An easy recipe for gluten-free gingerbread cookies! The classic soft and chewy gingerbread cookie dipped in decadent white chocolate. The recipe also has a dairy-free option.
Recipe originally published in December 2017, more helpful gluten-free and dairy-free baking information added in November 2019.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
I love the smells of holiday baking, especially that of gingerbread. There is nothing quite like the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven.
Gingerbread just smells like the holidays to me. It’s such a warm and cozy scent.
I love all things gingerbread, especially these gluten-free gingerbread cookies dipped in white chocolate!
How To Make Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
- In a large bowl cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Pour the dry ingredients slowly into the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Chill the cookie dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add 6 tablespoons of sugar into a small bowl.
- Using a greased cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon scoop out the cookie dough and roll into a round ball.
- Roll the cookie ball in the sugar and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Dip the bottom of a drinking glass into the sugar and use the bottom of the glass to press the cookie ball flat.
- Repeat placing cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Please watch your cookies because all ovens are different.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for several minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to completely cool.
- Cool completely before dipping cookies into white chocolate or glaze.
White Chocolate Dip
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of shortening at a time in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir to make sure it is fully melted and smooth. You will need to melt several batches because the chocolate cools quickly.
- Using a spoon, pour the melted white chocolate mixture on half of the cookie. Spread the white chocolate with the spoon to smooth out if necessary.
- Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and use gluten-free sprinkles to decorate.
- If using the dairy-free glaze, mix all ingredients together until smooth. You can sprinkle the glaze on the cookie with a spoon or spread it on with a spoon and then decorate with sprinkles.
- Have fun and get creative! The glaze will not be as white or thick as the white chocolate, but it will be as tasty.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Flour
These gluten-free cut out sugar cookies are made with a rice flour cup for cup blend. A cup for cup all-purpose gluten-free flour blend is one that already has xanthan gum it.
Most gluten-free all-purpose flour blends have xanthan gum already in them. The xanthan gum helps replace the elasticity and texture of gluten.
Make sure to check to see if the brand of gluten-free flour you are using has xanthan gum in it. If it does, do not add extra xanthan gum to the recipe or you will get gummy gingerbread cookies!
My preferred brand of gluten-free flour is Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
I also test baked these cookies with GF Jules gluten-free flour and they turned out beautifully.
Tip For Measuring Gluten-Free Flour
Gluten-free flour is different than traditional wheat flour. The best way to measure gluten-free flour is the “spoon & level” method.
I use a spoon to scoop the flour out of the bag and into the measuring cup. Then I use the back of a knife to level off the top of the measuring cup.
Please do not scoop the flour out of the bag with your measuring cup. If you do, you could end up with more flour than is called for in the recipe.
Also, use a measuring cup made for dry ingredients (not a pyrex liquid measuring cup).
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Gingerbread Cookies
I have also included a dairy-free option for my gluten-free gingerbread cookie recipe. My husband, my youngest son, and I are all dairy-free.
I used Smart Balance butter, almond milk, and Nestle’s Simply Delicious White Morsels in the gluten-free and dairy-free gingerbread cookies. I promise these gingerbread cookies are just as delicious made with dairy-free butter, milk, and white morsels.
If you are unable to find the dairy-free morsels I also have a dairy-free glaze recipe you can use. I found the morsels at Walmart.
Some of my favorite dairy-free alternatives that I like to bake with is almond, cashew, or coconut milk. I also like baking with coconut oil or Earth Balance or Smart Balance butter.
So, you too can enjoy a gluten-free and dairy-free gingerbread cookie.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cut Out Cookies
If you are looking for an easy recipe to make gingerbread men or your favorite holiday shapes, including making a gingerbread house, try my Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies recipe! This easy recipe also has a dairy-free option.
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies
These gluten-free gingerbread cookies are perfectly balanced between sweet and lightly spiced. A soft and chewy gingerbread cookie with crisp edges dipped in white chocolate.
The decadent white chocolate coating takes these gingerbread cookies to a whole new level. These are my family’s favorite Christmas cookies, and my littlest one likes them without the white chocolate!
My family loves these so much I start baking them even before Thanksgiving. You will love these classic Christmas cookies, and I promise no one will even know they are gluten-free.
This Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Was The First Place Winner Of
The 7th Annual Gluten-Free Cookie Swap!
More Gluten-Free Christmas Cookie Recipes To Try!
- Almond Spritz Cookies {Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free}
- Gluten-Free Cut Out Sugar Cookies {Dairy-Free Option}
- Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms {Dairy-Free Option}
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Cookie recipe adapted from Gingersnaps from Betty Crocker’s 40th Anniversary Cookbook.
Gluten-Free White Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread Cookies {Dairy-Free Option}
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softned dairy-free use Earth Smart Balance butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour I like Pillsbury gluten-free
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum , leave out if your flour already has it
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon allspice
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling
- gluten-free sprinkles (optional)
White Chocolate Dip
- 3 cups gluten-free white chocolate chips use dairy-free white chocolate chips or omit if dairy-free and see glaze recipe
- 3 Tablespoons shortening
Dairy-free glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 teaspoons non-dairy milk I like almond, cashew or coconut milk.
Instructions
- In a large bowl cream together butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg, molasses, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl whisk together gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
- Pour the dry ingredients slowly into the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Chill the cookie dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Add 6 tablespoons of sugar into a small bowl.
- Using a greased cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon scoop out the cookie dough and roll into a round ball.
- Roll the cookie ball in the sugar and place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
- Dip the bottom of a drinking glass into the sugar and use the bottom of the glass to press the cookie ball flat.
