The Best Chewy Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies with Optional Maple Glaze

These gluten-free ginger cookies are a delightful blend of soft and chewy texture with a satisfying crunchy exterior. They truly encapsulate the spirit of Christmas in every bite, and for an extra touch of decadence, they’re served with an optional maple glaze!

This beloved recipe was originally shared on December 16, 2021, and has since been updated on September 22, 2022, with fresh photos and enhanced information to help you bake the perfect batch.

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

These spicy, sweet, and perfectly textured cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience! Here are countless reasons why these gluten-free ginger cookies will become a new favorite:

• Irresistibly Chewy Center – Forget dry, crumbly gluten-free cookies! Our recipe focuses on creating an exquisite, soft, and chewy interior that melts in your mouth. If you typically prefer soft-baked cookies over crispy gingersnaps, this recipe is designed specifically for you. The perfect chewiness is a hallmark of these delightful ginger treats.
• Perfectly Crunchy Exterior – What truly sets these cookies apart is their delightful contrast: a tender, chewy inside complemented by a wonderfully crisp, sugary exterior. This satisfying crunch comes from generously rolling the cookie dough in granulated sugar before baking, creating a beautiful sparkle and an addictive textural element.
• Subtle Molasses Flavor (No Molasses Needed!) – If the intense, sometimes overpowering, flavor of traditional molasses in classic gingersnaps or gingerbread cookies isn’t your favorite, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! This recipe achieves a nuanced, light molasses undertone solely from the rich brown sugar, allowing the ginger and other spices to truly shine without being overshadowed.
• Effortless & Delectable Maple Glaze – While entirely optional, our simple maple glaze elevates these cookies to an extraordinary level. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and adds a layer of sweet, warm maple flavor that perfectly complements the spicy ginger. This glaze is truly scrumptious and transforms a great cookie into an unforgettable one.
• Extra Spicy Kick from Fresh Ginger – For those who truly appreciate the vibrant, zesty warmth of ginger, our recipe goes a step beyond the classic. We incorporate a touch of freshly grated ginger in addition to ground ginger, intensifying the natural spice and giving these cookies an invigorating kick that will awaken your taste buds.

To Frost or Not to Frost: The Maple Glaze Dilemma

The decision to add frosting or icing to cookies is a delightful debate among dessert lovers! While some adore the extra layer of sweetness and texture, others prefer to let the unadorned cookie flavors truly shine. In the case of these irresistible gluten-free ginger cookies, the maple glaze is a completely optional, yet highly recommended, addition.

Without the rich maple icing, these cookies offer a more traditional ginger cookie experience. The robust, spicy notes of the ginger and other warm spices come forward distinctly, providing a comforting and bold flavor profile. This allows the natural essence of the ginger to be the star, perfect for purists.

However, the luscious maple glaze introduces a wonderful extra layer of sweetness that beautifully mellows the spiciness of the ginger. It adds a complex depth to the overall flavor, creating a harmonious balance between sweet and spice. Furthermore, once the maple icing sets and hardens, it contributes another dimension of satisfying crunch, enhancing the cookie’s already fantastic texture. Whether you choose to glaze them or enjoy them plain, these ginger cookies are truly a treat!

Key Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

Crafting these delicious chewy ginger cookies requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their signature flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: The foundation of our gluten-free cookies! It’s crucial to select a high-quality blend specifically formulated as a 1-to-1 or measure-for-measure substitute for traditional all-purpose flour. This ensures the correct texture and consistency without the need for complex adjustments. Make sure to check the blend for xanthan gum, as it’s essential for structure.
• Fine Salt: Salt is more than just a seasoning; it balances the sweetness and enhances the complex flavors of the spices. Using a finely ground salt, such as Himalayan pink salt as I did, allows it to distribute evenly throughout the dough for a consistent taste in every bite.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent is key to achieving that desirable chewy texture and beautiful golden-brown color. It reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar) to create carbon dioxide, which helps the cookies spread and rise perfectly.
• Baking Powder: Working in conjunction with baking soda, baking powder provides an additional lift and contributes to the soft, cake-like center of the cookies. It ensures your ginger cookies aren’t too dense but have a light, airy quality within their chewiness.
• Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger): This aromatic trio is what gives these cookies their quintessential “Christmas taste.” Ground cinnamon provides warmth, cloves add a deep, fragrant note, and ground ginger offers the classic spicy foundation that makes these treats so comforting and festive.
• Fresh Ginger: For an extra layer of bright, zesty heat that truly makes these cookies pop, a touch of freshly grated ginger is indispensable. This intensifies the ginger flavor and adds a vibrant spiciness that stands out from purely ground spices.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is vital for creaming with sugar, creating air pockets that contribute to the cookies’ light texture. I recommend unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of the recipe; if you only have salted butter, remember to halve the amount of added salt.
• Brown Sugar: This is a star ingredient, offering more than just sweetness. Brown sugar, with its natural molasses content, contributes to the cookies’ moistness, chewiness, and adds a subtle, rich molasses flavor that is milder than using actual molasses.
• Large Egg: The egg binds all the ingredients together, providing structure and richness. A large egg is recommended for its precise moisture content, which is crucial for achieving that perfectly chewy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better emulsification.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste rounds out the spice profile, adding a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor that complements the ginger and other spices beautifully. Avoid imitation vanilla for the best results.
• Maple Syrup: Beyond adding natural sweetness, maple syrup plays a crucial role in enhancing the depth of flavor and contributing to the signature chewiness of these ginger cookies. Its unique earthy notes beautifully harmonize with the ginger.
• Granulated Sugar (for rolling): Used for rolling the cookie dough before baking, this provides the gorgeous crunchy exterior and sparkling finish that makes these ginger cookies so visually appealing and texturally satisfying. Organic cane sugar, turbinado sugar, or raw sugar are all excellent choices for this step.

