Soft and chewy ginger cookies that are gluten-free and vegan, are like little pillows of ginger joy! When holiday cookie baking is underway, you will want to have this recipe in your arsenal!
Let the cookie season commence! You are in for some great cookie recipes this month so prepare yourselves. This blog has been lacking in desserts for for too long and I’ve been trying to remedy that as much as possible. By the time we get to 2016, you’ll have plenty of healthy, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly desserts and baked goods to put your sweet-loving heart at ease for awhile. Even though I have other non-sweet recipes I’m dieing to share right now, I’m trying to listen to the requests for goodies!
I’m starting you off with a simple recipe, something to ease you in to the standouts I have planned. Now, ginger is far from my favorite spice, but for some reason, I’ve always had this thing about gingerbread or ginger baked goods. I hesitate to call these cookies gingerbread cookies since they are much more subtle (you can tell by the color) and they are definitely not in the gingersnap category as they are, well, soft and chewy! That’s the other thing. I much rather prefer soft cookies (and chewy), as noted here and here. I want my cookies to be pillows. Pillows that lead to sweet cookies dreams.
(Throw back to my cinnamon ornaments I made for the family last year!)
I’m all about crumbs, but soft crumbs. But for cookies, the whole thing should be soft and bonus points if it’s ultra chewy. I’ve discovered the hidden baking secret to perfect chewy gluten-free baked goods too. That is…arrowroot starch! You’ll notice that I use it in a lot of my baking and in all the cookie recipes to come. When you bake gluten-free and vegan and then you find some magic that guarantees successful results, you run with it! Arrowroot just gives baked goods such perfect chewy binding properties. With no gluten to be the sticky stretchy protein in your baked goods, arrowroot really makes the best easy sub!
So soft chewy ginger cookies had to happen this year. Bonus, since I’m calling them ginger cookies, you can make them any time of year and not feel “weird” if you’re one of those “seasonal” people. I’m not. I’ll have pumpkin pie and gingerbread in May if I want! These cookies are perfect in the morning with some coffee or at night with some tea. They’re healthy enough to eat a few at once, not too sweet, but just right. I’m a big fan of heating these types of cookies up a bit in the microwave too. It adds to the cookie pillow joy!
I used some lovely light amaranth flour and my main squeeze buckwheat flour in these cookies as well. Some lovely whole grains with ginger and some warming spices, plus a hint of molasses makes these the perfect ginger cookies for me. Even if you’re not too big of a ginger or gingerbread fan, these cookies are subtle enough in their taste that I think you may be stocking up on some ginger a bit more often 😉
Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies
Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies
Soft and chewy ginger cookies that are gluten-free and vegan, are like little pillows of ginger joy! When holiday cookie baking is underway, you will want to have this recipe in your arsenal! The perfect healthy recipe to have for dessert this season!
- Yield: 18 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- 1/2 Cup Amaranth Flour
- 1/2 Cup Buckwheat Flour
- 1 Cup Arrowroot Starch
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 1/2 Tsp Ground Ginger
- 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
- 1/2 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 1 TB Blackstrap Molasses
- 2 TB Ethrytol (you can use another granulated sugar if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix together completely.
- Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper. The use a tablespoon to roughly measure out 18 cookie dough blobs and drop them on the sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown. Allow to cool after removing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
Now if you haven’t started baking cookies yet (what are you waiting for!?), get those ovens heated up and those cookie sheets lined! ‘Tis the season for cookies and any type of cookie you make is a good cookie (even if it’s hard and crunchy)!
So tell me:
+ Got any cookie baking secrets?
+ Favorite type of cookie? I’m not sure actually. As long as it isn’t too sweet and it’s soft, I’ll take it!
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Tina Basu
I love ginger cookies. This is so much of goodness on one plate! Loved it, we’ll give it a try soon
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are a favorite! Hope you enjoy some soon!
Cricket Plunkett
Yum! I love ginger, adding these to the Christmas cookie list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Simple ginger cookies are a holiday must!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
These sound yummy!! I love the little gingerbread man with your cookies, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, last year’s cinnamon ornaments!
Jan
Be Still My Heart! I love soft ginger cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant
Love love love ginger and I am determined to become a better baker this year (2016) I’m working my way through America’s Test Kitchen holiday baking issue right now.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’m sure you’ll be a star by then!!!! The more practice the more confidence!
Alicia | A Burst of Beautiful
I love ginger cookies, and I especially love that these ones are gluten-free and vegan!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Alicia!
kimmythevegan
These look so good Rebecca! I like the sound of these lighter cookies for the holidays, I’ve been indulging a bit much and these sound like a nice option.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These will fit the light and healthy bill, but still satisfy the cookie craving!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc.
I have GOT to try these! I love gingerbread cookies but I do not like the hard and crispy texture! Soft and Chewy is definitely more my speed!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are SO perfect then!
