There’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm spices filling the kitchen when baking. This Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is my go-to for bringing that cozy, festive feeling right to your countertop—soft, flavorful, and perfect for everyone to enjoy together.

A white plate with a red rim holds several gingerbread cookies in different shapes: two gingerbread men with white icing faces, buttons, and scarves, a snowflake with detailed white icing in the form of branches, two Christmas trees decorated with white icing zigzags and sugar crystals, and two smaller shapes with white icing patterns. The cookies are a warm brown color with smooth texture, arranged close together. In the background, a white marbled surface and a green tray holding more gingerbread men are visible. A white cloth is partly shown in the lower corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment you roll out the dough to the time you decorate these cookies, this recipe feels like a warm hug from the holidays. It's so satisfying to create a classic treat that’s naturally gluten-free but still delivers that chewy, spicy punch we all adore.

Soft, Chewy Texture: Unlike many gluten-free cookies, these stay tender and won’t crumble.
Perfectly Balanced Spices: The cinnamon, ginger, and cloves blend for authentic gingerbread flavor without overpowering.
Easy to Work With: The dough rolls cleanly on a floured surface, making cutouts a breeze.
Customizable Icing: The simple powdered sugar glaze is great on its own or perfect for festive decorating fun.

The image shows a green tray filled with decorated gingerbread cookies on a white marbled surface. There are several cookies with white icing, including a large snowflake shape in the foreground, decorated with six symmetrical white icing branches and smaller details. Behind it, a bell-shaped cookie has simple white icing outlining its shape. To the right, gingerbread people cookies have smiling faces and buttons made with white icing. There is also a horseshoe-shaped cookie with zigzag white icing near the bottom right. A small wooden bowl with white granulated sugar sits on the tray's left side, and a few red candy pieces are scattered around the cookies. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients brings together classic gingerbread flavors with the perfect gluten-free flour blend that doesn’t sacrifice texture. Using measure-for-measure gluten-free flour helps mimic regular wheat flour, so your cookies turn out light and chewy, not dense or gritty.

Flat lay of a stick of softened butter with a smooth pale yellow surface, a small mound of packed dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick dark molasses, a single large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding ground cinnamon in warm reddish brown, a small white bowl of vibrant golden ground ginger, a small white bowl of dark brown ground cloves, a small white bowl of fine white kosher salt, a small white bowl containing white baking soda powder, a white ceramic bowl heaped with off-white gluten-free flour, a small white bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a small white bowl with creamy almond milk, and a small white bowl with translucent light golden vanilla extract, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportion, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter or Vegan Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb while keeping the cookies soft.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel undertone that pairs beautifully with molasses.
Molasses: The star of gingerbread flavor—extra molasses means extra warmth and depth.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure so cookies hold their shape well.
Vanilla Extract: Balances and enhances the baking spices.
Gluten-Free Measure-for-Measure Flour: Keeps the texture just right without gluten’s stretchiness.
Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves): The classic trio that delivers the iconic gingerbread taste.
Kosher Salt: Highlights sweetness and spices while keeping flavors rounded.
Baking Soda: Gives cookies a slight lift and helps with that soft chew.
Powdered Sugar & Milk (for icing): Make a smooth glaze that’s easy to decorate or drizzle.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my own spin on these cookies by adding little mix-ins or changing up the icing colors for holidays. You absolutely can have fun with this recipe while still achieving that classic gingerbread cookie everyone remembers.

Variation: Adding chopped crystallized ginger to the dough gives a delightful little zing—just be sure to chop it finely so it doesn’t overwhelm.
Dietary Twist: Using vegan butter and a flax egg keeps this recipe completely vegan but equally delicious.
Seasonal Flair: Swap the vanilla in the icing with almond extract or a bit of orange zest for a festive touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses

Start by beating the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and light, about 2–3 minutes. Then mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorful base.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, salt, and baking soda. This ensures the spices and leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the dough, so every bite tastes just right.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mix into your wet ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. It might feel a little sticky—that’s normal—but don’t add too much extra flour or you risk drying out your cookies.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour. This firms it up, making it easier to roll out and cut. I find that chilling also helps the spices bloom and deepen the flavor.

Step 5: Roll, Cut, and Bake

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters—gingerbread men, trees, snowflakes—all work wonderfully. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or just until edges begin to set but centers are still soft.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply Icing

While cookies cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze. You want it thick enough to hold shape but thin enough to drizzle. Decorate as you like, and let the icing set for at least 30 minutes before stacking or storing.

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things over the years baking gingerbread cookies gluten-free, and these small tips make all the difference between stressed baking and joyful results!

Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Don’t skip chilling! It prevents the dough from sticking too much and keeps the cookies from spreading in the oven.
Use Measure-for-Measure Gluten-Free Flour: It’s almost foolproof compared to mixing your own, giving consistent texture every batch.
Don’t Overbake: Pull your cookies out when edges are firm but centers still feel soft—they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Flour Your Cutters & Surface Lightly: This prevents sticking without drying out your dough.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe

gingerbread cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with white icing and sprinkle on a little edible glitter or colored sugar for holiday sparkle. Sometimes, I add tiny candy pearls or mini chocolate chips to bring sweetness bursts, especially if kids are helping decorate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm mug of spiced chai, almond milk latte, or even a cinnamon-infused hot cocoa. The spices in the drinks highlight the gingerbread perfectly, making it a cozy treat all around.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange the cookies on a festive platter lined with fresh rosemary and cranberries—adds freshness and color. You can also wrap individually in cellophane tied with twine or ribbon as charming little gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature layered with parchment paper. They stay soft and delicious for up to five days, perfect for nibbling without feeling stale.

Freezing

This dough freezes beautifully! I usually flatten it into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll and cut as usual. You can also freeze the baked cookies between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm cookies for 5–10 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a 300°F oven. This softens the edges lightly without drying out the centers, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven delight.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute regular flour for the gluten-free option?

While regular flour will work, this recipe is tailored for gluten-free measure-for-measure flour to provide the ideal texture and structure without gluten. Using all-purpose wheat flour might result in a different consistency and spread.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Simply swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). The flavor and texture remain just as delightful!

Can I decorate these cookies without icing?

Absolutely! These gingerbread cookies are flavorful and soft enough to enjoy plain, or you can dust them lightly with cinnamon sugar or even dip the edges in melted chocolate for a different twist.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from sticking when rolling out the dough?

Use a generous dusting of gluten-free flour on your surface and cookie cutters. Also, chilling the dough well keeps it firm and less sticky, making rolling and cutting much smoother and easier.

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies Recipe became my holiday staple because it captures everything I love about gingerbread: warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of fun in decorating. I hope you’ll find as much joy making and sharing these cookies as I do—maybe even start a new family tradition along the way!