Name: Gluten-Free Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: Gluten-Free
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter or dairy-free butter, room temperature; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 egg, room temperature; 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (such as GFJules); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; Large pinch of ground black pepper; Turbinado sugar, for rolling the dough balls

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 57 reviews

If you have been searching for a glorious holiday treat that combines warmth, spice, and an irresistible chew, look no further than this Gluten-Free Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring all the cozy flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses to every bite, with a delightful crinkle top and a soft, chewy center. Best of all, they are completely gluten-free, so no one will ever guess they are suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Whether you bake them for the holidays or just to satisfy your cookie cravings, this recipe is an absolute joy to make and eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with white flour on the bottom right, next to a metal measuring cup full of light brown sugar on the top right. Above the sugar is a white bowl with two large sticks of butter, light yellow and smooth. To the left of the butter is a small clear glass bowl with several brown spices, soft and powdery. Below the spices is a metal measuring cup filled with a very dark, thick liquid. In the center sits a single brown egg. On the bottom left is a clear glass bowl with coarse light brown sugar. Above it is a small metal bowl holding white baking powder. Next to it is another small metal bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple yet powerful ingredients, each chosen to create that perfect soft and chewy texture with the warm spiciness ginger cookies are known for. From the rich molasses that deepens the flavor to gluten-free flour that keeps everything light, every element plays a starring role in your cookie success.

Butter or dairy-free butter (3/4 cup): Using room temperature butter helps achieve that lovely creamy base and moist texture.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds natural sweetness and contributes to the softness.
Egg (1, room temperature): Binds the dough and enhances the cookie’s chewiness.
Unsulphured molasses (1/4 cup): Brings deep richness and the signature ginger cookie flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the warm spices with a subtle sweetness.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum (2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the dough tender and perfect for gluten sensitivities.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cookies, making them rise just enough without losing softness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and highlights the spices.
Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): Delivers the spicy kick central to this cookie.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complements the ginger beautifully.
Cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a hint of aromatic depth.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty undertone enhancing the spice blend.
Large pinch of black pepper: Surprises the palate with just a touch of heat to balance sweetness.
Turbinado sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkling, crunchy finish on the cookie tops.

How to Make Gluten-Free Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by creaming your room temperature butter and packed brown sugar. This step is crucial as it incorporates air and creates a light, fluffy base for the cookies that will affect their final softness. Don’t rush it — spending a minute or two here will make a big difference.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and a beautiful caramel color. The molasses here is your flavor powerhouse, so mix thoroughly to blend all those rich notes.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, and the exciting blend of spices: ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper. This blend creates the signature warm and slightly spicy flavor profile that makes these cookies so special.

Step 4: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet bowl in two additions. Stir gently after each addition, being careful not to overmix. This ensures the dough stays tender and your cookies remain soft and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This chilling period firm ups the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the flavors deepen.

Step 6: Form and Sugar the Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll the chilled dough into 1 to 1 1/2 inch balls. Then, roll each ball generously in turbinado sugar. This step gives your cookies their delightful crunchy topping and an inviting sparkle.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place cookie balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet since they will spread slightly in the oven. Bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the tops crackle and the centers are set. The edges will be firm but the inside still soft and chewy.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to rest on the hot baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This lets them finish cooking gently and firm up to that perfect texture everyone loves.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies Recipe

A woman's hand is holding a broken open soft brown cookie close to the camera, showing its textured inside with small holes and crumbs. Behind it, there is a round white plate full of similar brown cookies, all with cracked tops and slightly rough surfaces. The white marbled background is partly covered by a red, green, and white plaid cloth in the upper left corner. The whole scene has warm tones and cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can dress up these cookies beautifully for guests or special occasions. A sprinkle of crushed crystallized ginger adds a lovely zing and some texture contrasts wonderfully with the chewy interior.

Side Dishes

Pair your ginger cookies with a cup of piping hot chai tea or a glass of chilled almond milk to complement the warming spices. For a cozy holiday vibe, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which contrasts the spicy heat with creamy sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a festive tin layered with parchment paper, tied with a rustic twine bow for gifts. Alternatively, stack them high on a tiered dessert tray surrounded by fresh cranberries and pine sprigs to bring a holiday spirit to your table. You can even sandwich them with dairy-free frosting or your favorite jam for an exciting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain that soft and chewy texture. If they start to firm up, a short zap in the microwave for 10 seconds revives their softness beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies! Wrap dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze in a sealed container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy your gluten-free soft & chewy ginger cookies warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving multiple times as it may dry them out. Reheating slowly in the oven helps maintain their chewy texture and enhances the molasses aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute the gluten-free flour blend with another type of flour?

While you can experiment, it’s best to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum to achieve the same chewy texture and structure. Other flours like almond or coconut flour have different absorption rates and textures that may result in a different cookie consistency.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply use your favorite dairy-free butter or margarine at room temperature. The recipe is versatile and still produces wonderfully soft and chewy results even without dairy.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which makes rolling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading too much. It also allows the flavors from the spices and molasses to meld, giving you a richer tasting cookie.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped crystallized ginger, chopped pecans, or walnuts make great add-ins that add interesting texture and complement the spices. Just fold them into the dough gently before chilling.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for crackly tops and slightly set centers. The cookies should feel firm around the edges but still soft in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet, so avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about these gluten-free soft & chewy ginger cookies recipe that makes them a must-bake for every season and celebration. Their irresistible blend of warm spices, tender texture, and easy preparation make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones – I promise you’ll keep coming back for more. Happy baking!