Mastering Your Bake: How to Choose the Best Gluten-Free Flour Blend

The success of your gluten-free ginger cookies largely depends on selecting the right flour blend. Navigating the world of gluten-free flours can be tricky, but here’s what to look for to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious:

When you’re at the grocery store, specifically seek out gluten-free flour blends that are clearly labeled as “1-to-1” or “measure for measure.” These types of blends are specifically formulated to replace regular all-purpose flour in recipes without requiring any additional alterations, making your baking process much simpler and more reliable.

It’s also essential to check the ingredient list for the base flours. Opt for blends that primarily use rice flour or oat flour. While chickpea flour can offer good texture in some baked goods, it often imparts a distinct, sometimes unpleasant, earthy flavor that can detract from the delicate spice balance of your ginger snaps. Stick to neutral-flavored bases for the best results.

Most importantly, ensure your chosen gluten-free flour blend *includes xanthan gum*. Xanthan gum is a crucial ingredient in gluten-free baking; it acts as a binder, mimicking the elastic properties that gluten provides in traditional flour. Without xanthan gum, your cookies might turn out gummy, crumbly, or simply fall apart. If your blend doesn’t contain it, you’ll need to add a small amount separately (usually ¼ to ½ teaspoon per cup of flour). Trusted brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour and King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour are excellent choices that meet these criteria, helping you achieve consistent and delicious results every time.

Helpful Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Here are some easy substitutions to help you make these delicious ginger cookies:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If you or your loved ones do not have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you can easily substitute the gluten-free flour blend with regular all-purpose flour. The taste and texture will still be fantastic!
• Brown Sugar: Feel free to use either dark brown sugar for a richer, more pronounced molasses note, or light brown sugar for a milder sweetness in these gluten-free spice cookies. You can even use a 50/50 mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar if you prefer a less intense brown sugar flavor.
• Maple Syrup: While maple syrup adds a distinct depth, you can successfully swap it out for an equal amount of honey for a slightly different sweet profile, or corn syrup if you’re looking for a neutral sweetener that still contributes to the chewiness.

How to Bake Irresistibly Chewy Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfectly spiced, soft, and chewy gluten-free ginger cookies:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly combine your gluten-free flour blend, fine salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Whisk these dry ingredients together well to ensure they are evenly distributed, then set this mixture aside for later.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a large bowl and a hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes wonderfully fluffy and noticeably lighter in color. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie.
3. Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well-incorporated. Add the large egg and beat again until it is fully combined into the butter-sugar mixture. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract and the freshly grated ginger, beating once more until everything is uniformly blended.

4. Gradually add the reserved flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop any gluten present in non-GF flour, or make GF flour gritty. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl one more time to ensure no dry pockets of flour remain, then give it a final quick beat.
5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and transfer the cookie dough to the refrigerator. It is absolutely essential to chill the cookie dough for a minimum of 2 hours. This crucial step helps the flour hydrate and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a thick, chewy texture.
6. Once the dough is adequately chilled, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
7. Using a cookie scoop (a 4-teaspoon capacity scoop works perfectly for uniform cookies), scoop out portions of the chilled cookie dough. Roll the rounded side of each dough ball generously into granulated sugar, coating it completely. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there are at least 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
8. If you choose to make the optional maple icing, melt the butter and maple syrup together in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking continuously until smooth. Once the butter is completely melted, remove the pot from the heat. Whisk in the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Spoon this delectable glaze generously over each cooled cookie and allow it to set for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving or storing.

The Science of Baking: Why Chilling Cookie Dough is Essential

Chilling cookie dough before baking might seem like an extra step, but it’s a critical technique for achieving the perfect texture and preventing common baking mishaps. There are two primary scientific reasons why this step is non-negotiable for delectable gluten-free ginger cookies:

Firstly, the flour, especially gluten-free flour blends, needs adequate time to properly hydrate. When dry flour comes into contact with wet ingredients, it begins to absorb moisture. By allowing your cookie dough to rest in the fridge for at least two hours, you give the flour sufficient time to fully absorb the liquids. This hydration process is key to preventing a gritty or crumbly texture in your baked goods, ensuring your gluten-free gingerbread cookies are wonderfully smooth and tender.

