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
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- ½ Cup Amaranth Flour
- ½ Cup Buckwheat Flour
- 1 Cup Arrowroot Starch
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1½ Tsp Ground Ginger
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Nutmeg
- ½ Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 1 TB Blackstrap Molasses
- 2 TB Ethrytol (you can use another granulated sugar if desired)
- 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.
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!
Stay connected: Facebook: Strength and Sunshine Twitter: @RebeccaGF666 Instagram: rebeccagf666 Pinterest: RebeccaGF666 Bloglovin’: Strength and Sunshine Google+: Rebecca Pytell
I love ginger cookies. This is so much of goodness on one plate! Loved it, we’ll give it a try soon
They are a favorite! Hope you enjoy some soon!
Yum! I love ginger, adding these to the Christmas cookie list!
Cricket Plunkett recently posted…Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
Simple ginger cookies are a holiday must!
These sound yummy!! I love the little gingerbread man with your cookies, too!
Haha, last year’s cinnamon ornaments!
Be Still My Heart! I love soft ginger cookies!
Thanks!
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.
Christine | Mid-Life Croissant recently posted…Basic French Lentils
I’m sure you’ll be a star by then!!!! The more practice the more confidence!
I love ginger cookies, and I especially love that these ones are gluten-free and vegan!
Alicia | A Burst of Beautiful recently posted…Tips and Tricks for a Beautiful Christmas Tree
Thanks Alicia!
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.
kimmythevegan recently posted…Chickee Dough Bites
These will fit the light and healthy bill, but still satisfy the cookie craving!
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!
Betsy @ Happily Ever After, Etc. recently posted…DIY Christmas Glitter House… Thrift Store Swap 3!
These are SO perfect then!
These sound like they are so delicious, I love anything ginger.
Kathleen recently posted…Upside-down Apple Cake | Gluten Free
Yes! Thank you!
These look pretty yummy! I don’t think I have a Ginger cookie recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Laurie recently posted…Snickerdoodle Sunday #110
Then you need to bake some!
Sounds delicious! I love soft + chewy ginger cookies.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish recently posted…Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies
Thanks Emily!
Your Ginger Cookies look awesome, perfect for a holiday party.
Miz Helen recently posted…Sweet Potato Breakfast Bake
They would be!
I love Ginger cookies so I am making these Rebecca 🙂
Amberjane recently posted…The 4 week Countdown to an Organised Christmas- week 3
Let me know when you do!
I love Ginger in the winter months. It’s warming and does wonders for the immune system. Thanks for sharing!
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Let’s Talk Cents: Saving Through the Holidays
Totally! Such a bonus!
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.
Leanne@crestingthehill recently posted…Over The Moon Link Party #1
Totally a must!
Wow, these look so good! Yum 🙂
Josefine recently posted…Cheesy Vegan Butternut Squash “Alfredo”
Thank you dear!
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:)
Woohoo! You will love them! Thank you Nena!
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.
Bethany recently posted…Gluten Free Caramel and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sure Bethany!
Totally need to make these- my mom would love them!
Annmarie recently posted…Foodie Friday: Most Pinned Recipes of 2015
Everyone will 😉
They look yummy!! I might have to give these a go using stevia.
Vicki Montague – The Free From Fairy recently posted…Low FODMAP Mincemeat Recipe For Dried Fruit Haters (glutenfree, dairyfree)
They are fantastic!
love a good cookie
You’ll love these!
As always, these biscuits look so good. I love a good chewy cookie! x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins recently posted…Thrifty Christmas Thursday – Vegetables and Trimmings
Thank you dear!
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!
Sara at Handy Herbs recently posted…Herbs help Children explore Science & Nature
If you like them soft and chewy than arrowroot is a must to start baking with!
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.
Miss Polkadot recently posted…Why #goals might not be what they seem like
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.
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! 🙂
Gin recently posted…Roasted Butternut Squash and Green Lentil Curry
What! Never be shamed to not have gingerbread everything all year long (just like pumpkin!)
A girl after my own heart!!! I love love love ginger cookies. Especially dipped in coffee 😉
Ginger cookies are just a winter staple!!!
These look delish! Sharing.
Jamie @ Medium Sized Family recently posted…How I’m Keeping My Sanity This December
Thank you dear!
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 🙂
Liora (Allthingsloveli) recently posted…Butternut Lentil Soup
Yea girl! Chewy people win!
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!
Maketta recently posted…How To Take The Best Screen Shots For Your Blog Post
Well thank you!! Always dairy, gluten, egg, and soy free here!!! Only the best 😉
Oh yummy! Just reading this recipe made my mouth water! Pinning for later. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Chellie recently posted…Fettuccine Alfredo {done light}
Thank you! I’m glad they’re enticing you 😉
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!
Kelly @ Eat the Gains recently posted…Pumpkin Cinnamon Raisin Balls
Then you need to get at it! It is more of a science, but it is so much fun!
I love the ginger flavor and a little spice in cookies – especially soft and chewy ones! What a great recipe, Rebecca!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life recently posted…Cranberry Almond Matcha Macaroons
Exactly! Thanks so much Alyssa!
Another great recipe. 🙂
Mary recently posted…Challenge Monday
🙂
Oh man, what a delight! Let the cookie baking begin! Ginger ones are always my fave:)
Laura recently posted…Energizing Turmeric Tea
They’re always perfect for the holidays!
These sound AMAZING! I love ginger & soft cookies. What a great holiday treat. I am totally gonna be trying these!
