Cookies have always been my love language. And if you’re anything like me, you know there’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of warm, golden cookies from the oven—especially when they’re safe for everyone to enjoy. These gluten and dairy free cookie recipes are my tried-and-true favorites, made with real ingredients and a whole lot of heart.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, a little one with allergies, or just trying to make your dessert table a little more inclusive, you’re in the right place. No weird ingredients. No compromise on taste. Just cookies you’ll actually want to eat again (and again).
So let’s get cozy and bake some cookies, shall we?
Table of Contents
Who Are These Cookies For?
These recipes are for the parent navigating school snack restrictions. The newly diagnosed celiac figuring out what the heck to eat. The gut-healing adventurer. The dairy-free dabbler. Honestly? These are for anyone craving cookies that feel good in the body and the soul.
They’re also for me—and maybe you too. I’ve tested these bakes in my kitchen, for friends, family, and a few very opinionated toddlers. Spoiler: everyone went back for seconds.

🍪 1. Chewy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Texture: Soft, gooey center with crisp edges
Flavor: Nutty, buttery, with melty chocolate in every bite
This one? Oh, it’s a winner. These cookies are loaded with creamy almond butter and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and so easy. I swear, if you make them once, you’ll be making them all year.
Mini Recipe:
- 1 cup almond butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 flax egg
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ cup plant-based chocolate chips
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 mins. Let them rest (if you can wait) before transferring.
👉 Love chocolate but want a twist? Try these almond chocolate chip cookies next.

🍪 2. Crunchy Buckwheat Oat Cookies
Texture: Crispy edges and snap-worthy centers
Flavor: Earthy, slightly nutty, and lightly sweet
These cookies are for my fellow crunch-lovers. Think afternoon tea, a cozy book, and one of these crisp little guys in hand. Buckwheat gives them a nutty vibe (without any actual nuts), and oats bring that homey texture we all secretly adore.
Mini Recipe:
- ½ cup coconut oil, solid
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- 1 flax egg
- ¾ cup buckwheat flour
- ½ cup certified GF rolled oats
- Pinch of sea salt
Flatten before baking at 350°F for 12–14 mins.
Bolded Tip:
Always use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination.

🍪 3. No-Bake Coconut Date Bites
Texture: Fudgy and melt-in-your-mouth
Flavor: Naturally sweet with a tropical twist
Okay, hear me out: these are the lazy-day, sweet-tooth-satisfying, no-oven-required bites you didn’t know you needed. They come together in five minutes flat, and I’ve yet to meet a soul who didn’t fall for them.
Mini Recipe:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Roll into bite-size bliss and chill for 30 minutes.
Bolded Tip:
If dates are dry, soak in warm water for 5 minutes before blending.

🍪 4. Oatmeal Raisin Sunflower Cookies (Nut-Free)
Texture: Chewy and hearty
Flavor: Warm spices, oats, and gentle sweetness
These cookies? They’re for snacktime, lunchboxes, and anyone who needs a hug in cookie form. No nuts, no dairy, no gluten—just feel-good flavor in every bite. I made these for a school bake sale once and every kid asked for the recipe.
Mini Recipe:
- ¾ cup sunflower seed butter
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 1 flax egg
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup GF oats
- ¼ cup raisins
Scoop and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
🍪 Want more oat-based goodness? Check out this oatmeal cookie recipe with no butter—it’s super soft and comforting.

🍪 5. Double Chocolate Avocado Cookies
Texture: Fudgy, brownie-like
Flavor: Rich, indulgent, and secretly healthy
If you’ve got a ripe avocado and a chocolate craving, this is the one. These cookies are surprisingly rich and taste like a gooey brownie met a cookie and made magic. Don’t let the avocado throw you—it just makes everything creamy and dreamy.
Mini Recipe:
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ cup gluten-free flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup plant-based chocolate chips
Bake at 350°F for 10–11 mins. Let cool for ultimate fudge factor.
Bolded Tip:
Use very ripe avocados for the creamiest texture.
🧁 Ingredient Tips for Smart Substitutions
I’ve played around with all kinds of swaps, and here’s what works (and what doesn’t):
- Egg-free? Flax eggs are your best friend (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Sugar-free? Mashed bananas or maple syrup can do the trick.
- Nut-free? Swap nut butters for sunflower or tahini.
- Flour blend? I’ve had success with almond, oat, and even coconut—just tweak the liquids a little.
Bolded Tip:
Always let dough chill if it feels too soft—gluten-free flours hydrate slower.
✨ Optional Variations
You know me—I can’t leave a recipe alone. Try mixing in:
- Dried cherries, chopped apricots, or dairy-free white chocolate
- Cinnamon, cardamom, or pumpkin spice blends
- A tiny sprinkle of flaky salt just before baking
These little touches? Chef’s kiss.
A Personal Note from My Kitchen
The very first time I baked a gluten and dairy free cookie, I was convinced it was going to be a dry, crumbly mess. It was for a friend’s daughter who had allergies, and I was so worried it wouldn’t live up to a “real” cookie. But oh, was I wrong.
She took a bite, lit up, and said, “This tastes like the cookies my grandma used to make.” I may or may not have cried. Ever since, I’ve kept a stash of allergy-friendly dough in my freezer. And now? These cookies are regulars in my home—even though we don’t have allergies ourselves.
🌟 Ready to Bake?
Here’s the thing: gluten and dairy free cookie recipes don’t need to be a compromise. They can be delicious, nourishing, and something you look forward to—especially when made with love and a touch of cinnamon.
So go ahead—pick one (or five), and give them a try. And if your batch disappears by tomorrow morning… don’t worry. It happens here too.
📋 FAQ
What is the best gluten-free flour for cookies?
It depends on the texture you’re aiming for. A blend like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure is a solid go-to. It works cup-for-cup and has a neutral taste.
Certified GF Flour Guide
Can I freeze gluten and dairy free cookie dough?
Absolutely! Most doughs freeze well. Scoop into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen—just add 2 minutes to the bake time.
How do I avoid dry or crumbly gluten-free cookies?
Moisture is key. Add a bit more fat (like coconut oil) or use brown sugar alternatives like maple syrup or honey for softness.
Are these recipes kid-friendly?
Yes! All of them are free from common allergens and use simple, whole ingredients perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
What’s a flax egg and how do I make one?
It’s a common egg substitute made by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.

Oatmeal Raisin Sunflower Cookies (Nut-Free)
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 14–16 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These chewy gluten and dairy free cookies are a nostalgic, nut-free twist on a classic. Made with sunflower seed butter instead of nuts, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, snack time, or allergy-friendly potlucks. Soft, cinnamon-spiced, and naturally sweetened—these cookies taste like a warm hug, no matter your dietary needs.
Ingredients
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¾ cup sunflower seed butter (unsweetened)
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½ cup pure maple syrup
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1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 min)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp baking soda
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Pinch of salt
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1 cup certified gluten-free rolled oats
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¼ cup raisins
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, stir together the sunflower butter and maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
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Mix in the flax egg, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir until fully blended.
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Add the baking soda, salt, oats, and raisins. Fold everything together until a soft, sticky dough forms.
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Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into 1.5-inch rounds. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between each.
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Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers (these don’t spread much).
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
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Make it extra chewy: Add 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to the dough.
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Refined sugar-free: These are sweetened only with maple syrup.
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Add crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds for texture!
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Avoid green tint: Sunflower butter + baking soda can turn cookies green! It’s safe to eat, but reduce baking soda to ¼ tsp or add 1 tsp lemon juice to counter it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: gluten and dairy free cookie recipes, nut-free oatmeal raisin cookies, sunflower seed butter cookies