The Best Allergy-Friendly Roll-Out Sugar Cookies: Gluten-Free, Vegan & Top 8 Free!

Can it truly be the holiday season without the delightful tradition of decorating classic roll-out sugar cookies? For many, cherished childhood memories are filled with flour-dusted countertops, festive cookie cutters, and colorful sprinkles. However, for families navigating food allergies, this beloved tradition can often feel out of reach. But not anymore! We’re thrilled to share our recipe for incredibly soft, perfectly shaped, and utterly delicious roll-out sugar cookies that are completely allergy-friendly. This means they are free from: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts. Yes, they’re vegan AND top-8-free, ensuring everyone can join in the festive fun. So, gather your favorite sprinkles and cookie cutters, and get ready to create a baking masterpiece that brings joy to all!

This post contains affiliate links.

Your Holiday Wish Granted: Perfect Allergy-Friendly Sugar Cookies!

You’ve asked for it, and we are absolutely delighted to deliver! Consider this our special holiday gift to all our wonderful readers. For a long time, many of you have yearned for a reliable roll-out sugar cookie recipe that is not only gluten-free, vegan, and completely free of the top 8 allergens (wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts) but also holds its shape beautifully and remains wonderfully soft after baking. Crafting a cookie that meets all these criteria while still tasting incredible is no small feat, but we’ve done it! Say goodbye to crumbly, misshapen cookies and hello to perfect festive treats.

MERRY CHRISTMAS YA FILTHY ANIMAL! (Pardon the movie quote, we’ve been enjoying a lot of Home Alone lately, getting into the holiday spirit!)

In fact, we can’t even take full credit for this fantastic creation! This truly amazing recipe comes from a dear friend, Julie, who is an absolute genius in the allergy-friendly baking world. Yes, it’s the same brilliant Julie who also shared the incredible cornbread recipe that so many of you love. Having friends like Julie, who understand the unique challenges of food allergies, is an invaluable blessing.

The Power of Community: Finding Support in Allergy-Friendly Baking

This recipe truly highlights the immense value of having a supportive community, especially when navigating the world of food allergies. It’s incredibly helpful to connect with other allergy parents who are experiencing similar stages in their journey. We can share experiences, lament over the daily challenges, and celebrate successes together. Furthermore, having mentors like Julie, whose children are teenagers, offers a wealth of wisdom. She provides invaluable insights into tried-and-true recipes and offers practical advice for handling social situations involving food allergies. We are endlessly grateful for all the wonderful allergy moms who have supported, guided, and taught us throughout this unique journey.

If you haven’t yet found your tribe of allergy mom friends, consider this your invitation – we’d be honored to be that support for you! It is so validating and empowering to connect with people who truly “get it.” This is precisely why we created our private Facebook group. It’s a safe and welcoming space where you can bounce ideas off other allergy parents, ask questions like “Has anyone eaten at this restaurant safely?” or “What do you do when XYZ situation arises?” You can connect with moms from all over the country, sharing tips and experiences. To ensure a spam-free and genuinely supportive environment, we do ask a few questions for membership. We would absolutely love to see you there and welcome you into our community! If this link to the group doesn’t work directly, simply type “Allergy Awesomeness Info Sharing Group” into the Facebook search bar to find us.

Making Holiday Memories with Safe Sugar Cookies

Now, let’s get back to the star of the show: these incredible allergy-friendly sugar cookies! They have become a cherished tradition in our household. We’ve certainly made these on Christmas Eve for the quintessential “(rice) milk and cookies” for Santa. There’s something truly magical about decorating sugar cookies with children; it’s a fantastic, engaging activity that helps fill those eagerly anticipated hours when kids are antsy for the big man to make his delivery. The pure joy on their faces as they transform simple cookie shapes into edible works of art is absolutely priceless, and even better when you know every bite is safe for them to enjoy.

Easy & Delicious Frosting Ideas for Allergy-Friendly Cookies

As you might gather, I tend to favor simplicity over elaborate royal icing. Perhaps someday, when my nest is empty and I have an abundance of free time, I’ll attempt the intricate art of royal icing – ha! For now, I need something quick, delicious, and effective that can hold plenty of candy and sprinkles. That’s why I always reach for my classic vanilla buttercream. It’s perfectly dairy-free, vegan, and top-8-free, offering a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture that complements these soft sugar cookies beautifully. If you’re specifically looking for an egg-free royal icing option that dries hard for stacking and intricate designs, we highly recommend checking out the recipe from our friend at Tip from a Typical Mom’s blog. Either way, you’ll have perfectly decorated, safe, and delicious cookies!