Sarah recently posted…Green Curry with Tofu and Kale [Gluten Free & Vegan]
I hope you do Sarah! Thank you!
I love ginger sweets, especially this time of year! I especially love hem dipped in ,my morning coffee. Yum!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) recently posted…5-Item Cyber Monday Gift Guide
These are perfect with a warm mug (or two!)
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 😀
genevieve @ gratitude & greens recently posted…Vegan Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese + This Week In Food and Sustainability: 11/22/2015 – 11/28/2015
I’ve never done a real cookie swap…but that would b so fun!
Oatmeal cookies are always good and always chewy 😉
These look wonderful! I love ginger cookies and these little soft pillows would hit the spot! And, amaranth flour? Nice!
Jenn recently posted…Lemon Millet w/ Chickpeas & Dill
Heck yes!! Load in the soft flours and then devour the fluffy pillows 😉
Whoa these look so good. Cookie season is my favorite season and anything that resembles ginger and Christmas is a go-to for me!
Megan recently posted…Teff Pie Crust
Those are my feelings exactly 😉
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!
Sarah Jane @ The Fit Cookie recently posted…Smokehouse Almond Crackers
Ah yes! More for you guys then!
I much prefer soft and chewy cookies. And I do like ginger cookies (though chocolate chip is my favorite 🙂 ).
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…It’s Real! A Vegan Omelette Recipe (and VeganEgg Giveaway)
Haha, well who can turn down chocolate!
Wow these look absolutely stunning and delicious! I’m definitely making them for Christmas!
Santa will be pleased 😉
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).
Chrisy @ Homemade Hooplah recently posted…Fall Harvest Mixed Nuts
I won’t tell if you eat them all 😉
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!
Yes you will! xoxo
Ooooh, these look good! I loveeee ginger cookies!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…The Ultimate Kids and Babies Gift Guide 2015
One of the best!
I love the nutritious flours you use in this recipe! And you know how I feel about gingerbread 😉
Cheers,
Chrystal
Chrystal @ Gluten-Free Palate recently posted…No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake (10 Ingredients)
We can never have enough gingerbread goodies 😉
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!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…PancakeWarriors Fitness Launch and Free Meal Plan
It’s ginger season so use it ALL!!!
LOVE how soft this look, what a perfect treat!
Yes! Thank you Emily!
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!
I think it is!!
Ginger cookies are one of my favorites. These look like they’d be perfect with tea. Love it!
They totally would! Thanks Linda!
Oh, ginger cookies! I want to have some now, they look incredible good!
Evi @ greenevi recently posted…Mandarine and Orange Mustard
Thank you so much Evi!
i love ginger flavor in general but i dont know why i dont bake with it. needs to change that.
dixya | food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Dietitian’s Favorite Weeknight Dinner Recipes
Heck yea girl! It’s a baking classic!
These look delicious! I love soft they seem.
Kari
Kari recently posted…Gifts for the Impossible
Soft cookies rock!
Your creations are simply divine!
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy recently posted…Oatmeal Honey Holiday Cookies
Aw, thanks!!
These look really good. But I kind of need to go check out your ornament recipe now. 🙂
Andrea B. recently posted…Incredibly Informative Paleo Cookbooks
All you need is cinnamon and applesauce!
Yum! This cookie recipe looks so good!
Ana recently posted…How to make an olive tapenade
Thanks Ana!
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.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Italian Turkey & Kale Bake {GF, Paleo, Low Cal}
I basically use it in ALL my baking now! I go through bags!
You post the most amazing recipes! I love soft ginger cookies and can’t wait to try this one. Thanks!
Trish recently posted…Music Monday – “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” – Billy Joel (1977)
Thank you so much Trish! Let me know if you do!
Yum, these look delicious!
Jessica Haynes recently posted…Monthly Budgeting
Thank you!
I can almost taste these goodies! I love sweets with a lot.of flavor, I want one! Hah.
Leslie recently posted…Christmas Cards With Minted.com
Thank you Leslie!
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 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Thanksgiving Power Bowl
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!
Just make oodles and oodles of extra yellowy mac n cheese 🙂
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit recently posted…Vegan Thanksgiving Power Bowl
That’s a good idea 😉
Rebecca, I love ginger flavored desserts–they are the perfect compliment after a heavier holiday meal!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom recently posted…Easy Creamy Taco Bake {Meatless}
Right!? And ginger helps the tummy 😉
These sound delicious! Bet the hubby would love these with his coffee. Pinning!
Linda at Mixed Kreations recently posted…How To Remove Sticky Gunk Off Cans And Jars
They are perfect coffee cookies!
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.
Christie recently posted…Dairy Free Eggnog Latte
Ah, ginger cookies just bring so much joy!
These look perfect!
Thanks Skye!
These look amazing, I love spicy cookies!
Marye recently posted…Viennese Christmas Bread Recipe
Thanks Marye!
these look so fluffy I could die! i love ginger!
rachel @ Athletic Avocado recently posted…Gingerbread Oatmeal Brûlée
Fluffy ginger pillows, my friend 😉
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.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…How to Brew Kombucha at Home – Easy Guide
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!
Oh absolutely <3 My goodness. Thanks for the recipe, missy!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete recently posted…Our Big D Thanksgiving Visit — *WARNING — SO MUCH FOOD*
Haha, thank you dear!
Send Me To Please Now.
Need.
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Thanksgiving Weekend 2015 + Here We Go Again!
Cookie presents exchange!!