Secondly, chilling the cookie dough is paramount for managing the butter’s temperature. When butter is cold, it’s firm and holds its shape. As the cookies bake in a hot oven, the butter slowly melts, releasing steam that creates pockets of air and contributes to the cookie’s rise and chewiness. If you skip chilling the dough, the butter will melt too quickly, causing the cookies to spread excessively before they have a chance to set. This often results in flat, thin, and dry disks instead of the thick, chewy, and perfectly formed ginger cookies you desire. So, resist the urge to rush, and let your dough chill – your taste buds will thank you!

Essential Pro-Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Ginger Cookies:

Elevate your baking game with these expert tips, ensuring every batch of your chewy ginger cookies is a triumph:

• Always Scrape the Bowl Thoroughly: Don’t underestimate the importance of this simple step! Regularly scraping down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl with a rubber spatula ensures that all ingredients, especially the dry ones, are fully incorporated into the dough. This prevents pockets of unmixed flour or sugar, which can lead to unevenly baked cookies or an inconsistent texture.
• Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For professional-looking cookies that bake evenly every time, a cookie scoop is your best friend. It guarantees that each dough ball is the same size, promoting consistent baking results across the entire batch. I recommend using a cookie scoop that holds approximately 4 teaspoons (20ml) of dough for perfectly sized ginger cookies.
• Parchment Paper is Your Baking Ally: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper is a simple trick that yields big benefits. Not only does it create a non-stick surface, ensuring your precious cookies release easily without breaking, but it also promotes even heat distribution and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Invest in a Kitchen Scale for Accuracy: For truly consistent and precise baking, especially with gluten-free recipes, a kitchen scale is highly recommended. Measuring ingredients by weight rather than volume (cups) eliminates inconsistencies due to packing density, ensuring you use the exact amounts specified in the recipe. This can make a significant difference in the final texture of your cookies.
• Shape Warm Cookies with a Large Round Cutter: For those who love a perfectly round cookie, here’s a clever hack: immediately after your cookies come out of the oven, while they are still warm and pliable, use a large round cookie cutter (slightly larger than your cookies) to gently enclose each cookie. Swirl the cutter around the cookie to nudge its edges into a perfect circular shape. This trick works wonders for achieving aesthetically pleasing, uniformly round cookies.

Storage and Freezing Directions: Keeping Your Ginger Cookies Fresh

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious chewy ginger snap cookies for as long as possible. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place your ginger cookies in an airtight container. They will remain wonderfully fresh and chewy at room temperature for up to 3 days. After this period, while still edible, they may start to lose some of their moisture and become a bit stale.

Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. To prevent them from sticking together, first wrap each individual cookie tightly in plastic wrap, or layer them between sheets of parchment paper within a freezer bag or airtight freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, or simply warm them gently in the microwave or oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough? Absolutely!

Freezing cookie dough is a fantastic way to prepare ahead and enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime. Yes, you can absolutely freeze this gluten-free ginger cookie dough!

To do so, first scoop out individual portions of the cookie dough (as you would for baking) and arrange them on a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Place this into the freezer for about 30 minutes, or until the dough balls are firm. Once firm, transfer these frozen dough balls into a freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to a month.

When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw the dough completely. Simply take the desired number of dough balls directly from the freezer while your oven preheats. Roll them in granulated sugar as usual, then place them on your parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake according to the recipe instructions, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed, since they are starting from a frozen state.

Dairy-Free Delight: Adapting This Cookie Recipe

Making these scrumptious ginger cookies suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or following a vegan diet is incredibly simple. You can easily modify the recipe to be completely dairy-free without compromising on flavor or texture. For the main cookie dough, simply omit the traditional unsalted butter. Instead, use ⅔ cup (151g) of high-quality vegan butter along with ⅓ cup (73g) of refined coconut oil. This combination provides the necessary fat and moisture content to achieve the same soft, chewy results.

It’s important to use *refined* coconut oil, rather than virgin or extra virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has a neutral flavor, ensuring your cookies taste like ginger and spices, not coconut. If refined coconut oil is unavailable, solid vegetable shortening can also be used as a reliable dairy-free alternative. For the maple glaze, simply substitute the regular butter with an equal amount of your favorite vegan butter, and you’ll have a fully dairy-free treat ready to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ginger Cookies

More Delightful Holiday Cookie Recipes to Explore:

The festive season calls for an abundance of delicious cookies! If you loved these gluten-free ginger cookies, you’re sure to enjoy these other holiday favorites:

• These gluten-free thumbprint cookies are buttery, visually stunning, and an excellent way to use up any leftover cranberry sauce you might have from holiday meals.
• No holiday cookie platter is complete without classic gluten-free Christmas cookies! Our recipe ensures soft centers with perfectly crisp edges, making them a must-have for your festive table.
• For the ultimate chocolate indulgence, try our decadent chocolate marshmallow cookies or the rich and fudgy double chocolate chip cookies. They are incredibly chocolatey and utterly delicious!
• If you’re looking to create decorative and whimsical cookies that will impress, don’t miss our adorable reindeer cookies or the vibrant and unique matcha Christmas tree cookies.