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    Home » Recipes » Cookies » Gluten-Free Gingerbread (no chill!)

    Gluten-Free Gingerbread (no chill!)

    July 7, 2022 By Chandice | 7 Comments | Updated September 27, 2022

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten Free Gingerbread pin

    This gluten-free gingerbread recipe is soft, chewy, full of spice, and perfect for the holiday season. The whole family will love making and decorating these festive cookies.

    This no-chill cookie recipe makes it easy to have your favorite Christmas cookie in minutes rather than hours! They are perfectly sweet and chewy, nobody would ever guess they are gluten-free.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a red plate

    One thing I love about this recipe is that you can make the gingerbread into cookies, gingerbread men, Christmas trees, or pieces for gingerbread houses. There are so many ways to get creative which is why they’re my favorite Christmas cookie!

    Christmas baking is a different level of fun in my opinion because it’s such a fun time of year! I make multiple batches of these chewy gluten-free ginger molasses cookies, 3-ingredient grinch cookies and gluten-free Christmas crack every year. Along with Christmas baking, I love making festive drinks as well.

    My candy cane christmas mocktail is a hit with the kids and adults. Serve these gingerbread cookies with a gingerbread martini mocktail for a perfectly spiced dessert.

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    Can you make gingerbread with gluten-free flour?

    Yes, like in our gingerbread pancakes, you can make classic gingerbread cookies with gluten-free flour. I like to use King Arthur’s gluten-free flour but Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour also works well. You can even find recipes with almond flour or oat flour but I find that those alter the taste of the cookies.

    They are perfect for our gingerbread decorating party or when served up next to a tree adorned with gingerbread ornaments.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a red plate

    What’s in gluten-free gingerbread cookies?

    These gluten free gingerbread men cookies call for simple baking ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already. See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.

    Butter

    Butter gives these cookies texture, structure, and tenderness. I like using barely room temperature unsalted butter instead of coconut oil or another fat source for best results.

    Make sure the butter isn’t too soft. This is especially important if you want them to be no chill cookies. If your butter is too soft, you will need to chill them for 30 minutes before rolling and baking.

    Sugar

    Fort this recipe, you’ll need brown sugar and molasses. You can use coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar if needed.

    Vanilla

    When making gluten-free cookies, it’s important that you use gluten-free vanilla as well. Some brands of vanilla extract contain gluten.

    Allspice

    The blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves is what gives this recipe the gingerbread taste.

    Gluten-free flour

    I think that King Arthur’s gluten free flour works the best. I find that it works best in most gluten-free recipes and is the one I would recommend if you want consistent results.

    I would not recommend using almond flour or coconut flour as it will change the texture of the cookies in this recipe.

    How do you make gluten-free gingerbread?

    This no-chill easy recipe is perfect for last minute Christmas baking or any healthy Christmas recipes. Use cookie cutters and your favorite colored frosting to decorate these festive cookies. See the recipe card for the full instructions.

    Step 1: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar and mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread being made

    Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread being made

    Step 3: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread being made

    Step 4: On parchment paper or gluten-free starch floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick with a rolling pin.

    Step 5: Cut the cookie dough into shapes

    Gluten Free Gingerbread dough

    Step 6: Using a floured or starched metal spatula, gently place the cookies on a silicone mat lined or prepared baking sheet at least 1 inch apart

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a baking sheet

    Step 7: Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a baking sheet

    Pro tip: Let your cookies cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting or storing. Store them in an airtight container, or plastic wrap, in the fridge or freezer if saving for later.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a red plate

    Expert tips and FAQs

    Is molasses gluten-free?

    Yes molasses is gluten-free because it’s made from sugarcane. Although, it’s important to sure that you buy pure molasses because some brands may contain gluten.

    How long does it take for gingerbread cookies to cool down?

    Allowing 5-10 minutes for your cookies to cool down is optimal. Your cookies will cool down faster if you place them on a wire rack rather than leaving them on a cookie sheet.

    Can you store gingerbread cookies with icing?

    Yes you can store frosted gingerbread cookies in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure you let the frosting dry and harden all the way before storing. You can also freeze these cookies to preserve freshman.

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a red plate

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    Gluten-Free Gingerbread (no chill!)

    Gluten Free Gingerbread on a red plate
    5 from 2 votes
    This gluten-free gingerbread recipe is soft, chewy, full of spice, and perfect for the holiday season. The whole family will love making and decorating these festive cookies.
    This no-chill cookie recipe makes it easy to have your favorite Christmas cookie in minutes rather than hours! They are perfectly sweet and chewy, nobody would ever guess they are gluten-free. 
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Prep Time: 4 hrs
    Cook Time: 12 mins
    Total Time: 4 hrs 12 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gingerbread, gluten-free
    Servings: 24 cookies
    Calories: 154kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 12 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1/3 cup molasses
    • 1 egg
    • 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 tablespoon allspice
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon Real Salt
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 3 cups gluten-free flour (King Arthur GF flour works great)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°
    • In a bowl, beat butter and sugar then mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla
    • In another bowl, combine dry ingredients then gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture
    • On a white rice or gluten-free starch floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thick
    • Dust your gingerbread cookie cutters with gluten-free flour or starch and cut the cookies into shapes
    • Using a gluten-free floured or starched metal spatula, gently place the cookies on a silicone mat lined or greased baking sheet at least 1 inch apart
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
    • Cool and then decorate

    Video

    Notes

    Pro tip: Let your cookies cool completely on a cooling rack before frosting or storing. Store them in an airtight container, or plastic wrap, in the fridge or freezer if saving for later
    How long does it take for gingerbread cookies to cool down? Allowing 5-10 minutes for your cookies to cool down is optimal. Your cookies will cool down faster if you place them on a wire rack rather than leaving them on a cookie sheet.
    Can you store gingerbread cookies with icing? Yes you can store frosted gingerbread cookies in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure you let the frosting dry and harden all the way before storing. You can also freeze these cookies to preserve freshman.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg

    This recipe was originally posted in November 2017 but was updated June in 2022. This is a photo of the ones my kids decorated and an original photo using a similar recipe that I built off of to create this no-chill recipe that is also a touch sweeter.

    Gluten free gingerbread cookies

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    Filed Under: Christmas, Cookies Tagged With: christmas, cookies, gingerbread, sweet treats

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carissa says

      June 25, 2022 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      Best gingerbread men I’ve ever had!

      Reply
    2. Cori says

      December 15, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      Can this dough be refrigerated for a couple of days?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 16, 2021 at 9:47 pm

        Yes absolutely

        Reply
    3. Aimee says

      December 19, 2020 at 8:39 pm

      I used this recipe last year and just yesterday and now it’s changed. I really enjoyed the way they turned out. I also have all the other flours and no longer have the measurements. Is there anyway to get the original recipe that was posted?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 07, 2021 at 5:09 pm

        Yes, I can get it for you. I changed it because I wanted them a little less tart and found that this recipe also doesn’t make them spread as much.

        Reply
    4. Tammy Jones says

      December 05, 2016 at 11:01 pm

      Can these be made with an egg replacer?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 05, 2016 at 11:32 pm

        I am actually not sure…since I haven’t done them that way before. Sorry I am not more help there.

        Reply

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