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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Gluten-Free Sweet Treats ยป Gluten Free Molasses Cookies

    Gluten Free Molasses Cookies

    Modified: Dec 11, 2024 ยท Published: Nov 5, 2022 by Chandice ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 146 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten free molasses cookies on a plate with a bite taken out of the top cookies. image with title above the cookies on the plate
    Chewy Gluten Free Molasses Cookies with Ginger pin

    These Gluten Free Molasses Cookies have been a family favorite for years. With a deep molasses flavor and a touch of warm spices, this classic recipe has been perfected over time. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, don’t be afraid to make a second batch!

    Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies on a plate

    The holiday season is all about bringing joy through simple, homemade sweets, and this gluten-free molasses cookie recipe is a holiday baking staple, especially in my holiday cookie boxes. These cookies have the perfect chewy texture that takes me back to cozy Christmases spent with family, enjoying the warm scent of homemade cookies.

    Just like my soft gluten free Christmas cookies, gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies, or 4-ingredient Grinch cookies, this recipe is wonderfully easy, making it a perfect choice for baking with little ones. Whether you’re putting together a christmas charcuterie board or sharing a plate at your next festive gathering, these molasses cookies are sure to become family favorite in your home as well!

    Why you’ll love these gluten free molasses cookies

    • Soft & Chewy Texture: Perfectly balanced with a slight golden brown outside and a melt-in-your-mouth soft texture inside. You’ll have no choice but to reach for seconds.
    • Rich Molasses Flavor: Packed with warm spices and deep molasses richness that sings “holiday flavor.”
    • Holiday Classic: Perfect for Christmas or any cozy day, with flavors that bring festive warmth.

    Ingredients for gluten free molasses cookies

    • Flour: I love our gluten-free flour blend but you can also use an all purpose blend of gluten free flour.
    • Molasses: Regular un-sulfured molasses has the best taste and texture. Try to avoid blackstrap molasses, as itโ€™s much stronger and can overpower the cookies.
    • Spices: A blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves brings out the Christmas flavors. Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder spice flavor.
    • Butter or Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil but butter also works well.
    • Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramelized sweetness and extra chewiness.
    • Other baking basics: You’ll need eggs, baking soda, white sugar, salt, and xanthum gum.

    What type of gluten free flour works best?

    A 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum works best for these cookies, you can also use our gluten free flour blend. If you are looking for a store bought option, King Arthur gluten-free all purpose flour (the one I recommend), Bob’s Red Mill cup for cup, Pamela’s artisan flour and Cup4Cup are great options.

    a 1-1 blend is the best for classic cookies recipes like these gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or these monster cookies.

    How to make gluten free molasses cookies

    Wet ingredients: Whip together the sugars, molasses, and egg in a bowl until smooth, then add the oil and mix again, scraping down the sides of the bowl.

    Dry ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix the dry ingredients into the wet making sure to scrape down the sides

    Chill: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour to enhance the texture and flavor.

    Step-by-step gluten-free ginger molasses cookies

    Roll: Roll the chilled dough into 2-inch balls and coat them with sugar for a sweet and crisp exterior.

    Bake: Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden around the edges.

    Why do I need to refrigerate the dough for gluten-free cookies?

    Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour allows the gluten-free flour to fully hydrate, which helps prevent a gritty, crumbly texture in your cookies. This refrigerating time also improves the overall consistency and texture, giving you a chewy, soft cookie.

    Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies bitten in a hand

    Storing and make ahead

    Storing: After the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or ziplock baggie at room temperature for up to one week.

    Freezing :The cookie dough will freeze well for up to 3 months. Roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake frozen dough, adding a minute or two to the cook time.

    How to make ahead: Make the dough ahead of time and store in the fridge for an even deeper flavor.

    Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies on a plate

    More recipes with ginger

    If you’re craving more ginger-goodness filled recipes, try Gingerbread Pancakes for a cozy breakfast, or bake up a batch of Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men to decorate. Festive drinks are one of my favorite things about the holidays, enjoy a Gingerbread Martini Mocktail, or host a Gingerbread Pudding Cake and Decorating Party

    More family favorite desserts

    • Classic Christmas cookie recipe
    • Gluten free Oreo balls
    • Christmas popcorn
    • Gluten free oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
    • Divinity candy
    • Gluten-free nutter butters

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    Chewy Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies with Ginger

    chewy gluten-free molasses cookies with ginger on a plate
    4.83 from 51 votes
    These Gluten Free Molasses Cookies have been a family favorite for years. With a deep molasses flavor and a touch of warm spices, this classic recipe has been perfected over time. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, don't be afraid to make a second batch!
    PRINT RECIPE SaveSaved!
    Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
    Total Time: 25 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gluten free chewy cookie recipe, gluten free molasses cookies, molasses cookie recipe
    Servings: 18 servings
    Calories: 178kcal
    Author: Chandice Probst

    Ingredients

    • 2/3 cup sugar plus more for rolling the cookies
    • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup molasses
    • 1 egg
    • 2/3 cup coconut oil, slightly soft but still solid
    • 2 cup gluten-free flour
    • 2 teaspon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon Real Salt
    • 2 teaspoon allspice
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon xanthan gum

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
    • Whip sugars, molasses and egg until smooth
    • Add in the oil and combine, wiping down sides of the bowl
    • In another large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients
    • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients making sure to scrape down the sides
    • Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour to give you the best end result cookie possible
    • Roll into 2 inch balls and roll in additional sugar
    • Place 2 inches apart on a silicone lined or parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake 12-15 minutes or until golden and still soft to the touch
    • Remove carefully and immediately from the baking pan and let cool on a wire cooling rack

    Notes

    Storing and make ahead

    Storing: After the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or ziplock baggie at room temperature for up to one week.
    Freezing :The cookie dough will freeze well for up to 3 months. Roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake frozen dough, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
    How to make ahead: Make the dough ahead of time and store in the fridge for an even deeper flavor.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
    gluten-free Ginger molasses cookies with sugar

    This post has been on our site since 2012! We have updated it with new photos and helpful tips. Here is the original photo.

