Delicious Gluten-Free Spice Cookies for Your Sweet Cravings
Are you tired of the same old cookie recipes? Well, look no further! I have a delicious and healthy recipe for you to try. These gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies are a game changer for anyone following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. The rich flavor of molasses combined with cinnamon and ginger will melt in your mouth like never before.
What makes these cookies so special? Well, not only are they free of gluten and dairy, but they also use wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar. You can rest easy knowing that each bite is packed with nutrition, without sacrificing taste or texture.
But wait, there’s more! Molasses isn’t just any ordinary sweetener. It contains essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium that are often lacking in our diets. So, not only are you treating yourself to a delicious snack – you’re giving your body exactly what it needs to thrive.
Are you ready to take your snacking game to the next level? Gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth? If so, you’re going to love these gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies.
What’s great about these cookies is that they’re not only deliciously sweet and spicy, but they’re also made with all-natural, gluten-free ingredients. This means that you can indulge in your sweet tooth without worrying about any harmful additives or allergens.
The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a rich, warm flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. And did you know that molasses not only adds a unique sweetness to the cookies but also adds extra nutritional benefits such as iron and calcium?
Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple steps. You don’t have to be an experienced baker to enjoy these soft and chewy delights.
These molasses spice cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will leave your taste buds craving more. So why not take a break from the usual chocolate chip or oatmeal cookie and add a bit of spice to your baking routine? Trust us – your taste buds will thank you later.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these gluten-free molasses spice cookies:
- 2 cups gluten-free baking flour blend
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg, room temperature
You can find all these ingredients in your local grocery store, and it is important to check labels to ensure the ingredients are gluten-free. If you prefer vegan cookies, you can use oat flour or almond flour instead of gluten-free baking flour blend. Vegan ginger cookies are also an excellent option if you’re looking for more variety. In addition, unsulphured molasses is a type of molasses that naturally contains sulfur dioxide instead of artificial sulfites. It makes these cookies soft and chewy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients for our Gluten-Free “molasses” Spice Cookies, let’s dive into the recipe how-to!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend, 2 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of ginger, and 1/2 tsp of sea salt until well incorporated.
- In another bowl, beat 1/4 cup of softened butter with 1/4 cup of brown sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add in 1 egg, followed by 1/4 cup of molasses, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients mixture into the wet ingredients mixture until you have a thick dough
- Use a small spoon to scoop up spoonfuls of the cookie dough and shape each one into a ball with your hands.
- Roll each ball in a plate filled with white sugar to coat it evenly.
- Place the sugar-coated balls on an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are evenly spaced apart so they don’t touch when they expand during cooking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they puff up slightly and crack on top.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool down for 5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack for further cooling down.
Enjoy these soft and chewy gluten-free molasses cookies as a delicious after-dinner treat or with your favorite tea or coffee!
Substitutions and Variations
Making substitutions and experimenting with variations is one of the great joys of cooking. With this gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies recipe, there are plenty of options to customize the flavors and textures to your liking while keeping it healthy.
Substitutions:
– Flour blend: If you don’t have a pre-made gluten-free flour blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts oat flour, almond flour, and tapioca starch.
– Molasses: If you’re out of molasses or just prefer a milder flavor, you can use maple syrup or honey instead. Keep in mind that these substitutes might result in a different texture and sweetness level.
– Butter: If you’re dairy-free or vegan, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for traditional butter without compromising the soft and chewy texture of the cookies.
Variations:
– Gingerbread: Add extra ginger and cinnamon, plus cloves and nutmeg to create a cookie that tastes more like gingerbread. You could also add orange zest for an extra zing.
– Pumpkin spice: Add pumpkin pie spice (which contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice) plus a tablespoon of pumpkin puree for a festive fall twist.
– Vegan: There are plenty of vegan flax egg substitutes out there (1 flax egg = 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), so feel free to swap out the chicken egg for one of these to create vegan ginger molasses cookies.
Remember to check labels to ensure any ingredients used are gluten-free. Regardless of your preferences and requirements, these cookies will still be soft, chewy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious every time!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your gluten-free molasses spice cookies are ready, it’s time to find the perfect pairing for them. One classic option is a hot cup of tea or coffee, which ideally enhances the cookies’ warm flavors. The spices in these cookies also make them a lovely option for holiday and winter celebrations.
For an extra festive touch, serve them alongside a spiced cider or eggnog made with non-dairy milk. This will create an indulgent and comforting snacking experience that everyone will love.
