collection

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free S’mores Cookies
Experience the magic of a campfire indoors with these soft, chewy S’mores cookies, packed with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and a hint of graham cracker flavor.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
The ultimate classic! These chocolate chip cookies are wonderfully chewy on the inside, slightly crisp at the edges, and loaded with melty dairy-free chocolate chips. An absolute must-try for any cookie lover.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Bars
Enjoy the delightful simplicity of soft, tender sugar cookie bars, generously topped with a creamy dairy-free buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties or a fuss-free dessert.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Brookies (Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies)
Can’t decide between a cookie and a brownie? Have both! These brookies combine a fudgy brownie base with a rich, chewy chocolate chip cookie topping for the best of both worlds.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Skillet Cookie (Pizookie)
Warm, gooey, and utterly decadent, this skillet cookie (or pizookie) is meant for sharing! Serve it straight from the pan, perhaps with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream, for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza
A fresh and vibrant dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. A soft sugar cookie crust, creamy dairy-free frosting, and an array of colorful fresh fruits make this perfect for any gathering.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Sugar Cookies (Roll Out and Shape!)
The classic cutout sugar cookie, perfected for allergy-friendly baking. These hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for decorating for any holiday or special occasion.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
A hearty and comforting twist on the chocolate chip classic. These oatmeal cookies are chewy, satisfying, and packed with wholesome oats and sweet chocolate chips.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Maple Cookies
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of autumn with these delightful maple cookies. Their soft texture and sweet maple glaze make them an irresistible treat year-round.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Pumpkin Cookies
Soft, cake-like cookies bursting with pumpkin spice and often topped with a sweet glaze or dairy-free cream cheese frosting. A quintessential fall favorite that everyone will love.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Black and White Cookies
A beloved New York classic, these cookies feature a soft, cake-like base frosted half with vanilla and half with chocolate, offering a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Crinkle Cookies
These festive cookies feature a rich, fudgy chocolate interior and a beautiful crackled exterior coated in powdered sugar. They’re a holiday favorite, but delicious any time of year.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free White Chocolate Craisin Oatmeal Cookies
A delightful combination of textures and tastes: chewy oatmeal, sweet dairy-free white chocolate chips, and tart dried cranberries (craisins) make these cookies uniquely satisfying.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie and wholesome oatmeal, these soft cookies are generously finished with a sweet, delicate icing, perfect for fall celebrations.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free DoubleTree Chocolate Cookies (*A Family Favorite*)
Recreate the iconic hotel cookie experience at home with this allergy-friendly version. These rich, decadent chocolate cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a personal family favorite.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free White Chocolate Dipped Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Celebrate the holidays with these festive chocolate peppermint cookies, elegantly dipped in dairy-free white chocolate. The cool mint and rich chocolate combination is simply irresistible.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Orange Cookies
A sophisticated pairing of rich, dark chocolate with bright, zesty orange. These cookies offer a luxurious flavor profile that’s perfect for a gourmet treat or special dessert.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These charming thumbprint cookies feature a tender cookie base, a sweet and tangy cherry filling, and a delicate drizzle of dairy-free chocolate, making them visually appealing and delicious.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough
Indulge in safe-to-eat, no-bake cookie dough, perfectly shaped and enrobed in a rich layer of dairy-free chocolate. These delightful bites are a dream come true for cookie dough enthusiasts.

Melted Snowman Cookies (with Egg-Free Royal Icing)
Bring a touch of playful charm to your winter baking with these adorable melted snowman cookies. Decorated with versatile egg-free royal icing, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bats (*Great for Halloween*)
Spooktacularly delicious, these chocolate sugar cookie bats are the perfect treat for Halloween parties or any spooky celebration. Fun to decorate and even more fun to devour!

There you have it – a magnificent list of 21 gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipes designed to satisfy every craving and dietary need. Whether you’re enjoying them as an after-school snack, a late-night indulgence, or even a cheeky breakfast treat, these scrumptious cookies are here to make your allergy-friendly baking journey delightful and incredibly tasty. So, preheat your ovens, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up some deliciousness!

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS RECIPE COLLECTION, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! BE SURE WHILE YOU’RE THERE TO ALSO CHECK OUT ALL OF MY DIETARY-SPECIFIC PINTEREST BOARDS FOR MORE INSPIRATION AND RECIPES.