There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked ginger spice cookies wafting through your home. They’re warm, cozy, and packed with spices that instantly make you think of holidays, laughter, and cherished memories. For those following a gluten-free diet, you don’t have to miss out on this comforting classic! These delightfully chewy gluten-free ginger spice cookies bring the same nostalgia, flavor, and texture as traditional recipes—with a modern twist.
Imagine biting into a soft, spiced cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving a hint of molasses and ginger on your taste buds. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Let’s explore how to make these irresistible cookies step by step.
Why Make Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies?
Baking gluten-free doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture. These cookies are perfect for anyone with gluten intolerance, but they’re so good that even those without dietary restrictions will adore them. Using almond flour, oat flour, and sweet rice flour, this recipe creates a chewy texture while staying 100% gluten-free.
If you’re looking for a festive cookie that combines spice, sweetness, and just the right amount of chewiness, you’ve come to the right place.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Produce | Ground ginger | 1 tablespoon |
Refrigerated | Large egg | 1 |
Condiments | Unsulphured molasses | ½ cup |
Light corn syrup | 1 teaspoon | |
Baking & Spices | Super-fine almond flour | 224 g (2 cups) |
Gluten-free oat flour (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill) | 209 g (1¾ cups) | |
Sweet rice flour | 170 g (1¼ cups) | |
Dark brown sugar (packed) | ¾ cup | |
Ground cinnamon | 1 tablespoon | |
Ground allspice | ½ teaspoon | |
Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon | |
Ground cloves | ¼ teaspoon | |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon + 1 pinch | |
Powdered sugar | 1½ cups | |
Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
Dairy | Unsalted butter (softened) | 10 tablespoons |
Milk | 1½ tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the almond flour, oat flour, sweet rice flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and baking soda.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and packed dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, corn syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.
Step 5: Roll and Shape
Once the dough has chilled, scoop it into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Add the Icing
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1½ tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies. Let the icing set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Ginger Spice Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Customize the Spices: Love more spice? Add an extra pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
- Make Them Vegan-Friendly: Swap the butter with plant-based butter, the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, and the milk with a non-dairy alternative.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sugar before baking for a slight crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~150 per cookie |
Carbohydrates | ~25g |
Protein | ~2g |
Fat | ~5g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on cookie size and ingredient brands used.)
FAQs About Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies
1. Can I use regular flour in this recipe?
This recipe is designed specifically for gluten-free flours. If you prefer regular flour, you’ll need to adjust the quantities and ratios of wet ingredients.
2. What’s the purpose of chilling the dough?
Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, and transfer to an airtight container. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
4. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with plant-based butter and the milk with almond or oat milk.
6. How do I keep my cookies chewy?
To keep them chewy, avoid overbaking. The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Now that you have the perfect recipe for delightfully chewy gluten-free ginger spice cookies, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start baking! Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and let the irresistible aroma of spiced cookies fill your home. Don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones—they’ll thank you for it!
PrintDelightfully Chewy Gluten-Free Ginger Spice Cookies: A Festive Treat for All
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These delightfully chewy gluten-free ginger spice cookies are the perfect festive treat. Packed with warm spices, rich molasses, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies offer a soft texture and bold flavors that everyone will love—gluten-free or not!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- 224 g (2 cups) super-fine almond flour
- 209 g (1¾ cups) gluten-free oat flour (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill)
- 170 g (1¼ cups) sweet rice flour
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus 1 pinch)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ tablespoons milk
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. -
Combine dry ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together almond flour, oat flour, sweet rice flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. -
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, molasses, corn syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition. -
Mix dry and wet ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. -
Shape the cookies:
Once the dough is chilled, scoop it into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass. -
Bake the cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. -
Prepare the icing:
In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1½ tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread the icing over the cooled cookies. Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Customize the spice level by adding more ground ginger or nutmeg if desired.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with plant-based butter and the milk with almond or oat milk.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American