Another excellent pairing to consider is creamy vanilla ice cream. When you sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two molasses spice cookies, not only does it taste fantastic, but the cool temperature is also the perfect contrast to the warm spices in the cookies.
You can also try topping your molasses cookies with a dairy-free frosting, such as homemade cashew cream cheese or coconut whipped cream.
Whether you enjoy these gluten-free molasses spice cookies on their own or paired with coffee, cider, ice cream, or frosting, they’re sure to impress everyone’s taste buds.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect soft and chewy gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies recipe, it’s time to talk about how to store and reheat them. These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, but let’s face it, they’re unlikely to last that long!
To make these cookies ahead of time, simply prepare the dough and shape it into cookie dough balls. Then, freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 30 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake them, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking. The cookies will taste just as good as freshly baked!
If you have leftover cookies that you’d like to store for later, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating the cookies, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes. This will help restore their soft chewy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
It’s worth noting that if you’re storing these gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies alongside other foods in the fridge or freezer, be sure to keep them in their own separate container or bag. This will help prevent any cross-contamination with other foods.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing, and reheating. Just be sure to follow these simple steps to ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious every time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe for these delicious gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure your batch turns out perfectly.
Firstly, it’s important to sift together the dry ingredients before mixing them with the wet ingredients. This will prevent any lumps of baking soda or flour in your cookie dough, resulting in a smoother texture in the final product.
When measuring the molasses, it can be helpful to spray your measuring cup with cooking spray so the molasses doesn’t stick to the cup. Additionally, make sure that you measure accurately as too much molasses can lead to cookies falling apart, while too little can make them dry.
It may also be tempting to use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour for this recipe. However, using gluten-free flour is essential for achieving the chewy texture that makes these cookies so special. You can use a store-bought gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or make your own by combining equal parts brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
Lastly, for an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie before popping them in the oven. Not only will this enhance the sweetness of the molasses and spice flavors, but it will also give an added textural crunch to each bite.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies that are chewy, soft and irresistible!
FAQ
Once you’ve made these tasty gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies and shared them with your loved ones, they’re sure to ask you some questions about the recipe. In this section, I’ll be answering some of the most common questions that often come up when making these cookies. Don’t worry if anything has gone wrong or you need help with substitutions, I’m here to guide you through it all. Let’s get started!
How do you keep gluten-free cookies from falling apart?
If you’re looking to bake gluten-free, let me tell you about a secret ingredient that’s going to be your best friend: xanthan gum. Don’t let the name fool you, this ingredient is going to save your cookies from crumbling apart. Its binding qualities will help keep your baked goods together, leaving your taste buds satisfied.
Why are my molasses cookies bitter?
If the flavor of your cookies ended up being more bitter than expected, it’s possible that you used Blackstrap molasses instead of lighter or darker varieties that are better suited for baking. Checking the label before purchasing can help ensure that you choose the right kind of molasses for your recipe.
Why won t my molasses cookies crack?
Are you wondering why your molasses cookies aren’t cracking? The reason could be because of the baking soda being too old, the butter not being creamed long enough to trap air, or the dough being over-mixed and developing gluten, causing it to be too tough to crack.
What does molasses do in cookies?
Molasses plays a crucial role in cookies by contributing a delightful flavor and a touch of sweetness, although sugar is also involved in the recipe. Additionally, it is a vital ingredient in creating the rich brown hue, as it functions as one of the wet substances in the batter.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to whip up a special treat that is both healthy and delicious, then these gluten-free “molasses” spice cookies are the perfect recipe for you. With their soft and chewy texture, rich molasses flavor, and warm spicy notes of cinnamon and ginger, they are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Using gluten-free flour blends and natural sweeteners like molasses and brown sugar not only makes these cookies suitable for people with celiac disease, but it also adds depth and complexity to their flavor profile. You won’t even miss the traditional wheat flour or white sugar!
So don’t hesitate to check your labels, try out some substitutions and variations, and make these cookies your own. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee or a great after-dinner dessert. Trust me; once you sink your teeth into one of these melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’ll be hooked!
Gluten Free “molasses” Spice Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon celtic sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
- 1/4 cup yacon syrup
Instructions
- 1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- 2. Stir together wet ingredients in a smaller bowl.
- 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry.
- 4. Scoop onto the parchment lined baking sheet one tablespoon at a time.
- 5. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.
- 6. Cool and serve.