These Gluten Free Maple Walnut Cookies have just the right amount of softness, sweetness, and crunch. They’re perfect for fall and also completely dairy free and refined sugar free.
gluten free and dairy free allergy friendly maple walnut cookies
These maple walnut cookies are the perfect fall/winter cookie. It took me about 7 tries to nail this recipe, but along the way I learned about what substitutions would work. The ideal cookie recipe is listed below, but I provide tons of subs to make these cookies work for you depending on the ingredients you have available and dietary preferences.
gluten free and dairy free healthier maple walnut cookies
This recipe calls for a combination of gluten free and tigernut flour. This is the best combo for this recipes as the tigernut adds some sweetness and complements the maple nicely. If you don’t have tigernut flour or can’t access it, you can use almond flour or more gluten free flour. Using another 1/2 cup of gluten free flour will result in more puffy cookies that do not spread as much. They will also be much lighter in color (you can see this in the photos).
Fat
This recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened coconut oil. You can substitute this for butter of your choice, but again, the cookies may come out a bit puffier. If you’d like to reduce the fat content, you can use 1/4 cup of oil/butter and 1/4 cup of applesauce. This results in fluffier, softer cookies that do not spread as much, but are still delicious.
Sugar
This recipe calls for maple sugar to get that maple flavor. Unfortunately, maple sugar can be hard to find and is often expensive. You can use coconut sugar as a substitute or 1/4 cup of coconut sugar and 1/4 cup of maple syrup to get some of that maple flavor in the cookies. The combo of sugar and maple syrup also may result in a lighter, fluffier cookie. Again, still delicious! If you do want to use maple sugar, I usually buy it on Amazon.
gluten free and dairy free lower sugar maple walnut cookies
More Walnut Recipes
Love walnuts? Then you need to try these other great recipes that incorporate walnuts!
These gluten free cookies are lower in sugar, but still maintain all the delicious flavor and texture! Don’t forget the dairy free icing to top them off.
1/2cupcoconut oilsoftened (see substitutions above)
1eggroom temperature
1egg yolkroom temperature
1tspvanilla extract
1/2cupchopped walnuts
Icing
1/2cuppowdered sugar
2tspmelted coconut oil or butter
2tspmaple syruproom temperature (zap in microwave at 5 second intervals if needed)
Milk of choice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F.
Whisk together the flours, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Beat together the sugar and coconut oil until light and fluffy (30-60 seconds).
Beat in the egg until combined. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla until combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix on low to just combine.
Fold in the walnuts.
Let batter sit while you line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon sized drops of dough onto one baking sheet, leaving 1.5-2 inches between each cookie.
Bake one cookie sheet on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes until golden and just firm around the edges.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-8 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. While one sheet of cookies bakes, prepare the next sheet. Repeat until all cookies are baked.
Let cookies completely cool before icing.
To make the icing, mix together the sugar, oil, and maple syrup until you get a thick icing consistency. Add a tiny splash of milk if needed.
Rich fudgy brownies in cookie form, these Gluten Free Pumpkin Brownie Cookies will be your new favorite treat! Lower fat and dairy free, these fall cookies take the cake.
allergy free pumpkin brownie cookies
Oh. My. God. These cookies are amazing! They truly taste like fudgy little brownies in cookie form! This is intended to be a fall recipe, hence the pumpkin that is in these cookies. The pumpkin taste just slightly comes through at the end, but the addition of pumpkin is also what makes these cookies so fudgy (and lower fat!). We also add a splash of cinnamon to enhance the pumpkin-fall flavors, but it also melds nicely with the chocolate!
Ingredients for Gluten Free Pumpkin Brownie Cookies
These cookies call for a combo of cocoa powder and melted chocolate, plus more chocolate chips to mix in, to get a double chocolate effect here. I love using dark chocolate as I prefer less sweetness, but I know dark chocolate can be a bit too bitter for some. If you are one of those people, stick to using semi-sweet chocolate chips in this recipe.
gluten free and dairy free allergy friendly pumpkin brownie cookies
How to Eat and Store These Brownie Cookies
These cookies taste amazing warmed up with melty chocolate chips, but they also taste really good cold and they freeze wonderfully. So, try them all ways and see which version you prefer! Let me know in the comments what you love best.
Store them at room temperature for 2 days, in the fridge for 5, or freeze in a freezer safe bag/container.