Kathleen
These sound like they are so delicious, I love anything ginger.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you!
Laurie
These look pretty yummy! I don’t think I have a Ginger cookie recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Then you need to bake some!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Sounds delicious! I love soft + chewy ginger cookies.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Emily!
Miz Helen
Your Ginger Cookies look awesome, perfect for a holiday party.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They would be!
Amberjane
I love Ginger cookies so I am making these Rebecca 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know when you do!
Pragati // Simple Medicine
I love Ginger in the winter months. It’s warming and does wonders for the immune system. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Such a bonus!
Leanne@crestingthehill
these look and sound delicious! I love a little bit of ginger around Christmas time and the fact that they’re healthy is an added bonus.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally a must!
Josefine
Wow, these look so good! Yum 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Nena
I love chewy cookies and this is the first time I see ginger cookies that are nice and soft and CHEWY!! Great recipe!! I’m pinning this:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Woohoo! You will love them! Thank you Nena!
Bethany
These cookies look great! I am hosting a gluten free Christmas treat link up right now. I would love it if you’d add your recipe to it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Sure Bethany!
Annmarie
Totally need to make these- my mom would love them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Everyone will 😉
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy
They look yummy!! I might have to give these a go using stevia.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are fantastic!
yummy mummy uk
love a good cookie
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You’ll love these!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
As always, these biscuits look so good. I love a good chewy cookie! x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Sara at Handy Herbs
I love the combination of ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon – delicious! Like you, I love soft and chewy. Love how easy the recipe is. Will have to check out arrowroot starch!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you like them soft and chewy than arrowroot is a must to start baking with!
Miss Polkadot
Neither gingersnaps nor any kind of ginger cookie is a classic over here but we certainly started baking some traditional German cookies already. Also, chewy cookies are where it’s at. You’ve got me curious about arrowroot now. I don’t usually bake gluten-free but I’m up for experimentation.
Have you been using erythritol in baking a lot before? I have a bag sitting around that I bought for a bit of experimenting ages ago but find the taste a little … different. Hence why I’m unsure about going ahead and subbing it for regular sugar in traditional recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you want soft and chewy, USE ARROWROOT!
I just started this summer with the erythritol since I started doing tons of big baking projects. It’s almost 1 to 1 with sugar so much easier to convert than stevia (even though stevia will always be #1). But I also like that this is actually granulated.
Gin
Ok, now I’m stoked to try arrowroot starch! Buckwheat flour too. I’ve never let myself enjoy gingerbread outside of wintertime, what’s that about?? I’m ready! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
What! Never be shamed to not have gingerbread everything all year long (just like pumpkin!)
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
A girl after my own heart!!! I love love love ginger cookies. Especially dipped in coffee 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ginger cookies are just a winter staple!!!
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family
These look delish! Sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!
Liora (Allthingsloveli)
These look so delicious! My mom has always been a crispy cookie fan but I am totally in the chewy camp! These look perfect for me 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea girl! Chewy people win!
Maketta
When I saw the picture before the recipe. I said to myself,”I probably won’t be able to eat them” ( because I am on a no meat and dairy diet). What a pleasant surprise when I saw the recipe. They look delicious. I will have to try these. I am going to pin this. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well thank you!! Always dairy, gluten, egg, and soy free here!!! Only the best 😉
Chellie
Oh yummy! Just reading this recipe made my mouth water! Pinning for later. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! I’m glad they’re enticing you 😉
Kelly @ Eat the Gains
My blog doesn’t have that many sweets on it either. I am definitely better at cooking than baking…I feel like it is a science that I haven’t mastered yet. These look great! I love ginger!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Then you need to get at it! It is more of a science, but it is so much fun!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life
I love the ginger flavor and a little spice in cookies – especially soft and chewy ones! What a great recipe, Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly! Thanks so much Alyssa!
Mary
Another great recipe. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
🙂
Laura
Oh man, what a delight! Let the cookie baking begin! Ginger ones are always my fave:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They’re always perfect for the holidays!
Sarah
These sound AMAZING! I love ginger & soft cookies. What a great holiday treat. I am totally gonna be trying these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope you do Sarah! Thank you!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen)
I love ginger sweets, especially this time of year! I especially love hem dipped in ,my morning coffee. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are perfect with a warm mug (or two!)
genevieve @ gratitude & greens
Aw I love ginger cookies! I keep meaning to host a cookie swap each time holiday season rolls around but I’ve never gotten around to it. I think I might have to be boring and go with oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips as my favourite cookie. They’re just so yummy! Can’t wait for all the cookies you have in store for the blog 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I’ve never done a real cookie swap…but that would b so fun!
Oatmeal cookies are always good and always chewy 😉
Jenn
These look wonderful! I love ginger cookies and these little soft pillows would hit the spot! And, amaranth flour? Nice!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Heck yes!! Load in the soft flours and then devour the fluffy pillows 😉
Megan
Whoa these look so good. Cookie season is my favorite season and anything that resembles ginger and Christmas is a go-to for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Those are my feelings exactly 😉
Sarah Jane @ The Fit Cookie
Yum, I love soft cookies! My husband is a crunchy cookie fan, but I like ’em soft. The best part is I can actually make these for my kids and I!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah yes! More for you guys then!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs
I much prefer soft and chewy cookies. And I do like ginger cookies (though chocolate chip is my favorite 🙂 ).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well who can turn down chocolate!
Dasha @ Amazingly Tasty
Wow these look absolutely stunning and delicious! I’m definitely making them for Christmas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Santa will be pleased 😉
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah
This is perfect! I’ve totally been craving ginger cookies lately 😀 And this is a recipe I won’t feel so guilty about making (and eating… probably the entire batch by myself).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I won’t tell if you eat them all 😉
Harriet Emily
Oh my goodness Rebecca! These look absolutely perfect. They look so delicious! I love ginger, so I just know I’m going to love these cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes you will! xoxo
Kristy @ Southern In Law
Ooooh, these look good! I loveeee ginger cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One of the best!
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate
I love the nutritious flours you use in this recipe! And you know how I feel about gingerbread 😉
Cheers,
Chrystal
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
We can never have enough gingerbread goodies 😉
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
These would disappear so fast at my ourse! I’m such a big fan of ginger, I can’t get enough I’ve been putting it in my oats and my coffee lately!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It’s ginger season so use it ALL!!!
Gluten Free With Emily
LOVE how soft this look, what a perfect treat!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you Emily!
Paula
I love ginger everything! And I have some amaranth and buckwheat flours that I need to use up…this looks like the perfect way to use them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think it is!!
Linda @ Veganosity
Ginger cookies are one of my favorites. These look like they’d be perfect with tea. Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They totally would! Thanks Linda!
Evi @ greenevi
Oh, ginger cookies! I want to have some now, they look incredible good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Evi!
dixya | food, pleasure, and health
i love ginger flavor in general but i dont know why i dont bake with it. needs to change that.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Heck yea girl! It’s a baking classic!
Kari
These look delicious! I love soft they seem.
Kari
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Soft cookies rock!
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy
Your creations are simply divine!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, thanks!!
Andrea B.
These look really good. But I kind of need to go check out your ornament recipe now. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
All you need is cinnamon and applesauce!
Ana
Yum! This cookie recipe looks so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Ana!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
These look divine! I’ve been looking for a good gingerbread recipe to try and good to know about the arrowroot powder too. I’ve only used it in a few recipes so far.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I basically use it in ALL my baking now! I go through bags!
Trish
You post the most amazing recipes! I love soft ginger cookies and can’t wait to try this one. Thanks!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Trish! Let me know if you do!
Jessica Haynes
Yum, these look delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Leslie
I can almost taste these goodies! I love sweets with a lot.of flavor, I want one! Hah.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Leslie!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
I’m not sure if I can pick a fave cookie either, but soft ginger cookies are definitely in the top tier! I LOVE them <3 All about the ginger baking right now too, I've gone through more pieces of ginger root in the paste 2 weeks than I have all year lol! And the gingerbread men keep them perfect company 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I can’t wait for you to share your gingery goodness 😉
I’ve only ever used fresh ginger root a few times, I’m lazy and I like the “softer” taste of ground 😉 BUT (random) I have like a pound of fresh…TURMERIC ROOT!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Just make oodles and oodles of extra yellowy mac n cheese 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That’s a good idea 😉
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
Rebecca, I love ginger flavored desserts–they are the perfect compliment after a heavier holiday meal!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right!? And ginger helps the tummy 😉
Linda at Mixed Kreations
These sound delicious! Bet the hubby would love these with his coffee. Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are perfect coffee cookies!
Christie
My sister-in-law had brought has fantastic chewy ginger cookies from NY and I have been wanting to recreate them. This recipe sounds like the perfect way to do that.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, ginger cookies just bring so much joy!
Skye
These look perfect!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Skye!
Marye
These look amazing, I love spicy cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Marye!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado
these look so fluffy I could die! i love ginger!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fluffy ginger pillows, my friend 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I feel like I can “see” the chewiness in these cookies 🙂 Yum! My only cookie baking secret is no matter what the recipe, vanilla always make cookies taste better.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
These are totally NOT a crunchy cookie what so ever! Haha! But that’s the way it should be 😉
Extracts are always important! Vanilla will never let you down, but I love so many!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete
Oh absolutely <3 My goodness. Thanks for the recipe, missy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you dear!
Susie @ SuzLyfe
Send Me To Please Now.
Need.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cookie presents exchange!!