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    Home » All Recipes » Healthy Sweets

    Crunchy Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies (without Molasses)

    updated: April 2, 2025

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    The contents of this article are human-created.
    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for details
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    Add a healthy twist to your holiday baking with these Crunchy Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies. Made without molasses, dairy gluten or eggs, they're friendly for many diets yet just as delicious!

    A gingerbread cookie being picked up from a full plate.

    The holidays are a time to enjoy family, friends and good food! However, they can also be a time when we overindulge in festive treats that may not make us feel so jolly.

    That's why I love putting a healthier twist on the classics we all know and love. These Gingerbread Cookies are made with almond flour, pure maple syrup and unrefined coconut oil, making them a delicious treat that's both healthier and that those with sensitivities can enjoy.

    You can even decorate them with homemade, naturally coloured icing!

    A big plate if freshly decorated gingerbread cookies.

    Are Gingerbread Cookies Healthy?

    While these Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies are still a sweet treat and should be consumed in moderation, they are made with whole food ingredients, making them a healthier option.

    They are lower in sugar, rich in fibre and are a good source of healthy fats. Plus, they're seasoned with warming spices that are also rich in immune-supporting properties.

    Health Benefits

    Better for blood sugar. Almond flour is a great low-carb option. Plus, these cookies are sweetened with pure maple syrup, making them free of heavily refined sugars that can quickly raise blood sugar levels. Cinnamon also offers blood sugar stabilizing properties.

    Heart-healthy. Many ingredients in these cookies are full of nutrients that can contribute to heart health, including cholesterol-lowering fibre and fats, potassium and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Immune-supporting. These cookies are full of nutrient-rich ingredients that can support overall health. Almond flour is rich in many nutrients, including vitamin E, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. The blend of spices also offers a myriad of antioxidants along with compounds that are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

    Better for gut health and digestion. Since these cookies are free of grain, gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, they can be easier to digest and gentle on the gut. Ginger and nutmeg also contain compounds that can aid in digestion and soothe the intestinal tract. Plus, coconut oil and the blend of spices all offer antimicrobial properties that can kill harmful bacteria in the gut while leaving the good guys intact.

    Seasonal Benefits

    Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy the warmth these cookies provide. It is also a great time to consume antimicrobial spices to help ward off seasonal colds.

    How to Make Gingerbread Cookies without Molasses

    These healthy homemade Gingerbread Cookies are sweetened with pure maple syrup instead of molasses, which offers a similar syrupy texture and richness in flavour with deep caramel-like notes.

    Plus, this is a no-fuss recipe that's perfect for the busy holiday season! Made with simple, whole-food ingredients, these cookies only require about 15 minutes of hands-on time and 8 - 10 minutes in the oven.

    A plate full of blue and white decorated gingerbread cookies.

    What You Will Need

    Equipment

    • Oven to bake the cookies.
    • Baking sheet to bake the cookies on. A 13" x 18" baking sheet will hold one batch of these cookies.
    • Mixing bowl for combining the ingredients.
    • Whisk or wooden spoon to stir the ingredients and form the dough.
    • Flat spatula for easy transfering.
    • Rolling pin to roll out the dough.
    • Cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. You can also use a cup or small-mouth jar to cut out circles.
    • Unbleached paper (optional) to line the baking sheet, plus 2 extra pieces to roll the dough.

    Ingredients

    • Almond flour is a grain-free alternative that's full of nutrients and offers a subtle nutty flavour.
    • Arrowroot flour is a gentle, gut-loving starch that helps to bind the dough in these gluten-free cookies.
    • Unrefined coconut oil is a gut-loving, heart-healthy, and dairy-free fat that replaces the butter typically used in traditional cookies.
    • Pure maple syrup offers natural sweetness with a rich caramel-like flavour.
    • Pure vanilla extract offers an uplifting taste and natural sweetness that balances the earthy and spicy flavours of gingerbread.
    • Gingerbread spices, including ground ginger, cinnamon allspice, cloves and nutmeg, create that traditional, warming and festive flavour.
    • Aluminum-free baking soda acts as a leavening agent, giving these cookies a delicious outer crunch with a soft and chewy inner texture.
    • Natural mineral salt (optional) such as Himalayan, Celtic or Sea salt helps to bring out the sweetness and other flavours.

    Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

    First, preheat your oven to 350° F. Then, grease a baking sheet with coconut oil or line with unbleached parchment paper.

    Next, place the coconut oil in a small saucepan and heat over low until it is melted.

    In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, arrowroot flour and baking soda. Use a whisk to break up any large clumps. Then stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and a pinch of salt.

    The process of making gingerbread cookie dough.

    Step 2: Mix In Remaining Ingredients

    Pour the melted coconut oil into the flour mixture along with the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup.

    Mix well and keep folding the dough until it forms into a large ball or clump. Then, knead it with clean hands, pressing and rolling it into a ball.

    The process of making gingerbread cookies.

    Step 3: Roll the Dough

    Next, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. You can do this by placing the dough on a well-floured surface and keeping the rolling pin well-floured. Or, since this dough can be sticky, an easier option is to place it between two pieces of unbleached parchment paper.

    Rolling the dough to ¼ inch thick and cutting it into palm-size cookies will yield about 24 cookies. If you make them thicker or larger, it may yield 15 - 20.

    The process of rolling out gingerbread cookie dough.

    Step 4: Cut Out Shapes

    Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. I like to do a mix of gingerbread men, candy canes, Christmas trees, and snowflakes. However, you can use any shape of your choice. You can also use a cup or a small-mouth jar to cut out circles.

    Carefully transfer the cut-out shapes to your baking sheet either with your hands or a flat spatula.

    Gather the leftover dough, form it into a ball, and roll it out to cut out more shapes. Keep repeating until all the dough is used up.

    Gingerbread cookie dough rolled out and scored with holiday themed cookie cutters.

    Step 5: Bake

    Space the cookies about ½ an inch apart until the baking sheet is full. Then, place it in the oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.

    The process of icing gingerbread cookies.

    Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

    These Gingerbread Cookies can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing. I love leaving some without icing for a low-sugar treat to dunk in tea or hot chocolate.

    But, as a festive treat, I always decorate some with homemade, naturally coloured cookie icing. This is also a fun step for the kids to help with.

    Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before icing so your designs hold and harden quickly.

    Substitutions & Variations

    Grass-fed butter or ghee can replace the coconut oil if you do not need your cookies to be vegan or dairy-free.

    Oat flour can be used instead of almond flour for a nut-free version.

    Honey can be used as another natural sweetener to replace the maple syrup. However, you may have to add an extra tablespoon of coconut oil, as it isn't quite as runny as maple syrup.

    For thicker, softer cookies, roll the dough to ½ an inch thick instead of ¼. You can also adjust the almond flour and arrowroot flour ratio. Adding more almond flour flour and less arrowroot will yield softer, less crunchy cookies. I find adjusting it to 2 cups of almond flour and ½ cup of arrowroot flour usually does the trick. However, if you want even softer cookies, you can use 2 ¼ cups almond flour and ¼ cup arrowroot flour.

    My Top Tips

    Use a wooden rolling pin and surface that flour sticks well to. For an easier way to prevent sticking, roll the dough in between two pieces of unbleached parchment paper.

    Use organic ingredients to avoid harmful pesticides.

    Use pure spices to avoid additives like fillers, preservatives and sugars.

    Storing & Saving

    These Gingerbread cookies will last 3 - 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. I like storing them in a glass container as I find they stay fresher for longer and don't take on that stale, plastic flavour.

    These cookies can also be refrigerated for 7 - 10 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

    If freezing or refrigerating, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Since they are already crunchy, make sure they are fully thawed before eating, as they can become harder after freezing or refrigerating.