These cookies are basically a fudgy brownie in cookie form! And may just be some of the best cookies I’ve ever made. If you’re a chocolate fan, then you’ve got to make these gluten & dairy free cookies!
Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla, sugar, and pumpkin on medium-high speed until combined and frothy. Set aside.
Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and the coconut oil together in a small saucepan over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
Add the dry ingredients and use a rubber spatula to mix everything together. The batter will be thick.
Fold in a 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate.
Use a small ice cream scoop or two spoons to scoop dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet, leaving 1 inch between cookies. Top each cookie with a few more chocolate chips and some flakey sea salt (this is key, do not leave it off!).
Bake one sheet in the middle rack at a time for 10 minutes. The cookies should be shinier on top and may seem not quite done, that’s okay.
Take the cookies out and immediately use a glass or round cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Do this by place the glass/cookie cutter around the cookie and gently moving it in a circle. This will pull the edges in for a nice, round cookie!
Let cookies cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
This cookies will stay fresh in a sealed container for about 4 days. You can store them in the fridge for up to a week and transfer any remaining to the freezer.
If you’re trying to eat healthier, but still want candy, then you’ve got to make these walnut-date cups! These are super easy to make and perfect for Halloween! Save yourself, and the kids, the sugar rush with this more balanced treat.
These chocolate and coconut butter cups are completely gluten free and vegan. They are filled with walnuts for that crunch and dates for natural sweetness. We mix the filling with some cinnamon to bring it all together. I prefer to use dark chocolate for the chocolate cups to keep it dairy free and low sugar, plus that’s the best chocolate. The coconut butter cups use pure coconut butter, no added sugars! Balance the sweetness with some flaky salt on top.
Lower sugar and healthier candy is possible! Switch up the Reese’s for these brain boosting walnut and date cups. Keep them low sugar with dark chocolate or sugar free by using naturally sweet coconut butter
1cupchocolate chipsEnjoy Life is my preferred, allergy friendly brand
1tbspcoconut oil
3/4cupmelted coconut butter
1/2cupchopped walnutsYou can substitute the walnuts for your favorite nut or seed!
1/2cupchopped dates
1tspcinnamon
Flaky salt
Instructions
Line a muffin tin with silicone or paper liners.
Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in the microwave at 30 second intervals or over the stove.
Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of melted chocolate in the bottom of 6 cups. Enough to cover the bottom of the cup.
Pour 1 heaping teaspoon of coconut butter in the bottom of the other 6 cups.
Pop the muffin tin in the freezer for 10 minutes, until the butter and chocolate has hardened.
Combine the walnuts, dates, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
When the cups are ready, place about 1-2 teaspoons of the filling in each cup. Spread it evenly over the cup so you have an even layer.
Top each chocolate cup with ~2 teaspoons of melted chocolate (if the chocolate began to harden, zap it in the microwave for 10 seconds until smooth and melted again). You want enough chocolate to cover the filling. Sprinkle some flaky salt on top if desired (I highly suggest doing so!).
Repeat this process with the coconut butter cups. I don’t suggest salt for the coconut butter cups, it compliments the chocolate cups better.
Place back in the freezer until cups are solid (at least 20 minutes), then transfer to a glass container and store in the fridge for up to a week. You can keep any leftovers in the freezer.
Cinnamon rolls are delicious all year round, but pumpkin cinnamon rolls scream fall. These delicious rolls are completely gluten free and dairy free with a vegan option. They are also healthier than traditional cinnamon rolls, so they are a great addition to breakfast.
If you haven’t heard, there’s been a viral 2-ingredient dough going around the internet over the last year. This is where you combine Greek yogurt and self-rising flour in a 1:1 ratio to create an easy dough that can be used for pizza, bagels, rolls, and more. We’re amping up that dough in this recipe to create this simple pumpkin cinnamon rolls.
What is Self-Rising Flour?
Self-rising flour contains baking powder. If you don’t have gluten-free self rising flour at home, it’s easy to make! All you have to do is combine 2 cups of 1:1 gluten-free flour (it must have a binder like xanthum gum in it!) with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything well and you are ready to go!
What Yogurt Should I Use?
Although the original 2-ingredient dough calls for Greek yogurt, I use a vegan yogurt in this recipe to keep it dairy free. This means we have to use a bit more flour. I have tried this recipe with both Oatly oat yogurt and Forager Project cashew-coconut yogurt. I find the cinnamon rolls come out best with the Oatly yogurt, but you should be able to sub in a different brand if needed.
