Embrace the cozy spirit of winter with our irresistible gluten-free ginger snaps! Every bite of these crisp yet delightfully chewy cookies delivers a symphony of rich flavors, including deep molasses, comforting brown sugar, and a vibrant blend of nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, perfectly accentuated by the distinct kick of ginger. Forget the standard Christmas sugar cookies or the overwhelming presence of peppermint; these spiced wonders offer a sophisticated and satisfying alternative that will become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition, or a beloved treat any time of year.

Gluten free ginger snaps scattered on a sheet of parchment paper, showcasing their perfectly cracked tops and warm color. — A delicious array of gluten-free ginger snaps ready to be enjoyed.

Contents

Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free Ginger Snap: A Comprehensive Guide

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps Recipe

This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen and palate. Here’s what makes these gluten-free ginger snaps truly exceptional:

Unforgettable Rich Molasses & Brown Sugar Flavor with Warm Spices: The magic truly happens in the harmonious blend of ingredients. Dark brown sugar and robust molasses lay a foundation of deep, caramelized sweetness. This base is then elevated by the potent warmth of ginger, the comforting embrace of cinnamon, the spicy zing of clove, and the subtle aromatic notes of nutmeg. The result is a complex, multi-layered flavor profile that perfectly captures the essence of winter holidays, making these cookies a delightfully decadent treat. They offer a comforting spice that is both invigorating and soothing.
Effortless Make-Ahead Dessert for Any Occasion: Planning a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just stocking up for a week of delightful treats? These gluten-free ginger snaps are your secret weapon. They are incredibly versatile as a make-ahead dessert, allowing you to prepare them well in advance. Once baked and fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When properly stored, their wonderful texture and flavor will last for 5 to 7 days, making them perfect for busy schedules or last-minute entertaining.
Freezer-Friendly Dough for Freshly Baked Goodness on Demand: Imagine the convenience of having freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes! This recipe allows you to prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply follow the initial dough preparation steps, form the cookie dough into balls, then chill them in the refrigerator for about an hour. After chilling, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or freezer-safe zipper bag. When you’re ready to bake, let the frozen dough balls sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to soften slightly. Then, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar topping and bake according to the instructions provided, and enjoy the aroma of warm ginger snaps filling your home. This feature makes these gluten-free ginger snaps a true lifesaver for spontaneous baking sessions or unexpected guests.

Mastering Your Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps: Expert Baking Tips

Achieving the perfect crisp-chewy balance and rich flavor in your gluten-free ginger snaps is easier with these invaluable chef’s tips:

Accurate Gluten-Free Flour Measurement is Key: Unlike traditional baking, gluten-free flours can behave differently. To ensure your cookies have the ideal texture – not too dry, not too dense – always measure your gluten-free flour precisely. The best method is to spoon the flour lightly into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use a flat edge (like the back of a knife) to level it off. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact the flour and lead to using too much, resulting in a drier cookie.
Patience in Cooling for the Perfect Texture: Don’t be alarmed if your ginger snaps puff up a little in the oven. This is completely normal! The magic happens as they cool. As they come to room temperature, they will gradually flatten and develop that signature crisp exterior and wonderfully chewy interior. To minimize any residual baking from the hot baking sheet and encourage proper cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack just a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This allows air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess and ensuring that ideal texture.
Strategic Storage for Preserving Flavors: These gluten-free ginger snaps are incredibly fragrant, packed with aromatic spices. While delightful on their own, their strong aroma can easily transfer to other baked goods if stored together. To prevent your other cookies from picking up the distinct scent and flavor of ginger snaps, it’s highly recommended to store them separately in their own airtight container. This preserves the unique flavor profile of all your baked goods.
Preventing Overbaking: A Crucial Step for Chewy Perfection: Due to the dark color of the dough (thanks to molasses and brown sugar), it can be tricky to visually gauge when these ginger snaps are perfectly baked. Overbaking is the enemy of a chewy cookie, turning them hard and brittle. Keep a close eye on them, and remember that they will continue to firm up slightly after you remove them from the oven. Look for edges that are just beginning to set and darken, and tops that show slight cracks. When in doubt, it’s better to underbake slightly for a chewier result. Setting a timer and checking at the minimum bake time is always a good practice.

Gluten free ginger snap cookies arranged evenly on a sheet of parchment paper, ready to be cooled or served. — Freshly baked gluten-free ginger snaps cooling on parchment paper.

Explore More Sweet Gluten-Free Delights

If you’re a fan of delicious gluten-free baking, you’ll love these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

Gluten Free Pecan Pie
Paleo Carrot Cake with “Cream Cheese” Frosting (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies (Cut-Out or Drop Cookies)
Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies (Gluten Free)
Gluten Free Crepes
Gluten Free Gingerbread
Peanut Butter Pancakes (Gluten Free)
Gluten Free King Cake
Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls
The Best EVER Gluten-Free Lemon Cake
Gluten Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gluten Free Sugar Cookies

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Gluten Free Ginger Snaps

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Cool: 15 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

Rich and chewy gluten-free ginger snap cookies are a deliciously decadent alternative to super-sweet seasonal cookies, made with cozy brown sugar and warm spices.

Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
1 packed cup brown sugar (dark preferred for richer flavor)
¼ cup molasses (regular or light)
1 large egg
2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
2 teaspoons fresh baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment

Oven
Small bowl
Whisk
Stand mixer bowl (or large mixing bowl)
Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
Paddle attachment
Flour sifter
Medium bowl
2 baking sheet(s)
Spatula
Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175°C). In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Whisk these together until fully incorporated, then set the bowl aside. This will be your delicious cinnamon-sugar coating.
Place 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) of unsalted butter into the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes light and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
Continue mixing the butter, gradually adding 1 packed cup of brown sugar (dark brown sugar is preferred for a deeper molasses flavor) in small increments. Beat until the brown sugar is fully incorporated into the butter mixture, creating a fluffy and cohesive base.
Once the brown sugar is well combined with the butter, add ¼ cup molasses and 1 large egg to the bowl. Mix all ingredients together on medium speed until they are fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a flour sifter, add 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons fresh baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Sift these dry ingredients into a medium bowl. Sifting twice ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and spices, preventing lumps.
Whisk the sifted ingredients together until thoroughly blended, then return the mixture to the flour sifter. Sift the ingredients into the medium bowl once more, then return the mixture to the sifter for a third sifting. This triple sifting step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture in gluten-free baking.
Sift approximately 25% of the flour mixture into the mixing bowl containing the butter and sugar mixture. Mix these ingredients together on low speed until just incorporated. Repeat this process three more times, adding the remaining flour mixture in increments, until all of the flour mixture has been fully incorporated and a soft, pliable cookie dough has formed. Be careful not to overmix.
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Take a small amount of dough from the bowl (about 1 tablespoon per cookie) and quickly roll it between the palms of your hands to form a smooth, 1-inch diameter ball.
Place the dough ball into the bowl of prepared cinnamon sugar. Roll the dough ball until it is evenly coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess cinnamon sugar back into the bowl, then place the coated dough ball onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Repeat this rolling and coating process until all of the cookie dough has been formed into balls, coated with cinnamon sugar, and placed on your cookie sheets. Ensure the dough balls are spaced approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 5 minutes, then carefully rotate the pans (top to bottom, front to back) for even baking. Continue baking for another 5 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are rounded and show slight, characteristic cracks. Remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Remove the cookies from the oven. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire cooling rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps them achieve that ideal crisp-chewy texture.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before serving or storing. Once fully cooled, these gluten-free ginger snaps are ready to be enjoyed as a delightful treat!

Notes

Gluten-Free Flour: It is crucial to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Xanthan gum acts as a binder, mimicking the elasticity of gluten and preventing your cookies from being too crumbly. If your blend does not contain it, you may need to add about ½ teaspoon per cup of flour.
Storage: To maintain their crisp-chewy texture and rich flavor, fully-cooled gluten-free ginger snaps should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 7 days.
Freezer Option: For ultimate convenience, unbaked ginger snap dough balls can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of dough balls and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to thaw slightly. Then, roll the dough in the cinnamon sugar mixture and bake as instructed above. This makes it easy to have warm, fresh ginger snaps whenever you desire.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps

Got questions about baking these delightful ginger snaps? We’ve got answers!

Q: Why are my gluten-free ginger snaps too hard or too soft?: A: The perfect ginger snap has a crisp edge and a chewy center. If your cookies are too hard, they might be overbaked. Gluten-free flours can dry out quickly. Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes next time. If they’re too soft, they might be underbaked, or your flour measurement might have been slightly off (too little flour). Ensure you’re measuring flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it. Also, allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack is crucial for developing the proper texture.
Q: Can I use a different type of gluten-free flour?: A: This recipe calls for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If your chosen blend does not include xanthan gum, you will need to add it separately (typically ½ teaspoon per cup of flour is a good starting point for cookies). Using single-ingredient gluten-free flours (like almond or coconut flour) will drastically change the texture and may require significant recipe adjustments, so we recommend sticking to a tested all-purpose blend for best results.
Q: Is there a substitute for molasses?: A: Molasses is key to the distinct flavor, dark color, and chewy texture of ginger snaps. While you could technically substitute with dark corn syrup or maple syrup, the flavor profile and final texture would be different. The cookies would lose some of their characteristic deep, spiced warmth and might not be as chewy. For authentic ginger snap flavor, molasses is highly recommended.
Q: How can I make my ginger snaps more “snappy” or more “chewy”?: A: For more “snap,” you can bake the cookies for an additional minute or two, watching them closely until the edges are slightly darker and crisper. For a chewier cookie, ensure you don’t overbake them; remove them from the oven when the tops are cracked and set but still appear slightly soft in the center. The cooling process is also vital for achieving chewiness – make sure they cool completely on a wire rack.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?: A: To make these dairy-free, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality plant-based butter alternative that bakes well (like a stick margarine or vegan butter brand). For a vegan version, in addition to plant-based butter, you would also need to replace the large egg. A “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, rested for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer can often work for cookies, though results may vary slightly in texture.

Serving Suggestions for Your Gluten-Free Ginger Snaps

These versatile gluten-free ginger snaps are perfect on their own, but here are some delightful ways to enjoy them:

With a Warm Beverage: Pair them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk for a comforting treat. During the holidays, they are exquisite alongside a mug of spiced cider or eggnog.
Holiday Cookie Platter: Add them to your festive cookie assortments. Their rich color and enticing aroma make them a standout alongside other holiday favorites.
Ice Cream Sandwich: For a decadent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two ginger snaps. The contrast of cold, creamy ice cream and spicy cookie is heavenly.
Crumbled Topping: Crush a few cookies and sprinkle them over yogurt, oatmeal, or even a scoop of plain ice cream for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Gifting: Pack them in a decorative tin or bag as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. Everyone appreciates a delicious, handcrafted treat!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Winter Cookie

These gluten-free ginger snaps are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to experience comfort, warmth, and pure culinary delight. With their perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness, and an intoxicating blend of rich molasses and vibrant spices, they stand out as a truly special cookie. Whether you’re navigating dietary restrictions or simply seeking an exceptionally flavorful treat, this recipe promises to deliver. From their ease of preparation to their freezer-friendly nature, these ginger snaps are designed to bring joy and convenience to your baking. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to bake a batch of what might just become your new favorite winter cookie. Enjoy every fragrant, spiced bite!