- Repeat placing cookies 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Please watch your cookies because all ovens are different.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for several minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to completely cool.
- Cool completely before dipping cookies into white chocolate or glaze.
White Chocolate Dip
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of shortening at a time in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir to make sure it is fully melted and smooth. You will need to melt several batches because the chocolate cools quickly.
- Using a spoon, pour the melted white chocolate mixture on half of the cookie. Spread the white chocolate with the spoon to smooth out if necessary.
- Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and use gluten-free sprinkles to decorate.
- If using the dairy-free glaze: mix all ingredients together until smooth. You can sprinkle the glaze on the cookie with a spoon or spread it on with a spoon and then decorate with sprinkles. Have fun and get creative! The glaze will not be as white or a thick as the white chocolate, but it will be as tasty.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- I like Pillsbury gluten-free flour. Not all gluten-free flours are created equal. You may experience different baking results depending on the gluten-free flour blend you choose.
- I used a greased cookie scoop.
- For the dairy-free option I used Smart Balance Butter, almond milk and Nestle's Simply Delcious White Morsels (dairy-free, gluten-free)
- Store in an air-tight container
- Mama says, "always check your labels!"
Nutrition
Kimberly says
Hello, I will be making both a gluten free version of these and a batch for those who can eat gluten. Can I sub in regular all-purpose flour measure for measure?
Audrey says
Hi Kimberly. I have never tried any of my recipes with regular all-purpose flour made with wheat. I hope that your gluten-free guests enjoy the cookies!
Joiwind Alexander says
I’m looking forward to trying these! I’m planning on making several of your awesome Christmas cookies (including the peanut butter blossom cookies!) for this holiday season and was wondering if these can be frozen? I don’t usually bake things too far ahead, but will need to this year if I’m going to make a bunch of different kinds. If they can’t be frozen, how long will they be good in an airtight container?
Audrey says
Hi Joiwind! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. I hope you enjoy the cookies!
Karen says
Audrey, Can I use an egg substitute in these? My grandson is allergic to gluten, eggs, and nuts! It is terribly hard to find good recipes. Thanks
Audrey says
Hi Karen! I use Bob’s Red Mill egg replacer for egg-free baking.
Melissa Davis says
Best gluten free cookies ever! So fluffy and tasty.
Carolina says
These are the best cookies I’ve personally ever made! They came out perfectly chewy and delicious! Thank you so much!!!
Stephanie says
Delicious.
Mary van der Stok says
I have made these three or four times and they are now a part of our nightly routine! Each night , my husband and I have two of these cookies with hearbal tea while we chat in bed before nodding off. It makes dozens of cookies to last the week! I do not dip them in white choclate , but just roll them in sugar before baking. In one batch I substitued some coconut and almond flour for part of the flour and they turned out flatter and crispier. I prefer the chewy original, but my hubby likes the crispy ones so I will alternate! I have also used the chocolate chip cookie recipe which my kids made disappear in two days ! Granted that recip make fewr cookies, but still 😉
Cassandra Zucht says
This recipe was phenomenal! You could not tell that these cookies were gluten and dairy free. I used margarine instead of dairy free butter, and I used dairy free eggnog in the glaze instead of milk. Delicious! Will be a go-to recipe!
Audrey says
Thank you so much Cassandra for the awesome 5-star recipe review! I am so happy that you enjoyed the gingerbread cookies and it will be your go-to recipe. An eggnog glaze sounds amazing! I am going to have to try that. Thanks again!
Dana J says
These are AMAZING!!! We made the dairy free version. I will admit I was overwhelmed when I looked at the recipe as I am NOT a baker but they turned out absolutely gorgeous AND no one can tell they are gluten and dairy free!!!! My girls and I are so excited to bring them to share with family! Thanks for helping us to keep our holiday safe!
Audrey says
Hi Dana thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! This makes my heart so happy to hear. You really made my day. This is what it’s all about for me. You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family. Thank you again!
Tracy says
Made these tonight with the kids and they were delicious! Thank you so much!
Audrey says
Hi Tracy that makes me so happy to hear! Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star recipe review! You are so welcome, I love sharing what I make for my family.
Amy walkkents says
my kids loved it
Audrey says
I am so happy that they enjoyed it! My kids love them too!
Steph says
Have you tried rolling this recipe to make gingerbread mean?
Audrey says
Hi Steph! I have not tried to make these into gingerbread men. It may work if you chill the dough. If you decide to try it, please let me know how it does. Happy holiday baking!
Amanda says
These will be fun for a mommy and me cookie session. My little would love to help…help eat them!
Audrey says
Absolutely! My kids loved them!
Alisa Fleming says
Big, chewy gingerbread cookies are my favorite. And it’s so wonderful of you to include a dairy-free option.
Audrey says
Thank you so much!They are one of my favorites. There are three of us that is dairy-free, so I try to find dairy-free options too.
Leslie says
I need to get baking! These will be a great addition to a cookie exchange. Dipping them in chocolate with the sprinkles make them so festive.
Audrey says
You can never go wrong with a gingerbread cookie. The white chocolate takes them to a whole new flavor level! The sprinkles are just so much fun. My kids are all about the sprinkles.
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate says
I love that these are dipped in white chocolate! They look perfect.
spabettie says
these are so festive and fun – and gingerbread is always a good thing…
nicoleanndawson says
Love that added white chocolate dip to these cookies!
Celeste Noland says
These look so good Audrey! A must for any gathering over the holidays.
Audrey says
Thank you Celeste! They are my family’s favorite holiday cookie.