So, whether you’re in need of allergy-friendly sugar cookies for a festive Christmas party, thoughtful neighbor treats, a school function, or simply for Saint Nick himself, we sincerely hope these cookies help you reclaim a tradition you might have thought was lost when you first discovered food allergies for yourself or a loved one. Baking and sharing these safe treats can create new, joyful memories that will last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Allergy-Friendly Sugar Cookies

We know you might have some questions about making these inclusive cookies, so let’s dive into the most frequently asked questions:

Do I have to chill the sugar cookie dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is highly recommended and truly a crucial step for success with this recipe, especially for gluten-free and vegan cookies. The dough is quite sticky when freshly mixed, and chilling it for at least 30 minutes allows the ingredients to firm up. This makes the dough much easier to handle, roll out, and cut into intricate shapes without losing its form or becoming excessively sticky. A well-chilled dough also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your festive shapes stay perfectly defined. Don’t skip this step for best results!

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

In this particular recipe, applesauce serves as the excellent egg replacer, contributing to the cookie’s moisture and binding. While you might be tempted to swap it for traditional eggs if you don’t have an egg allergy, we strongly recommend sticking with the applesauce. Our recipe has been extensively tested and perfected with applesauce, ensuring the ideal texture and consistency. Since my son has anaphylaxis to eggs, we’ve focused solely on egg-free variations. Plus, applesauce adds a touch of natural sweetness and a healthy boost, making these cookies even better!

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

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern for your diet, you can easily substitute the gluten-free flour blend with an equal amount of regular all-purpose wheat flour (1:1 ratio). When using regular flour, you can also omit the xanthan gum from the recipe, as wheat flour already contains gluten, which provides the necessary structure and elasticity that xanthan gum replaces in gluten-free baking.

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

Yes, you certainly can. We specifically list palm shortening in the recipe because it is widely considered the most inclusive option, being free from common allergens like soy. However, if soy is not an allergen for you, feel free to use your preferred vegetable shortening substitute. Always double-check labels to ensure it meets your specific dietary needs.

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

The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability! Rice milk is our go-to for its mild flavor and widespread allergy-friendliness. However, you can use any safe plant-based milk that works for your dietary requirements. Excellent alternatives include oat milk, almond milk (if nuts are safe for you), or soy milk (if soy is safe). Just ensure your chosen milk substitute is unsweetened to maintain the intended flavor balance of the cookies.

Can you use something other than xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is a crucial ingredient in gluten-free baking, acting as a binder and emulsifier to give structure and elasticity that gluten would normally provide. If you need an alternative, you can generally use guar gum as a substitute. The general conversion is usually 1:1, but you might want to start with slightly less guar gum as it can be stronger for some applications. Both gums help prevent your cookies from becoming crumbly.

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

Yes, absolutely! While we often recommend a specific homemade blend for optimal results, many excellent store-bought gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well. We particularly like to recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour or Better Batter Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour. Keep in mind that different brands can vary in their absorption rates. If your chosen store-bought blend seems a bit drier than our recommended consistency, simply add a tiny bit more rice milk (or your preferred safe milk substitute) spoon by spoon until you achieve the familiar, soft, and pliable sugar cookie dough consistency.

How to decorate sugar cookies

Decorating sugar cookies is arguably the most enjoyable part, and there’s truly no wrong way to do it! We’ve seen countless readers bring their cookies to life with an incredible array of frosting colors, fun shapes, and various candies. Our personal favorite way, especially for festive occasions, is to use a classic tree cookie cutter, and then dye our buttercream frosting a vibrant green. For application, you can use actual piping bags with decorative tips, or for a simpler approach, a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner snipped off works perfectly in a pinch.

To create a charming Christmas tree effect, I often use a Wilton 104 tip to zigzag the green frosting from the top to the bottom, mimicking branches. Then, I generously add colorful sprinkles to resemble festive lights. To complete the tree, I top it with a yellow Skittle (chosen for its slightly larger size than sprinkles) to mimic a shining star. Another popular method for decorating sugar cookies is using royal icing, which many prefer because it dries hard and flat, making the cookies easily stackable and transportable. If you prefer this finish, don’t worry – we also have an egg-free royal icing recipe that works wonderfully for allergy-friendly needs. Regardless of your chosen method, feel free to use whatever safe candy and sprinkles you have on hand to add your personal touch and embellishments. Most importantly, don’t stress about achieving a professional look. The true fun lies in the decorating process itself, creating memories with loved ones. Plus, they’ll be devoured so quickly, you won’t have much time to admire them anyway! We’ve even spread frosting with simple butter knives, proving that you can go as fancy or as easy as you like – either way, you’ll have a fantastic time.

