Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These gluten-free peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies are the perfect holiday treat! Rich, chocolatey, with a refreshing peppermint twist and a beautiful crinkly finish.

Okay, friends, let’s get festive because these Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are about to make your holiday season 100% more magical. 

Picture this: rich, chocolatey cookies with a crispy, powdered sugar coating, and a cool pop of peppermint that’s basically Christmas in cookie form.

Oh, and did I mention they’re gluten-free? Yep, these crinkly little delights are everything you need to impress at holiday cookie swaps, family gatherings, or when you just need a little something sweet to enjoy with your hot cocoa.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—gluten-free and fabulous? Absolutely. 

These cookies are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture just because you’re skipping the gluten. 

The unsweetened cocoa powder brings in all the chocolatey richness. While the peppermint extract adds a refreshing, wintery twist that will make your taste buds feel like they’re walking through a peppermint forest. 

And let’s not forget that signature crinkle. Thanks to a generous roll in powdered sugar, these cookies are just as much of a showstopper as they are delicious.

The best part? These cookies are super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. 

Whether you’re a pro baker or just dipping your toes into the gluten-free world, these cookies are pretty much foolproof. 

So, grab your apron, crank up the holiday tunes, and let’s make some cookie magic happen. Trust me, these peppermint chocolate crinkle cookies will sleigh all day!

If you love Christmas cookies you may also enjoy my Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Cookies or my Vegan Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookies.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE GLUTEN-FREE PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

• Perfectly Chocolatey: These cookies are rich with cocoa, giving them that deep, chocolatey goodness that every chocolate lover craves.
• Festive Peppermint Twist: The pop of peppermint extract gives these cookies a refreshing, holiday-ready flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate. Think of them as the cookie version of your favorite peppermint hot chocolate.
• Gluten-Free & Fabulous: Who said gluten-free can’t be indulgent? These cookies are the perfect way to treat yourself (and your gluten-sensitive friends) without sacrificing flavor or texture. We’re keeping it chewy, fudgy, and oh-so-good.
• Crinkle Perfection: That powdered sugar coating gives these cookies their iconic crinkly look, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. They’ll steal the spotlight on any holiday cookie tray!
• Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a professional baker to pull these off. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, these cookies are practically foolproof. Even if you’re new to gluten-free baking, you’ve got this!

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

These fudgy brownie cookies are easily made with every day ingredients you probably have on hand. You will need the following ingredients listed below to make them (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card below):

• Gluten-free flour blend- I used Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur all purpose flour but any 1:1 gluten free flour blend with xanthan gum should work (however no coconut flour). Just ensure when measuring gluten free flour that you spoon the flour into the measuring cup, as oppose to dunking the measuring cup into the flour package. This will avoid from adding too much flour and drying out your baked goods. 
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – can use dark cocoa powder for a darker cookie.
• Baking powder and salt
• Sugar (white sugar and confectioners’ sugar) – you will need the granulated sugar for inside the fudge brownie cookies and powdered sugar for the outsides. I have never tried this recipe with coconut sugar, brown sugar or organic cane sugar.
• Olive Oil – I have not tested this coconut oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil or melted butter.
• Large eggs – I have not tried substituting flax eggs or egg replacers in these easy fudge cookies. Typically in most recipes I do not test egg replacements for more than 2 eggs. As this recipe calls for four eggs, I wouldn’t recommend it!
• Vanilla extract
• Peppermint extract
• Optional – chocolate chips, espresso powder, white chocolate chips, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE GLUTEN-FREE CRINKLE COOKIES

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Pro tip: use a fine-mesh sieve to make sure there are no sneaky clumps in your cocoa powder.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix together the olive oil and sugar. Then add eggs one at a time, following with the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. 
3. Combine the Magic: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until it forms a thick, fudgy dough. If it feels like it’s too sticky, you’re doing it right! Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours (or overnight if you want to prep ahead).
4. Get Crinkling: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or medium cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough balls directly into the powdered sugar bowl. Shake the bowl around to coat the cookie dough liberally with the powdered sugar coating. Avoiding touching the dough as best you can.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10-13 minutes until the cookies are puffed up and have those gorgeous crinkle cracks. Don’t overbake—you want these babies to be fudgy in the center!
6. Cool & Devour: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. You can sneak one (or two) while they’re still warm—I won’t judge!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Chill That Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s crucial for the cookies to hold their shape and develop that perfect crinkle. The colder the dough, the more dramatic the cracks!
• Roll Generously: Don’t be shy with the powdered sugar! Make sure each dough ball is completely coated before baking. This ensures the cookies get that classic crinkle look.
• Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. You want them slightly underbaked in the middle to keep them soft and fudgy. Nobody wants dry cookies!
• Get Creative: If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate on top after baking or sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies for extra holiday flair. You can never have too much peppermint, right?

STORING LEFTOVER GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES

To store your leftover Gluten-Free Peppermint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. 

If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 

When you’re ready to enjoy, let the cookies come back to room temperature, or give them a quick zap in the microwave for that freshly-baked vibe!

FAQS

CAN I ADD CRUSHED CANDY CANES TO THE COOKIE DOUGH?

Yes! For extra peppermint flavor and a festive crunch, you can mix in crushed candy canes. Just be sure to fold them into the dough after mixing the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE A CHEWY TEXTURE?

The secret to getting that chewy texture with a fudgy center is to make sure you don’t overbake. Keep a close eye on your first batch and pull the cookies out when they are slightly soft in the middle. Also, chill the dough for the recommended chill time—it helps create that perfect texture.

DO I REALLY HAVE TO CHILL THE COOKIE DOUGH BEFORE BAKING?

Yes! Chilling the dough is crucial for the best results. It solidifies the fat in the cookies, which ensures they spread less and gives them that beautiful crinkle effect. A chill time of 3 hours is recommended for a perfect gluten-free version of these cookies.

ARE THESE COOKIES A GOOD OPTION FOR A HOLIDAY COOKIE EXCHANGE?

Absolutely! These gluten-free chocolate peppermint crinkle cookies are a holiday favorite. Their festive appearance and delicious peppermint flavor make them the perfect addition to any holiday cookie exchange.

CAN I MAKE THESE COOKIES AHEAD OF TIME FOR A PARTY?

Yes! You can make the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to keep the dough covered in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the baked cookies and defrost them when needed.

Other Holiday Recipes You May Like To Try During This Time Of Year!

• Gluten Free Bread Pudding
• Chocolate Pecan Caramel Turtles
• 4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe
• Christmas Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
• Gluten Free Molasses Cookies
• Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
• Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Christmas Tree Gluten-Free Brownies
• Gluten-Free Santa Hat Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bites
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge
• Easy Snowman Cake Pops

IF YOU TRIED THESE CHOCOLATE CRINKLES PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS COOKIE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails