Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies Recipe

Is there anything better than your kitchen filling with the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked ginger cookies? I think not. These gluten-free ginger cookies are my absolute weakness. They’re the kind of treat that makes everyone, regardless of dietary needs, gather around the plate for just one more. They’re chewy in the center with that perfect hint of crispy edge, packed with fiery ginger flavor, and completely free from gluten and dairy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy weekend, or just because, this recipe is here to become your new favorite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

• Quick & Easy: The dough comes together in one bowl in under 10 minutes. Seriously, it’s almost too easy.
• Allergy-Friendly: They cater to gluten-free and dairy-free diets without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
• Chewy Perfection: We’ve nailed the texture. They’re soft, chewy, and have that classic ginger cookie crackle on top.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bring them to any gathering and watch them disappear.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

You only need a handful of simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make these delicious cookies happen.

Print

• 2 ¼ cups (270g) gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend (I recommend one with xanthan gum)
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (165g) dairy-free butter, softened (I love using Miyoko’s or Earth Balance)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (60ml) molasses (not blackstrap)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

1. Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed for every single bite.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened dairy-free butter and 1 cup of sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg, followed by the molasses and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully combined.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix!
5. Shape the Cookies: Place some extra sugar in a small bowl. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls, then roll each ball in the sugar to coat it completely. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will still look a little soft in the middle, but that’s the secret to their amazing chewy texture! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Essential Baking Equipment

You don’t need any fancy tools for this recipe! A good set of rimmed baking sheets, some parchment paper, a couple of mixing bowls, and a hand mixer are all you need to get started. A cookie scoop is also a game-changer for getting perfectly even cookies every time.

Tips for the Best Chewy Ginger Cookies

• Don’t Overbake: The key to a chewy texture is taking them out when they still look a little underdone in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
• Measure Your Flour Correctly: The best way to measure gluten-free flour is to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly can pack in too much flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough seems too soft, pop it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and can prevent overspreading.
• Spice It Your Way: Love a little kick? Add a ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for a subtle, grown-up heat that pairs wonderfully with the ginger.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are fantastic all on their own with a cold glass of almond milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a truly special dessert, you can crumble them over a bowl of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. They also make a wonderful edible gift during the holidays—just pop a few in a cute cellophane bag tied with a ribbon!

A Quick Note on Nutrition

While these are definitely a treat, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying. Each cookie comes in at roughly 120 calories. They’re a wonderful gluten-free dessert option that lets you indulge without the worry.

I truly hope these cookies bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. There’s something so comforting about baking a batch of cookies, and this recipe is designed to be foolproof and fabulous. They’re the answer to your cookie cravings and a testament to how delicious gluten-free baking can be. Happy baking!

Your Gluten-Free Ginger Cookie Questions, Answered

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer, just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

For the best texture and classic flavor, I strongly recommend sticking with granulated sugar. Coconut sugar will work but will result in a darker, less sweet cookie with a different texture.

My cookies spread too much. What happened?

This usually means your dairy-free butter was too warm or your flour was measured incorrectly. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and double-check that you’re not using too much flour.

How should I store leftover gluten-free ginger cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They might start to soften over time, but they’ll still taste delicious! For more tips, check out our guide on storing cookies to keep them fresh.

More Gluten-Free Treats You’ll Adore

If you loved baking these, you have to try our fan-favorite Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies. For something with a little zing, our Gluten-Free Lemon Bars are a total dream. And if you’re exploring more about gluten-free flours, the Beyond Celiac foundation is a fantastic resource for understanding the basics.