Print

Chewy Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

chewy gluten-free ginger cookies - featured image

These chewy gluten-free ginger cookies are soft in the center, crisp around the edges, and packed with warm spices and molasses. Perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in, they’re easy to make and loved by everyone—even those who aren’t gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (260g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum, or add 1/2 tsp if not included)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) almond flour (or oat flour for nut-free)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsulphured molasses
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature (or flax egg for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides, then add molasses and mix until smooth.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for 10 minutes.
  7. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but centers look slightly underbaked.
  9. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

Chilling the dough is key for chewy texture. Use fresh spices for best flavor. For vegan or nut-free adaptations, see ingredient notes. Cookies freeze well and can be baked from frozen—add 2 minutes to bake time. For extra zing, add fresh grated ginger or citrus zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free, ginger cookies, chewy cookies, holiday baking, Christmas cookies, molasses cookies, easy cookies, dairy-free option, vegan option