Gingerbread cookies take me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of spices meant the holidays were in full swing. We’d roll the dough, cut out funny shapes, and compete to see who could decorate the most “artistic” (aka messy) cookie.
Now, I keep that tradition alive but with a gluten-free twist.
These cookies aren’t just festive—they’re crisp on the outside, chewy in the middle, and full of cozy spices. Plus, they’re made with simple, fresh ingredients you can find at any local store.
Tips for Flavor and Texture
- Chill the Dough: This prevents spreading and keeps the cookie shapes sharp.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can make a world of difference in flavor.
- Customize Sweetness: For a milder taste, use light molasses; for richer flavor, stick with dark molasses.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Egg-Free: Replace the egg with 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce.
- Sugar-Free: Use a natural sweetener like coconut sugar for a less refined option.
Serving Suggestions
Plate these cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or mulled cider. They also make perfect edible gifts—just wrap them in cellophane with a cute ribbon for a homemade holiday treat.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm, spiced gingerbread men cookies with a gluten-free twist. Perfect for holiday traditions, full of flavor, and fun to decorate!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: gluten-free icing for decoration
Instructions
- Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. - Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). - Roll and Cut
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to make gingerbread men (or any fun shapes). - Bake
Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centers look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Decorate
Once cool, decorate with gluten-free icing if you like. Let your creativity shine—this is the fun part!
Notes
Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Dough must be chilled before rolling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