What’s the Best Ratio of Flour to Yogurt?
You may use up to 2 cups of self-rising flour in this recipe depending on the yogurt you use. If you decide to use Greek yogurt, you’ll start with just 1 cup of flour. If using a vegan yogurt, you’ll start with 1 1/4 cups of flour and increase as needed. Don’t worry, I walk you through the entire process to get the right dough consistency in the recipe below.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
I added an egg to the dough because I think that gives it a better rise, especially with gluten-free flour, but you can sub the egg for another 1/4 cup of vegan yogurt to keep the entire recipe plant-based!
These healthy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are gluten-free & dairy-free and can be made completely vegan too! We're amping up the viral 2-ingredient dough for these easy, no-yeast cinnamon rolls.
Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Easy, No Yeast
Servings 10rolls
Author Victoria
Ingredients
Dough
1/2cupGreek yogurt or vegan yogurt
1egg*use another 1/4 cup of vegan yogurt for vegan version
1/4cuppumpkin puree
1tspvanilla extract
2tbspcoconut sugar
2cupsself-rising 1:1 gluten free flour*see note for homemade version
Filling
3/4cuppumpkin puree
2tbspcoconut sugar
1 tbspcinnamon
Icing
1/4cuppowdered sugar
1tbspyogurt of choice
1/2 tspvanilla extract
1tspmelted coconut oil or butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Combine yogurt, egg (or more yogurt), pumpkin, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. If using Greek yogurt, add 1 cup of the flour to start. If using vegan yogurt, add 1 1/4 cup of flour.
Mix gently with a rubber spatula to combine. We want to create a dough that holds together and isn’t very sticky to the touch. If the dough is really wet and sticky still, add another 1/4 cup of flour then add flour 1 Tbs. at a time after that as necessary until you reach the right consistency.
Once the dough begins to come together, use your hands to gently need the flour into the dough and create a dough ball that isn’t too wet and can be held without it completely sticking to your hands.
Lay out a large piece of parchment paper (at least 15-20 inches long so you have enough space to work on) and flour your work surface.
Place the dough on the floured surface and lightly flour the top of the dough, as well. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into about a 10″x12-15″ rectangle that is about 1/4inch thick.
Combine all your filling ingredients in a bowl and mix will.
Spread the filling in a thin layer over the dough.
Starting at one end, use the parchment paper to help you roll the dough medium-tight.
I find using a knife run under cold water works best for cutting the rolls. You want to cut the dough in 1 inch increments. Place the rolls 1/2inch apart in a baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and firm to the touch.
Let cinnamon rolls cool slightly before making the icing.
To make the icing, combine the sugar, yogurt, and vanilla. Mix well. Add in the melted oil or butter and stir quickly. Drizzle the icing over the rolls.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days and warm up slightly in the oven or microwave before eating.
Notes
Self-rising flour contains baking powder. If you don’t have gluten-free self rising flour at home, it’s easy to make! All you have to do is combine 2 cups of 1:1 gluten-free flour (it must have a binder like xanthum gum in it!) with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything well and you are ready to go!
If you’re looking for a simple apple muffin recipe this season, then these Gluten Free Cinnamon Apple Muffins are it! They are allergy friendly and filled with fall flavor.
gluten free cinnamon apple muffins
I was in the mood for a simple cinnamon-apple muffin and these delivered. These muffins aren’t anything fancy, but they’ll satisfy your cravings for all the fall flavors. If you’re not usually a fan of apple muffins or bread because of the chunks of apple, these muffins are your new best friend because we’re using shredded apple to disperse that apple flavor and moisture throughout the muffin.
These gluten-free and dairy-free muffins are also filled with delicious cinnamon, making them perfect alongside your cup of coffee or tea. If you are a huge cinnamon fan, you can amp up the cinnamon flavor by using cinnamon applesauce or even a cinnamon infused maple syrup if you want to get really fancy.
1/2 cup applesauce *if you are a huge cinnamon fan, you can use cinnamon applesauce
1/3 cup maple syrup
The hardest part of this recipe is chopping and shredding the apples. I suggest using a food processor to make it easy, but you can always do it by hand if you desire. Once the apples are shredded, the recipe comes together quickly. You’ll just beat together your wet ingredients, add the dry, then fold in the apples and bake!
gluten free and dairy free cinnamon apple muffins
Other Apple Recipes
If you are looking for more apple recipes, then don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of gluten free options for you!
