Gluten-Free Gingerbread Men: Festive Holiday Cookies Made Easy

The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with some Gluten Free Gingerbread Men? I remember when my son, Jake, was little, and he insisted on decorating cookies with more icing than cookie! These festive holiday cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, so you can enjoy baking with your family without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love It

  • They’re gluten free and sugar free, perfect for everyone!
  • You can customize them with your favorite decorations.
  • They fill your home with that wonderful gingerbread aroma.

Pure Comfort

Biting into a soft, spiced gingerbread cookie brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and holiday cheer. These cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy, making them a must-have for your holiday baking list.

What You Need

  • 1 ½ cups 1 ½ cups almond flour (150 g) – You can substitute with coconut flour, but use less.
  • 1 cup 1 cup coconut sugar (200 g) – Brown sugar works as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp baking soda – This helps the cookies rise.
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp ground ginger – Fresh ginger can be used for a spicier flavor.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
  • ½ tsp ½ tsp ground cloves – Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ tsp ¼ tsp salt – This balances the sweetness.
  • 1 1 large egg – For a vegan option, use a flax egg.
  • ¼ cup ¼ cup molasses (60 ml) – Maple syrup can be a good substitute.
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted – You can use butter if not dairy-free.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can make the dough a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This is crucial for getting those cookies to bake evenly and turn golden brown.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. The aroma of the spices will fill your kitchen, making it feel like the holidays already.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, molasses, and melted coconut oil until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and richness to your cookies.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water.
  5. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your palm. They will spread a bit while baking, so give them some space.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit more.
  8. Once cooled, decorate your gluten free gingerbread men with vegan royal icing or your favorite toppings. Get creative—Jake loved adding sprinkles!
  9. Serve them at your holiday gatherings or pack them up as gifts. They’re sure to be a hit!

Make It Perfect

  • If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling.
  • Use a cookie cutter for fun shapes, but be gentle when transferring them to the baking sheet.
  • For the best flavor, let the cookies sit for a day before serving.

Mix It Up

  • Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
  • Try using different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor.

Perfect Partners

  • Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea.
  • Pair with dairy-free hot cocoa for a cozy treat.

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FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cookies?

Yes, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for almond flour?

Coconut flour works, but use less since it absorbs more moisture.

How can I make the royal icing vegan?

Use aquafaba instead of egg whites for a great vegan royal icing.

Conclusion

These Gluten Free Gingerbread Men are not just cookies; they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. With their warm spices and delightful decorations, they’ll bring joy to your festive season. So grab your loved ones and start baking—these cookies are sure to become a family favorite!

Gluten free gingerbread men cookies decorated with icing and sprinkles

Gluten Free Gingerbread Men Festive Holiday Cookies Made Easy

These gluten free gingerbread men cookies are soft, spiced, and perfect for holiday baking. Easy to make with almond flour and warm spices, they offer a festive treat that everyone can enjoy, especially when decorated creatively.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 ½ cups almond flour Can substitute with less coconut flour
  • 1 cup coconut sugar Brown sugar works as a substitute
  • 1 tsp baking soda Helps cookies rise
  • 2 tsp ground ginger Fresh ginger for spicier flavor
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Optionally add nutmeg for extra warmth
  • ½ tsp ground cloves Adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp salt Balances sweetness
  • 1 large egg Use flax egg for vegan option
  • ¼ cup molasses Maple syrup is a good substitute
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil Melted, can use butter if not dairy-free

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk egg, molasses, and melted coconut oil until combined.
  4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms. Add a teaspoon of water if too dry.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place on lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
  6. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  7. Cool on baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  8. Decorate cooled cookies with vegan royal icing or favorite toppings.
  9. Serve at holiday gatherings or pack as gifts.

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