Let’s Talk About Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookie Recipes
Welcome to our delightful recipe roundup featuring 8 scrumptious gluten free dairy free cookie recipes! that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary preferences.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free lifestyle due to allergies, intolerances, or personal choice, these cookie recipes offer a mouthwatering array of flavors and textures to indulge in guilt-free.
Featuring thumbprint cookies, no-bake delights, and scrumptious Samoas, each recipe presents a unique gluten-free, dairy-free twist on beloved cookie classics.
FAQ (Ask A Dietitian!)
1. How do gluten-free and dairy-free cookies taste compared to traditional cookies?
In general, gluten free and dairy free cookies will taste different than the traditional recipe. However, the taste of gluten-free and dairy-free cookies can be enjoyable and satisfying, especially when made with high-quality ingredients and a well-crafted recipe.
Gluten-free and dairy-free cookies remain delicious, often relying on sugar for sweetness since it contains neither gluten nor dairy.
2. Can I use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar in gluten-free and dairy-free cookie recipes?
Yes, alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar can be used in a gluten free dairy free cookie recipe. These sweeteners and others, such as honey, agave, stevia, and monk fruit, provide sweetness and their own unique flavor.
Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may have varying levels of sweetness and moisture content, so you might need to adjust the proportions of other ingredients in the recipe accordingly.
Tips for Making Gluten-Free Cookies using Gluten-Free Flour
Gluten-free flour blends can be used in a 1:1 ratio for all-purpose flour. You can beat the batter more, because gluten-free flour has less structure than all-purpose flour, beating the batter longer and more vigorously can help the dough obtain structure.
You may notice you need to bake the cookies a bit longer with gluten-free flour vs all-purpose flour.
Gluten-free flour-baked cookies will look and taste different. This is okay! They are two different flours and these cookies will still taste delicious.
Tips for Making Dairy-Free Cookies
Making Dairy Free cookies can occur in a variety of ways. For example, you can use coconut oil, vegan butter, nut butter, or other fats rather than baking with butter.
You can even make a dairy-free and vegan cookie recipe by keeping the dough egg-free. Swap the egg for flax or chia seed “eggs” by mixing 1 tbsp ground flax or chia seeds with 3 tbsp of water.
8 Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookie Recipes
I’m sure you have heard of, seen, or eaten Gluten Free Diary Free Sugar Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookies. But there are a variety of different cookies out there that go beyond chocolate chips!
Gluten Free Dairy Free Cookies Recipes
1 / 11 Thumbprints
These Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for sharing at events! This cookie dough can be made in bulk and you can make 2, 3, or 4 different cookies with different fillings such as strawberry jam cookies, mango cookies, Nutella-filled thumbprint cookies, or lemon curd-filled thumbprint cookies.
Cookies made with lots of wholesome ingredients are beneficial because they provide a healthier indulgence, offering a delicious way to satisfy cravings while also nourishing the body with wholesome nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting overall well-being with each bite.
With ingredients like banana, rolled oats, cocoa nibs, apples, carrots, coconut, hazelnuts, and dried cherries, you get a naturally sweetened cookie that is full of nutrients like fiber, and other nutrients.
Utilize almond or peanut butter as the star ingredient for a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free option. With just peanut butter, bananas, and oats, these cookies are naturally sweet, simple, and easy to make!
These almond butter cookies are like a traditional chocolate chip cookie but with almond butter! This recipe calls for almond flour in addition to almond butter for a decadent Almond Chocolate Chip cookie.
No-bake cookies are fantastic because they offer a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for an oven, making them perfect for days when you’re short on time.
All you need are your ingredients, a bowl, and a sheet pan or platter. Option to put these cookies in the fridge for 10-15 minutes or eat it immediately.
Tangy and refreshing, these gluten-free and dairy-free soft cookies are perfect for citrus lovers.
These lemony vegan cookies melt in your mouth. Made with almond flour, no butter, no eggs, and no refined sugar, these are healthier versions of your typical lemon shortbread cookie.
Everyone has their favorite Girl Scout cookie, well mine is a Samoa!
Gluten-free, dairy-free Samoas offer a delectable alternative to the traditional cookie, allowing individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences to still enjoy the irresistible combination of caramel, chocolate, and coconut flavors without compromising on taste or health-conscious choices.
Colleen Woods uses a date caramel made with maple syrup and dates to provide that gooey caramel we love in Samoas.
My husband’s favorite cookie is a classic Oatmeal Raisin.
This comforting classic is made gluten-free and dairy-free by using certified gluten-free oats, oat flour, 100% puree pumpkin, and cocavo oil (aka coconut avocado oil).
Another fan favorite, Snickers and Almond Joy Dates.
Technically, these are not a cookie recipe, but both recipes are bite-sized, sweet, and delicious. Best of all these recipes are no bake and ready in a flash.
I am always looking for a sweet treat that is loaded with chocolate. So for the chocolate lovers out there, try this cookie recipe by My Gluten Free Kitchen.
Not only is this recipe gluten and dairy free, but it is also nut free!
