Festive Cookies
Make the season bright with versatile gluten-free, dairy-free treats.
by Traci Anello

’Tis the time of year to bake cookies. If you’re concerned about making allergy-friendly versions of favorite treats, relax! Welcome to gluten-free, dairy-free baking that’s simple—and simply delicious.

Making cookies from scratch isn’t complicated and there are definite benefits, besides excellent taste and an aromatic kitchen. First, you know exactly what’s in them. Second, you have the flexibility to make any necessary substitutions. Third, you control the size, shape and amount baked. Fourth, homemade cookies make excellent gifts that are thoughtful and cost effective. And finally, you may just find that baking is a relaxing and satisfying way to showcase your creativity.

I’m a cooking instructor and own a gluten-free bakery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, so my family expects to see Christmas cookies coming out of the oven almost as soon as they finish up the Thanksgiving leftovers. Although I have a large collection of holiday recipes, I can pare my all-time favorites to a short list of three classics—shortbread, chocolate and “peanut butter” cookies. And they are by far the most requested.

These allergy-friendly cookies are as easy and fun to prepare as any conventional type. And they taste just like the real thing. You can bring them to parties, wrap themas gifts or plate them for company and nobody will suspect they’re allergy friendly. In fact, I’m betting your guests will ask for the recipe.

These cookies can be made, portioned and frozen for later so you can bake as many or as few as you need. Use them to continue (or start!) a special cookie-making tradition in your home.

Recipes:

• Classic Shortbread Cookies
• Chocolate Tea Cookies