These are the best gluten-free ginger molasses cookies, with chewy centers and crisp, rippled edges (from the easy pan-banging technique)! They are full of warm flavors including cinnamon, ground ginger, and mild molasses. They're the perfect gluten-free holiday cookie, and store well for packing into cookie boxes.
In terms of cookies, Ginger Molasses are some of the most deeply flavored you’ll make! Ground ginger and cinnamon are a perfect match for the rich, caramel-like notes of molasses, which is also key to their soft, fudgy interior. The coziest of cookies, ideal for trimming the tree or packing into cookie boxes.
And their texture is heavenly. The buttery, crinkled edges are followed by the dense, chewy center that melts-in-your mouth. Rolling them in sugar adds a bit of crunch and extra sparkle.
Be sure to use mild unsulphured molasses (which you can find in any grocery store), not blackstrap molasses, which has a bitter, less sweet taste. It can also change the way the dough browns and spreads because of its acidity.
Using the Pan-Banging Cookie Technique
Sarah Kieffer is known for being an exceptional baker, introducing us to things like her viral pan-banging cookie technique. I developed these cookies using that technique, which simply means that about 8 minutes into baking, you lift the corner of the cookie sheet up about 4 inches and drop it onto the rack, making wrinkly, rippled edges on the cookies as the puffiness from the leavener is disrupted. You do this 2 more times, which results in crisp, buttery, rippled edges and chewy, gooey centers. It’s what makes these gluten-free pan-banging chocolate chip cookies so good, too!
How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Ginger Molasses Cookies
Cream butter for 1 minute, then add sugars and cream for at least 2 more more minutes, until light in color and fluffy.
Add molasses, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup until combined, scraping down sides.
Add dry mixture that includes gluten-free flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low for 30 seconds to combine.
Refrigerate dough to allow gluten-free flour to rest and absorb liquids.
Scoop dough into 2 1/2 tablespoon dough balls and roll in sugar.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 8 minutes, then use pan-banging technique; lift one corner of the cookie sheet and let drop onto rack. Then do the same thing to one other corner. Let cookies bake for another 2 minutes, repeat. Let cookies bake for another 2 minutes, repeat.
Remove cookies from oven and let cool for 7-8 minutes before transferring to wire rack to finish cooling.
Oven Temperature is Important for Cookie Baking
This recipe calls for a 375 degree F baking temperature, which results in the rippled, wrinkly edges with gooey center, that you see in the photos. When testing, the cookies spread too much at 350 degrees, and the edges burned when baked at 400 degrees. That being said, it’s really important for you to know what your oven truly bakes at.
Most home ovens, even if they are electric, run a bit hotter or colder than they read, meaning they are not perfectly calibrated. An easy way to ensure you are baking at the temperature written into the recipe is with an inexpensive oven thermometer. Hang it in your oven and you’ll be able to read it and adjust the actual oven dial accordingly.
Best Way to Store Gluten-Free Cookies
These Ginger Molasses Cookies store incredibly well compared to other classic cookies. Their flavor actually deepens the day after they’re made, evoking more gingerbread-like flavors. They hold their chewiness as well!
Store in an airtight container on the counter for 5-6 days. Or you can freeze the finished cookies. Bake the entire batch, let them fully cool, and freeze in a freezer bag for 3 weeks.
These are the best gluten-free ginger molasses cookies, with chewy centers and crisp, rippled edges (from the easy pan-banging technique)! They are full of warm flavors including cinnamon, ground ginger, and mild molasses.
Cream butter for 1 minute, then add sugars and cream for at least 2 more more minutes, until light in color and fluffy. Scrape down sides during mixing as needed.
Add egg, molasses, vanilla, maple syrup and vanilla, and mix for 30 seconds to combine, scraping down sides.
In a bowl, combine gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon Whisk to combine.
Add dry mixture in two increments to the wet ingredients, with stand mixer on speed 2, low. Turn up to speed 3 for 30 to 45 seconds to fully combine, so no flour streaks are left.