The No-Stress Way to Eat More Plants (Without Giving Up Meat)
The Flexitarian Diet is gaining momentum among individuals seeking a less rigid approach to vegan and vegetarianism. The Flexitarian Diet also referred to as a semi-vegetarian diet, emphasizes the consumption of minimally processed plant-based foods. It is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance human health, lessen environmental impact, and result in cost savings.
In the U.S. News Best Diets 2024 rankings, the Flexitarian diet secured the top spot in the Best Plant-Based Diets category(1). As expected, it also claimed the second position in the Easiest Diets to Follow category(1). Suggesting the Flexitarian lifestyle is less rigid (or more flexible) and helps people sustain it.
This is probably due to the absence of strict rules or eliminations in the Flexitarian diet, allowing considerable flexibility for adjustments in line with an individual’s lifestyle objectives.
Individualizing Your Flexitarian Diet
Research indicates that beyond achieving targeted weight loss, incorporating more plant-based foods and reducing meat or animal product consumption can enhance overall health outcomes (2-3). This includes reducing the risk of conditions like type II diabetes, heart disease, and cancer (2-3). Moreover, Flexitarian diets reduce meat consumption, and this lifestyle is considered planet and budget-friendly.
If you decide to move toward a Flexitarian lifestyle, consider reflecting on your current diet and ask yourself why you are interested in this lifestyle shift. From semi-vegan to semi-vegetarian to semi-pescatarian, the Flexitarian lifestyle empowers individuals to customize their approach according to their specific goals.
The Flexitarian Guidelines
The Flexitarian Guidelines are simple and as follows:
Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Incorporate lots of non-meat proteins such as:
Semi-vegan: beans, peas, nuts, and seeds
Semi-vegetarian: the above plant-based proteins but also include eggs and dairy.
Semi-pescatarian: similar to a semi-vegetarian, but it also includes seafood.
Reduce meat portions and frequency of foods such as chicken, pork, and beef.
Limit consumption of added sugars and highly processed foods.
Examples of Mindful Meat Consumption
Mindful meat consumption can mean different things to different people.
Person A might aim to consume 6-8 meatless meals per week, while another avoids purchasing meat at home or out at restaurants, but will dive right into their grandmother’s classic Roast Turkey at Thanksgiving.
Whatever the flexitarian lifestyle looks like, the outcome is the same. Direct your diet to obtain more protein from non-meat sources.
Setting Yourself Up For Success
A poorly planned Vegan, Vegetarian, or Flexitarian diet may be low in nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin D, and calcium. However, the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reports a well-designed lifestyle can avoid those deficiencies (4).
Especially, because unlike strict Vegans and Vegetarians, Flexitarians can meet their needs for protein with occasional animal-based protein sources such as meat and milk.
Here are a few tips for success in a balanced Flexitarian diet:
Incorporate protein powders and other nutritional supplements, such as Vitamin D, as needed.
There are seemingly infinite books and resources on the internet geared toward plant-based eating! Just check out Google, Pinterest, and even social media channels like TikTok and Instagram.
I have included a list of some of my favorite resources below.
Clem, J., & Barthel, B. (2021). A Look at Plant-Based Diets. Missouri Medicine, 118(3), 233–238.
Ferguson, J. J., Oldmeadow, C., Mishra, G. D., & Garg, M. L. (2022). Plant-based dietary patterns are associated with lower body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in older Australian women. Public Health Nutrition, 25(1), 18–31. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980021003852
Melina, V., Craig, W., & Levin, S. (2016). Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 116(12), 1970–1980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2016.09.025
Need some Super Bowl party foods for game day that are flexitarian? Don’t want to completely omit meat? I’ve got you covered.
From soups to dips to mains, and even a boozy cocktail, these recipes are sure to please come to Super Bowl Sunday.
Flexitarian Recipes for Super Bowl LVIII
You may recognize a few of these recipes, while others might be novel, but I assure you, your friends will be drooling over these Super Bowl foods.
Bites & Apps
01/26 – Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Horseradish Aioli
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are a great way to emphasize veggies without sacrificing flavor! The Brussels sprouts are bursting with flavor and are complimented by the creamy zesty Horseradish Aioli.
Best of all, this recipe comes together in under 15 minutes!
This is my take on a “healthier” Jalapeno Popper recipe. I love these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers because they are easy, fast, and healthy. This is a fun hand-held appetizer and super bowl recipe that is sure to impress.
And I even snuck in a secret ingredient into this recipe: Butternut Squash! The butternut squash brings a sweet balance to the salty bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeno! With a few simple and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can make this Jalapeno Popper recipe. It’s no mystery why Jalapeno Poppers are many peoples’ absolute favorite appetizers; they are doubtlessly delicious!
This Easy Herb Focaccia is so delicious that your guests won’t know you used premade pizza dough! This recipe is also easy to modify with different herbs, spices, and vegetables.
Once you make this Herb Focaccia it will be a regular side item in your house. This recipe is great for easy weeknight meals, brunches, and game days! Feel free to get creative with this one, it’s pizza without sauce or cheese.