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    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. Gerri Christian says

      August 23, 2024 at 3:06 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely great! I make them smaller for little hands and bake for ten minutes. They are perfect!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        August 25, 2024 at 8:08 pm

        Hi Gerri, so glad you loved them! They are one of our favorites!

        Reply
    2. Kim Brown says

      December 18, 2023 at 4:10 am

      Has anyone tried making these with applesauce instead of egg?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 18, 2023 at 5:25 pm

        No, I haven’t… sorry

        Reply
    3. Pam says

      December 03, 2023 at 6:27 pm

      Can I freeze these ahead the take out and bake when I want them?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 05, 2023 at 4:25 am

        You bet!

        Reply
    4. Kimberly says

      November 17, 2023 at 4:29 am

      5 stars
      These organic gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free (I used 1 T ground flaxseed with 3 T water) are amazing! I made a batch to give to family of homeschooled kids that I tutor in my home. They had to switch to a GF/DF/EF diet after allergy testing…and just before the holidays. ๐Ÿ™ My husband sampled these cookies and asked me if I would bake a batch for him to take to work tomorrow to share on the construction site at lunch. This recipe makes crispy outside and soft inside but chewy cookies. Nice texture and flavor. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 21, 2023 at 7:59 pm

        Awwwww you just made my day! Thank you so much Kimberly. I love them too and appreciate so much that you took the time to write this lovely review and give star rating. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

        Reply
    5. angie says

      November 08, 2023 at 5:53 pm

      is the dough supposed to be a little loose? it’s not super loose but it’s not like normal cookie dough.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 09, 2023 at 5:04 am

        Yes, just slightly.

        Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 09, 2023 at 5:04 am

        You can also add a touch more gf flour…

        Reply
    6. Pat Kirby says

      January 04, 2023 at 10:31 pm

      what can i use instead of coconut oil

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        January 05, 2023 at 6:10 am

        Butter works as well but they may spread differently.

        Reply
    7. Amal says

      December 10, 2022 at 1:36 am

      5 stars
      The best cookies ever Thank you so much. Its the first time my husband have a molasses cookie gluten free in yearsโ€ฆcan I make them with regular flour and butter?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 12, 2022 at 11:56 pm

        Thanks so much!! Yes, you can ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Tammi says

      December 01, 2022 at 3:22 am

      If using a gluten free flour that has xantham gum in it so you still add that in ?

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 04, 2022 at 6:16 am

        No need to add it if it already has it in the mix.

        Reply
    9. Shannon says

      October 30, 2022 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      I have been gf/df since March 2022. I have baked many different cookie recipes this year but these were absolutely delicious. My husband who does not have any food allergies said they were the best cookies I ever made.

      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        November 03, 2022 at 2:09 pm

        Awwwww this just made my whole day! They are my favorite too and one I make often not just during the holidays but throughout the year. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for stopping by! I hope you will try the gingerbread men next…

        Reply
    10. Elizabeth Hicks says

      October 29, 2021 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious cookies. Great recipe! I did add a little nutmeg and cloves (due to a personal love for extra spices). Definitely will make again! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        October 29, 2021 at 10:10 pm

        Aww thanks, I am so glad you loved them!

        Reply
    11. Wholly Oils Momโค๏ธ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿ™ says

      October 29, 2021 at 1:55 pm

      5 stars
      These are FABULOUS!!!! May I suggest adding to the recipe that the coconut oil should be melted?? There was a question about that . I did melt it , and the cookies are soft and chewy on the inside and crispy with a slight sweetness on the outside! I have a professional baking background , and always on the hunt for GF delicious dessert recipes – this is one of my new faves !! Thank you for sharing !!!๐Ÿช๐Ÿช๐Ÿช

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        October 29, 2021 at 10:11 pm

        WOW what an honor!! Thank you so much for the suggestion and taking the time to message me. That is so sweet! ๐Ÿ™‚ I recommend our cinnamon rolls next…

        Reply
    12. Megan says

      May 14, 2021 at 6:21 pm

      Mine flattened completely…but they taste delicious! And when it comes to GF, I think taste is way more important than looks! Excellent recipe and thanks for sharing! (and do you know how I could avoid the flattening? I used the flour mixture, 1/2 cup of each, and added xantham. And made sure to refrigerate. Perhaps its because I’m at a high altitude. That tends to ruin all my baking!)

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        May 18, 2021 at 2:48 am

        Oh shoot, I am so sorry! I am glad you loved the flavor though. They are my favorite! ๐Ÿ™‚ It could be the altitude or maybe over mixing sugar and coconut oil as it incorporates air making them rise then fall faster? Thanks for letting me know you loved the flavor.

        Reply
      • Aileen says

        May 02, 2024 at 6:23 pm

        Flavor was great but the same thing happened to mine, completely flat. I pressed down the balls before baking, should I not do that?

        Reply
        • Chandice says

          May 09, 2024 at 3:28 am

          Do not press them down. If the dough is too wet, add just a bit more gf flour before baking.

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