Holiday Cookie Recipes for People with Dietary Restrictions
Holiday Cookie Recipes for People with Dietary Restrictions
Cookies that taste amazing and actually make you feel good.
I bake cookies all year long. There’s always a reason - birthdays, lunchbox snacks, or just because the house feels cozier when something’s in the oven. But when winter rolls around, things really ramp up. My kitchen turns into a cookie factory, cooling racks everywhere, measuring cups disappearing, and the smell of vanilla and cinnamon taking over.
Over the years, I’ve learned that not everyone can enjoy a traditional cookie recipe, and that’s okay, because baking is more fun when everyone gets to take part. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, dairy, refined sugar, or grains altogether, there’s something in this collection for you. These cookies were created by Rily’s talented recipe developers to be as inclusive as they are delicious, proof that you can have all the flavour, texture, and comfort of a classic cookie, minus the ingredients that don’t love you back.
You’ll find everything from delicious grain-free chocolate orange cookies and high-protein salted brownie cookies to chewy seasonal shortbread, low-sugar peppermint haystacks, and even our viral chocolate chip cookies with a chickpea base. Some are flourless, some are dairy-free, all are nutrient-rich and packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about going back for seconds.
So whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends who have allergies, or just want to feel great about your next midnight snack. these recipes bring that same homemade warmth, with a little extra care baked in.
Grain-Free Chocolate Orange Cookies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These cookies are everything you love about a classic holiday chocolate orange, without the grains or guilt. Almond and coconut flours give them a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while homemade candied orange peel adds a citrusy pop that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. Naturally gluten-free and sweetened with maple syrup, they’re rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for those who can’t enjoy traditional flour-based cookies or just want a more nourishing treat that still tastes decadent. Warning: they disappear fast, especially alongside a cup of coffee or cocoa.
GF Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Bright, buttery, and perfectly crumbly, these gluten-free and vegan shortbread cookies bring festive flavour to every bite. The tang of orange zest and chewy cranberries balance beautifully with the subtle sweetness of coconut sugar. Made with wholesome ingredients like arrowroot flour and vegan butter, they melt in your mouth, no dairy, gluten, or guilt required. Perfect for holiday gifting or an afternoon tea treat.
Buckwheat Tahini Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Recipe by Julia Gibson
These gluten-free cookies hit all the right notes: nutty, chocolatey, and just the right amount of salty. Buckwheat flour and tahini create a rich, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and coconut sugar. Each bite is chewy on the inside with a delicate crunch of sea salt on top. Packed with healthy fats and whole-grain fibre, these cookies are proof that dessert can be decadent and nutrient-dense all at once.
Christmas Spiced Meringue Cookies
Recipe by Fran Allen
Crisp on the outside, airy inside, and bursting with festive spice, these meringues are proof that gluten-free cookies can still steal the show. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger give them that unmistakable holiday warmth, while whipped egg whites keep them light as snowflakes. With just a handful of ingredients and no grains or dairy, they’re a simple, elegant option for anyone with food sensitivities. Perfect for cookie swaps, gift boxes, or cozy nights in with tea, these spiced meringues taste like the holidays in one delicate, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
These chewy, flavour-packed cookies are for everyone, but breastfeeding moms will especially appreciate their milk-boosting ingredients. Oats and flaxseed work together to support lactation while almond flour and walnuts add healthy fats and texture. A touch of chocolate chips makes them feel indulgent, but they’re naturally rich in fibre, plant protein, and nutrients for sustained energy.
Chocolate Chickpea Cookies
Recipe by Kelsey Russell-Murray
Soft, fudgy, and completely grain-free, these chocolate chickpea cookies redefine what a “healthy dessert” can be. Chickpeas provide a surprising source of plant protein and fibre, while natural peanut butter and maple syrup add creaminess and sweetness. The result? A chewy cookie that tastes like a bakery treat but is secretly packed with wholesome ingredients. No one will guess your secret legume base!
Millionaire Rice Krispie Treats
Recipe by Fran Allen
These no-bake chocolatey squares are a fun, gluten-free twist on classic millionaire shortbread — only lighter and more wholesome. A crisp rice cereal base meets creamy date caramel and a silky dark chocolate topping for the ultimate sweet-salt balance. With no refined sugar and no oven required, they’re perfect for busy weeks or last-minute gifting. Keep a batch in the fridge for when you want something chewy, rich, and satisfying that still feels better-for-you. Kids love them, adults sneak extras, and everyone agrees: they’re a little slice of cookie-bar heaven.
Thumbprint Cookies
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Part scone, part cookie, and all delicious. These jam-filled cookies bring together the tender crumb of a classic scone with the chew of a thumbprint cookie. Made with Greek yogurt and oat flour for extra protein and fibre, they’re a balanced, feel-good indulgence. Customize them with your favourite jam for a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.
High-Protein Salted Brownie Cookies
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Half brownie, half cookie, completely addictive. These soft, chocolatey rounds pack 12 grams of protein each and feature collagen, almond butter, and banana for a boost of nutrients. With no added sugar and a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings while supporting healthy hair, skin, and joints. Finally, a cookie that works as hard as you do.
GF Raspberry Chocolate Cookie Sandwiches
Recipe by Julia Gibson
A little tart, a little sweet, and totally irresistible. These gluten-free sandwich cookies layer crisp cacao-rich rounds with raspberry-chia jam for a burst of fruity freshness. Oat, almond, and brown rice flours keep them nutrient-dense while coconut sugar and maple syrup bring gentle sweetness. Perfect with a cup of tea or as a refined after-dinner dessert.
Low-Sugar Peppermint Haystacks
Recipe by Fran Allen
A no-bake holiday miracle! These minty haystacks come together in minutes with fibre-rich oats, shredded coconut, and a hint of peppermint. Sweetened naturally and full of healthy fats, they’re a festive treat that won’t spike your blood sugar. Keep them chilled for an easy, refreshing cookie that doubles as a holiday gift or mid-day pick-me-up.