My jalapeno-picked eggs are perfect for game day. You make this recipe at least 3 days in advance and just pull it from the fridge when you are ready to serve, it is that simple!
My Franks Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip! When I completed my Dietetics degree in Western Pennsylvania I learned a few things about PA food culture, and one of them was people love their Buffalo Chicken Dip!
So now, when I think of football food and snacks, I think of Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Another vegetarian favorite to bring out during parties is my Air Fryer Camembert. I love that this recipe can be made sweet or savory depending on the toppings involved!
More dip recipes! What can I say, they are perfect for game day eats.
This Cool Spinach Artichoke Dip is one of my favorite appetizers. Maybe the very first recipe I ever created, its creation emerged from an old Spinach Pinwheel recipe I used to make with my Mom.
My Mom loved to serve Spinach Pinwheels when she was hosting gatherings. They were truly a crowd pleaser.
One of my favorite super bowl snacks is Jacob’s Famous Guacamole. My husband, Jacob, has been making this recipe for years. This is one of the first foods he made for me!
This recipe is creamy, tangy, and has a spicy kick. There is even a secret ingredient!
Another “go-to” super bowl recipe is a big ole bowl of chili. My Vegetable Chili recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly while still packing that protein punch! Top this with a bit of sour cream or even Greek yogurt for a little creamy topper. Best of all, this recipe comes together in a jiffy!
Speaking of Jiffy, grab a box of Jiffy cornbread and kick up the flavor by adding some pickled or fresh jalapeno slices!
A new favorite super bowl recipe is this Coconut Lime Chicken Chowder. Make it in a soup pot or slow cooker! This soup is a versatile recipe that can be made from scratch or utilize leftover chicken or turkey!
This beautiful chowder is a great choice for potlucks because it can accommodate multiple food restrictions – This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and AIP-compliant.
Additionally, this is a filling chowder that is packed with protein! This Coconut Lime Chicken Chowder has you covered. With >30g of protein per serving, this is a cozy way to fuel up after a long hike or run.
12/26 – Corn Chowder Inspired By Mexican Street Corn
A great recipe for the winter months, this Corn Chowder Inspired by Mexican Street Corn utilizes frozen or canned corn. This recipe is creamy, delicious, and 100% plant-based!
Thinking of making a meze platter with hummus and baba ghanoush, perhaps some falafel? Include this Roasted Eggplant Salad. It is bursting with flavor and nutrition!
Cowboy Caviar is another favorite Super Bowl recipe due to its versatility. Eat it as a side dish, a salad, or as a dip! This recipe features lentils, beans, corn, and a homemade dressing.
I love making Cowboy Caviar on game day! I serve it with a big ole bag of corn tortilla chips. The chips are great for dipping or crunching right over the Caviar.
16/26 – Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Tarragon Blue Cheese Dressing
Experience the best of both worlds with this recipe – a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken wings that tastes just as indulgent! The secret? An air fryer.
Furthermore, wings can be transformed into many different flavors and styles with sauces! Primal Kitchen has a bunch of delectable wing sauces, but my favorite is their Original Buffalo Sauce.
I can’t have buffalo wings without some blue cheese dressing. This Tarragon Blue Cheese dressing is perfect to go alongside the classic Super Bowl recipe, chicken wings.
Thinking of just throwing some frozen pizzas in the oven for the game? Don’t forget to upgrade those! It’s super easy to create an extra special frozen pizza with just 1-2 additions. Whether it’s a bit of fancy cheese, more herbs and spices, or a scattering of your favorite toppings, upgrading a frozen pizza is an excellent choice for the Super Bowl.
This is one of my favorite no recipe Super Bowl Recipes! I love it because its might be the easiest thing to prepare!
18/26 – Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Marinated Chicken (or without!)
Southwest Quinoa Bowls can include Marinated Chicken and baked Tofu, or serve it alone. Full of veggies, herbs, and flavors, this recipe is a game-day favorite.
A simple Chicken Salad prepped the day before is a great addition to a game day spread. Serve it with lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or crackers for more indulgence! Definitely one of my favorite Super Bowl Recipes when I need a recipe that can be prepped in advance!
One of my favorite variations of a classic chocolate chip cookie is this Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookie. Just wrap store-bought or homemade cookie dough around a marshmallow and bake! Super easy!
A healthier dessert alternative is a batch of Watermelon Candy. It’s just dehydrated watermelon. It takes a little time but it is absolutely delicious.
Another healthy dessert alternative for some super bowl recipes are these Snickers Dates. Just dates, peanut butter, and dark chocolate. This recipe is super easy and ready in less than 30 minutes.
A bonus recipe, Snickerdoodle Martini! It is one of my favorite fancy super bowl drinks. It is a sweet and comforting cocktail combining the flavors of vanilla and cinnamon. Make or buy some Snickerdoodle cookies to garnish this delicious drink with.
I love offering a non-alcoholic that isn’t water at gatherings and sometimes I’ll bring that as my addition. It’s also a great alternative for people who are enjoying 1-2 beers but want another option.
