Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

These easy one-bowl gluten-free molasses cookies are packed with a rich, warm flavor and the perfect chewy bite. Vegan, too!

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies, where each bite is a delightful fusion of warm spices and rich, deep molasses flavor. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a special treat just for you, these cookies offer the ultimate comfort with their soft, chewy texture. Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or simply looking to try something new, these cookies are a must.

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Allergy-Friendly: These cookies are not only gluten-free and egg-free, but also dairy-free and vegan, catering to various dietary needs.
• Perfect Texture: These simple cookies have that delicious chewiness with just the right amount of crisp on the edges.
• Rich Flavor: A harmonious blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, along with the deep, sweet taste of molasses, offers a classic holiday flavor.
• Versatile: This recipe is adaptable with substitutions like coconut sugar or brown sugar, and butter instead of coconut oil, making it perfect for different preferences.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and kitchen tools you’ll have on hand already like a whisk, bowl, and baking sheet, these cookies are a breeze to whip up.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily freeze the dough or the baked cookies for future cookie cravings.
• Healthier Option: Opting for gluten-free flour and natural sweeteners like coconut sugar makes these cookies a better choice for health-conscious individuals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The aromatic blend of spices and molasses makes these cookies a hit at any gathering, especially during the Christmas season.
• Ideal for Snacking or Gifting: Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or looking for a homemade gift, these cookies are a perfect choice.

🗒️ Ingredients and Substitutes

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookie. A blend containing xanthan gum is ideal, as it mimics the texture and consistency of regular flour. Xanthan gum helps to bind the ingredients, ensuring your cookies don’t crumble.

Coconut or Brown Sugar: These natural sweeteners not only add sweetness but also contribute to the moisture and chewiness of the cookies. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor, while coconut sugar brings a more subtle sweetness.

Baking Soda: This is a leavening agent that helps your cookies rise and become fluffy. It reacts with the acidic components (like molasses) to create tiny bubbles in the dough, giving your cookies the perfect texture.

Spices: Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: The blend of these warm, aromatic spices is what gives these cookies their signature gingerbread-like flavor, making them ideal for the holiday season.

Coconut Oil or Butter: If you’re going dairy-free, coconut oil is a fantastic alternative to butter. It adds moisture and helps to bind the cookies together, while also imparting a slight coconut flavor.

Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses: This is a key ingredient for molasses cookies. It adds not only sweetness but also a rich, distinctive flavor. Make sure to use unsulphured molasses for the best taste.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds a layer of flavor complexity and enhances the other ingredients in your cookies.

White Sugar: Rolling the dough balls in white sugar before baking gives them a delightful sparkly appearance and a slight crunch on the outside.

🥣 How to Make Gluten Free Vegan Molasses Cookies

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, whisk together the gluten-free flour, coconut or brown sugar, baking soda, and spices (ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves). This ensures an even distribution of all the flavors and leavening agents.
3. To the dry mixture in the large bowl, add the coconut oil or butter, unsulphured blackstrap molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until you achieve a smooth and uniform dough. The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Be sure to use a low speed and scrape the sides of the bowl if you’re using a stand mixer.
4. Scoop out the dough using either a spoon or a cookie scoop, forming 18 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll the cookie dough balls in white granulated sugar to give them a beautiful sparkly coating.
5. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 11 minutes or until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft.
6. Let the soft gluten-free molasses cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. 
7. Pour yourself a cup of tea or a glass of milk, and enjoy your Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies!

💭 Expert Tips

Dough Consistency: The consistency of your cookie dough is crucial. If it’s too dry, add a bit more molasses or coconut oil. If it’s too sticky, a little more flour can help. The goal is to have a pliable dough that holds together well but isn’t overly sticky.

Spacing on Baking Sheet: When placing dough balls on your baking sheet, remember they will spread as they bake. Leave enough space between each to allow for this spread, ensuring your cookies don’t merge into one another.

Cooling on the Baking Sheet: Resist the temptation to move cookies immediately after baking. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes will help them set and prevent them from falling apart. Once they’ve firmed up a bit, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Want to mail some to a loved one for the holidays? Check out this article on how to ship cookies.

🥡 Storing Molasses Cookies

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them for up to a week. This will help maintain their chewy texture and prevent them from drying out. If you have used ingredients like coconut oil, it’s best to store them at room temperature, as refrigeration might harden them.
• Freezing: Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
• Reheating: While these gluten-free cookies are delightful at room temperature, reheating them can bring back that just-baked warmth and aroma. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This gentle warming will make them feel freshly baked without drying them out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute the gluten-free flour blend with regular all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio if gluten is not a concern for you.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts like almonds, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the flavor.

Are these cookies suitable for vegans?

f you use coconut oil instead of butter and ensure your sugar is vegan, these cookies can be suitable for a vegan diet.

🍪 More Delicious Gluten Free Cookie Recipes

Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies

Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate S’Mores Cookies

Almond Flour Peanut Butter Cookies