What food coloring do you use?

For vibrant and safe colors, I primarily use Wilton food coloring gels. They offer excellent pigmentation without altering the cookie or frosting consistency. For those seeking another allergy-friendly option, I’ve heard positive feedback about TruColor food colorings, which are known for their natural ingredients. As always, it is paramount to conduct your own research and verify all ingredients to ensure they align with your specific allergy needs and comfort level. Safety is always the top priority!

What sprinkles do you use?

Finding safe sprinkles can sometimes be a challenge, but there are great options out there! I’ve had good luck with the Great Value Sequin mix for its vibrant look and allergen safety for our family. Remember, you have plenty of other allergy-friendly options for decorating! You can use sanding sugar for a sparkling effect, crushed Skittles for a pop of color, or any of your other favorite candies that are safe for your allergies. Always double-check ingredient labels on any decorative elements to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

Are these sugar cookies dairy free and egg free?

Yes, absolutely! These sugar cookies are specifically designed to be both dairy-free and egg-free, making them accessible for many common food allergies. We achieve this by using a versatile gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and incorporating applesauce as an effective egg replacer. If your only dietary restrictions are dairy and eggs (and not gluten), you can easily substitute the gluten-free flour with regular all-purpose flour at a 1:1 ratio and omit the xanthan gum. Milk and egg allergies are particularly prevalent, especially among young children, and it was precisely for my son, who experienced significant milk and egg allergies, that I developed and perfected this recipe. It’s wonderful to be able to offer a safe and delicious treat for kids to enjoy without worry.

Have fun making these gluten and dairy free sugar cookies!

We genuinely hope you have a fantastic time making these delightful gluten-free and dairy-free sugar cookies! Be sure to watch our recipe video, which provides a clear, start-to-finish guide to help you through every step of the process. And remember, please don’t feel any stress about achieving perfectly frosted cookies! The most important aspect is the joy of the experience – the mixing, the rolling, the cutting, and especially the eating! I know the pressure from social media can sometimes make us feel like our cookies need to be magazine-worthy, with a million kinds of frosting and elaborate toppings. But really, it’s about simplifying and enjoying the moment. I often stick to one cookie shape per baking session and keep the decorating simple. It doesn’t have to be perfect to create truly memorable experiences with your loved ones. The love and effort you put into making them are what truly count!

Do you have other allergy-friendly cookie recipes?

Yes, we certainly do! What would life be without an abundance of delicious allergy-friendly cookies, especially during the festive season? Our kitchen is a hub for creating safe and satisfying treats for everyone. All of our cookie recipes are meticulously developed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free. Very often, they are soy-free as well, aiming for maximum inclusivity. You can explore our extensive allergy-friendly cookie index for a treasure trove of options, or jump straight to some of our top-rated favorites, perfect for any occasion:

• 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

Be sure to share these incredible allergy-friendly roll-out sugar cookies with any other allergy parents or friends you know! Spreading the word means spreading joy and inclusivity during the holidays and beyond. 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

1. Mix shortening, sugar, vanilla, applesauce, and rice milk until smooth.
2. Add in the salt, xanthan, baking powder and half of the gluten-free flour. Mix well.
3. Add in the rest of the gluten-free flour and blend well.
4. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
5. Once the 30 minutes are up, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
6. Place a piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
7. 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.
8. Roll your dough until it’s 1/4 of an inch thick.
9. 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.
10. Fit as many as you can in your dough, and then remove the scraps.
11. Carefully move the cut shapes onto the parchment paper.
12. Bake for 7-9 minutes until just barely set. DO NOT OVER BAKE! These will not turn golden.
13. Take the pan out of the oven, and allow the cookies to rest on the pan/finish cooking for 5 more minutes.
14. Carefully lift them onto a cooling rack to finish cooling. Cookies are fragile when warm.
15. Make the buttercream. (Or, my egg-free royal icing.)
16. Decorate as desired. (See the FAQ for how I did mine.)
17. 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.

---