Gluten-Free Cherry Chip Cookies

The holiday season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing—it’s time for the annual cookie exchange! If you’re looking to dazzle your friends and family with a unique treat that blends tradition and festivity, look no further than our family’s Cherry Chip Cookies. Originally shared with me by my mother-in-law when I first started dating my now husband, this recipe has become a holiday staple in our home. Over the years, I’ve tinkered with the ingredients to make these cookies gluten-free, without losing any of their delicious charm.

Cherry Chips: A Burst of Holiday Joy

Imagine biting into a cookie that combines the rich, buttery goodness of classic shortbread with the sweet crunch of frosted flakes and the delightful pop of cherry chips. These cookies are truly one-of-a-kind and bring an extra dose of holiday cheer to any cookie platter. They’ve been a standout recipe in our family for years, and they’re guaranteed to steal the show at any holiday gathering!

Not sure about that shortbread taste? Lucky for you I made an oatmeal based version of these cookies with some chocolate chips that I highly recommend giving a try.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cherry Chip Cookies

• 1 bag cherry chips (find them on Amazon or specialty stores)
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups flour (I used King Arthur 1:1 gluten-free flour)
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• ¾ cup crushed frosted flakes

I still remember the first time my mother-in-law shared this recipe with me—it was around the holidays, and my now husband and I had just started dating. These cookies quickly became a tradition in our home, and when I went gluten-free, I knew I had to find a way to make them work. After a few test batches, I found that using King Arthur’s 1:1 gluten-free flour worked like a charm! Now, every year, these cookies are the highlight of our holiday cookie exchange. The cherry chips add such a fun and festive touch, and I love the unique crunch the frosted flakes bring to the texture.

Instructions

1. Sift the flour and salt together in a bowl, then set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the egg yolk and almond (or vanilla) extract until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture and continue mixing until smooth.
5. Fold in the cherry chips and crushed frosted flakes—the batter will be thick.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press each ball down with a fork and lightly dust with sugar.
7. Bake at 375°F for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are golden. You may need to adjust the baking time based on your oven, but 9 minutes is a great starting point!

Storage Suggestions

• Fridge: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ready to bake up some holiday magic?

Give these Gluten-Free Cherry Chip Cookies a try, and don’t forget to share your baking success with me on Instagram. I can’t wait to see how you incorporate these into your holiday traditions!

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