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    Recipe Highlights

    Suitable for many diets. This recipe is naturally free of gluten, dairy, eggs and refined sugar, making these cookies friendly for many diets, intolerances and sensitivities.

    Lower in sugar. Lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and made with fibre-rich almond flour, these cookies are lower in sugar than traditional cookies.

    Heart-healthy. Full of potassium, anti-inflammatory properties and cholesterol-lowering fibre, these cookies make a heart-healthy option.

    Warming. Full of delicious warming spices, Gingerbread Cookies make a delightful winter treat.

    Easy to make. These healthy homemade Gingerbread Cookies are simple to make, coming together in less than 30 minutes.

    FAQs

    How Many Gingerbread Cookies Does this Recipe Make?

    When rolling the dough out to ¼ inch thick, a single batch of this recipe yields about 24 palm-sized cookies. If you make the cookies larger or thicker, a single batch may yield 15 - 20. If you need to make more cookies, you can toggle the switch in the recipe card below to double or triple the recipe.

    How Long Do Homemade Gingerbread Cookies Last?

    These Homemade Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies will last 3 - 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature and up to 10 days in the fridge. They can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    If freezing or refrigerating, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Since they are already crunchy, make sure they are fully thawed before eating, as they can become harder after freezing or refrigerating.

    Can you make Gingerbread Cookies without ginger?

    Yes, you can still make yummy Gingerbread Cookies without ginger! The flavour may vary slightly. But, if you use the rest of the spices, like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, they will yield a similar warming flavour. Some people even find adding a dash of black pepper can be a good substitute for the peppery taste ginger offers.

    A candy cane shaped gingerbread cookie being picked up off an overflowing plate.

    If you try these Crunchy Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies, let me know how they turn out by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, make sure you're following along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Flipboard for more wildly nutritious recipes!

    A gingerbread cookie being picked up from a full plate.

    Crunchy Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies (without Molasses)

    Recipe By : Michelle McCowan
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe
    Add a healthy twist to your holiday baking with these Crunchy Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies. Made without molasses, dairy or gluten, they're friendly for many diets.
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Dietary DF, GF, Soy Free
    Season(s) Autumn, Winter
    Difficulty Easy
    Yield 24 Cookies

    Equipment

    • Oven
    • Baking Sheet (13" x 18")
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Whisk or Wooden Spoon
    • Flat Spatula
    • Rolling Pin
    • Cookie cutters (A Cup or Small-Mouth Jar Also Works)
    • Unbleached Parchment Paper (Optional)

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.5 cups Almond Flour
    • 1 cup Arrowroot Flour
    • ¼ cup Unrefined Coconut Oil
    • ⅓ cup Pure Maple Syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
    • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
    • 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Allspice
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
    • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda (Aluminum-Free)
    • Pinch of Himalayan Salt (or Other Natural Mineral Salt)

    Instructions
     

    • First, preheat your oven to 350° F. Then, grease a baking sheet with coconut oil or line it with unbleached parchment paper.
      Next, place the coconut oil in a small saucepan and heat over low until it is melted.
      In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, arrowroot flour and baking soda. Use a whisk to break up any large clumps. Then stir in the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice and a pinch of salt.
    • Pour the melted coconut oil into the flour mixture along with the vanilla extract and pure maple syrup.
      Mix well and keep folding the dough until it forms into a large ball or clump. Then, knead it with clean hands, pressing and rolling it into a ball.
    • Next, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. You can do this by placing the dough on a well-floured surface and keeping the rolling pin well-floured. Or, since this dough can be sticky, an easier option is to place it between two pieces of unbleached parchment paper.
      Rolling the dough to ¼ inch thick and cutting it into palm-size cookies will yield about 24 cookies. If you make them thicker or larger, it may yield 15 - 20.
    • Use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes. I like to do a mix of gingerbread men, candy canes, Christmas trees, and snowflakes. However, you can use any shape of your choice. You can also use a cup or a small-mouth jar to cut out circles. 
      Carefully transfer the cut-out shapes to your baking sheet either with your hands or a flat spatula.
      Gather the leftover dough, form it into a ball, and roll it out to cut out more shapes. Keep repeating until all the dough is used up.
    • Mix well and keep folding the dough until it begins to form into one large ball. With your hands, kneed it all together and roll it into a ball.
    • Space the cookies about ½ an inch apart until the baking sheet is full. Then, place it in the oven and bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
    • These Gingerbread Cookies can be enjoyed plain or decorated with icing. I love leaving some without icing for a low-sugar treat to dunk in tea or hot chocolate. 
      But, as a festive treat, I always decorate some with homemade, naturally coloured cookie icing. This is also a fun step for the kids to help with. 
      Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before icing so your designs hold and harden quickly.