These gluten free and dairy free Cinnamon Apple Muffins are a great way to embrace fall flavors! They are lightly sweetened, keeping them low sugar & perfect for everyone
1/2cupapplesauce*if you are a huge cinnamon fan, you can use cinnamon applesauce
1/3 cupmaple syrup
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F
Chop and grate your apple. Place shredded apple in a paper towel or cheesecloth and gently squeeze once to remove just a little bit of the moisture. Don’t overdo it and don’t squeeze all the liquid out. Set aside.
Sift all dry ingredients together in a bowl (flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon).
Combine all wet ingredients together in a separate bowl (eggs, oil, applesauce, maple syrup) and beat until smooth.
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine on low (with paddle attachment if available).
Fold in the shredded apple.
Divide batter evenly among a lined muffin tin. you should get 12 muffins.
Bake for 23-27 minutes, until a toothpick just comes out clean. Start checking at 23 minutes and don’t over bake!
Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan then remove muffins to a wire rack to finish cooling.
This Pumpkin bread is the perfect amount of pumpkin, not too sweet, and just the right dose of chocolate. All while being gluten, dairy, and nut free!
gluten free pumpkin bread with chocolate chips
I add a secret ingredient to this pumpkin bread recipe that I think makes it as good as it is. I never see other pumpkin bread recipes add this, but a tablespoon of molasses really pulls all the pumpkin spice flavors together in this loaf. I also used a mix of flours to get the perfect texture and plenty of pumpkin pie spice to leave your palette happy.
This healthier pumpkin bread also contains a fraction of the added sweetener as the Starbucks variety, yet still tastes amazing. It’s not sickeningly sweet, but just the perfect amount of sweetness once the chocolate is added. You can keep this recipe completely refined sugar free based on the chocolate chips you use, as well.
gluten free chocolate chip pumpkin bread
How to make Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1:1 Gluten free flour
Oat flour
Tigernut or almond flour
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Eggs
Pumpkin puree
Maple syrup
Olive oil
Molasses
Vanilla extract
Chocolate chips
Instructions
The process for making this bread is super easy.
First, you mix together all the dry ingredients.
Second, you mix together all the wet ingredients.
Third, you combine the dry with the wet, fold in the chocolate chips and bake!
Be sure to let this pumpkin bread fully cool before slicing it. Waiting overnight is even better as it allows the flavors and spices to marinate and enhances the flavor tremendously!
gluten free chocolate chip pumpkin bread
Pumpkin Bread Substitutions
Any possible substitutions are listed in the recipe card below. For the most part, you’ll want to stick to the recipe as written. This pumpkin bread is completely dairy free and nut free, so it’s allergy friendly as written.
Can I substitute the eggs? I have not tested a vegan egg in this recipe, but if you do, let me know in the comments!
Can I substitute the oil? Yes! You can use melted butter. You could also use melted coconut oil, but make sure all ingredients are at room temperature if you do so.
Can I substitute the flours? No, the types of flours and ratios are key to the texture of this recipe. The only flour you could sub is almond flour for the tigernut flour.
More Pumpkin Recipes
In full fall pumpkin mode? Try these other pumpkin recipes!
This chocolate chip pumpkin bread is the perfect mix of moistness and fluffiness. You’ll never believe it’s gluten and dairy free! And you won’t be able to stop eating it.
Whisk all the dry ingredients together (flours, pumpkin spice, baking soda, baking powder, salt) and set aside.
Beat all the wet ingredients together (eggs, pumpkin, maple syrup, oil, molasses, vanilla) until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix on low until just combined (use paddle attachment if available).
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Pour batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan.
Top with more chocolate chips (I highly recommend!) and pumpkin seeds, if desired.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick just comes out clean (don't overbake!).
The longer you wait to slice into this bread, the better. If you can let it sit overnight, that is best, but at least wait until fully cooled.
When ready to eat, I suggest warming it up slightly (30 seconds in the microwave will do the trick) and top with some vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It’s fantastic!
I hope you love this pumpkin bread as much as I do.
Hi! I'm Victoria. I was diagnosed with Lyme in 2012 and have been on a healing journey ever since. I love helping others on their road to healing through allergy friendly recipes, exercise, and overall well-being.