    Notes

    For thicker, softer cookies, roll the dough to ½ an inch thick instead of ¼. You can also adjust the almond flour and arrowroot flour ratio. Adding more almond flour flour and less arrowroot will yield softer, less crunchy cookies. I find adjusting it to 2 cups of almond flour and ½ cup of arrowroot flour usually does the trick. However, if you want even softer cookies, you can use 2 ¼ cups almond flour and ¼ cup arrowroot flour.
    Storing
    These Gingerbread cookies will last 3 - 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. I like storing them in a glass container as I find they stay fresher for longer and don't take on that stale, plastic flavour. 
    These cookies can also be refrigerated for 7 - 10 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
    If freezing or refrigerating, thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Since they are already crunchy, make sure they are fully thawed before eating, as they can become harder after freezing or refrigerating.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Cookie | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Total Servings : 24 Cookies
    HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?I’d love to know what you think! Leave a rating and comment to share how it turned out.

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    Posted by Michelle McCowan on December 22, 2019

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    1. Megan says

      December 13, 2020 at 9:31 pm

      Thank you for a gluten free recipe! I'll be using it this week in my recipe exchange and to drop some baking off to my mom.

      Reply
      • Michelle McCowan says

        December 16, 2020 at 4:06 pm

        You are most welcome! I hope you and your mom enjoy!!

        Reply
    2. Jennifer Matysiak says

      December 24, 2021 at 1:09 pm

      about how many cookies in a batch?

      Reply
      • Michelle McCowan says

        December 25, 2021 at 1:38 am

        Oh goodness, my apologies! Not sure how that one slipped through ?
        One batch of this recipe makes about 24 if you roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut out palm-sized cookies. If you make the cookies thicker or larger it will yield about 18 - 20.
        Thank you for asking, it's now properly listed in the card and in the blog ?
        Happy holidays and hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    3. NK says

      November 26, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Thank you for this great recipe!
      May I please ask how to store them and for how long can they last well.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Michelle McCowan says

        November 26, 2023 at 9:20 pm

        Great question! They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days 🙂

        Reply
        • NK says

          November 27, 2023 at 9:22 am

          Thank you soo much for the prompt reply.
          Can they be refrigerated/frozen well too?

          Reply
          • Michelle McCowan says

            November 27, 2023 at 10:32 am

            No Problem, happy to help 🙂 They definitely can be refrigerated, if needed. It can extend their shelf life for a few extra days. I haven't tried freezing them yet but I don't see why they wouldn't freeze well. I would just make sure to use them within 3 months of freezing. However, both refrigerating and freezing could potentially make them slightly softer once thawed.

            Reply
            • NK says

              November 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

              Thank you very much! ?

            • Michelle McCowan says

              November 27, 2023 at 11:08 pm

              You're most welcome 🙂

    A woman preparing whole foods on a rustic table with fresh beets and beet greens.

    Welcome! I'm Michelle, a photographer and nutritionally trained recipe developer who believes in the power of real food, dancing to nature's rhythm, and tuning into our wild roots through simple, slow, and natural living. One of my greatest passions is creating tasty recipes that utilize whole foods and minimally processed ingredients, along with sharing easy-to-digest information that simplifies healthy eating, home cooking, and natural wellness.

    More about me →

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