Refrigerate dough for 2 hours (or overnight) to allow dough to rest and absorb liquids.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Scoop dough into dough balls about 2 1/2 tablespoon big; they should be 65 grams. Roll in sugar. Place 6 dough balls on a parchment lined baking sheet with lots of room in between.
Bake for 8 minutes, then use pan-banging technique; lift one corner of the cookie sheet and let drop onto rack. Then do the same thing to one other corner. Let cookies bake for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes (you'll see their centers will puff up), repeat the banging. Let cookies bake for another 2 minutes, repeat the banging.
Remove cookies from oven and let cool for 7-8 minutes before transferring to wire rack to finish cooling.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Sarah Kieffer’s pan-banging ginger molasses cookies and Pinch of Yum’s Soft Gingerbread Cookies.*Do not be tempted to use less sugar. They are not too sweet and it is important for their structure. *If you make the dough balls smaller than suggested, you will not get as many rippled edges.
These are absolutely fantastic. Not overly sweet, a delightful mix of textures. I was a little skeptical that the pan banging would be worth the hassle, but it totally is. I didn’t have Bob’s baking mix so I used 240g sorghum flour and 80g tapioca flour. A tiny bit chalky but otherwise wonderful.
These cookies are the perfect ratio of edge crispiness and middle chewiness! I made them for a cookie exchange at work and I’m starting to wonder if they will make it there. The tanginess of the ginger mixed with the richness of the molasses is so delicious! My husband is especially happy that they’re gluten free! Will definitely make again!
These are amazing! I followed the recipe and due to work had to let my dough sit about 15 hrs. They turned out so delish. The next day I took one to work and they are still soft…either I am getting used to the Gluten Free taste, but truly, they do not taste gluten free…I am excited to try more.
Made these for the first time today and they came out beautifully. Perfect texture and taste. They’ll definitely be a holiday staple for me from now on.
These GF ginger molasses cookies are the perfect, festive holiday treat. I shared with my parents and they couldn’t even tell they were baked with gluten free flour. Like all of her recipes, the Instructions were easy to follow. Highly recommend adding these to your list of baking “TO-DO’s”.
This is THE BEST cookie dough I’ve ever tasted in my 57 years of baking!!! I always take a small bit to taste. SHABANG! so fantastic!! These make big big cookies! Thank you for the awesome instructions!!
Doesn’t the opening of the oven door change the temp more to the 350 range? Also, can you use low-glycemic coconut sugar? Also, what about using almond flour? Can you tell us in ounces rather than grams?
These are absolutely fantastic. Not overly sweet, a delightful mix of textures. I was a little skeptical that the pan banging would be worth the hassle, but it totally is. I didn’t have Bob’s baking mix so I used 240g sorghum flour and 80g tapioca flour. A tiny bit chalky but otherwise wonderful.
Oh, so great to know they worked with the sorghum + tapioca!
Super easy and still soft and chewy 🥰🥰🥰
These cookies are the perfect ratio of edge crispiness and middle chewiness! I made them for a cookie exchange at work and I’m starting to wonder if they will make it there. The tanginess of the ginger mixed with the richness of the molasses is so delicious! My husband is especially happy that they’re gluten free! Will definitely make again!
If I were to halve the sugars, would these still bake up properly? Highly sensitive but these are beautiful!
Just made them today for a cookie exchange. I did use all purpose flour and they worked out great!! I will making them again!!
Great to know, Loni! I’m so glad you liked the cookies.
These are amazing! I followed the recipe and due to work had to let my dough sit about 15 hrs. They turned out so delish. The next day I took one to work and they are still soft…either I am getting used to the Gluten Free taste, but truly, they do not taste gluten free…I am excited to try more.
Yes, they are great even if the dough is chilled for up to 24 hours! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Made these for the first time today and they came out beautifully. Perfect texture and taste. They’ll definitely be a holiday staple for me from now on.
So happy to hear that, your video of them on Instagram was beautiful!
These GF ginger molasses cookies are the perfect, festive holiday treat. I shared with my parents and they couldn’t even tell they were baked with gluten free flour. Like all of her recipes, the Instructions were easy to follow. Highly recommend adding these to your list of baking “TO-DO’s”.
So glad all enjoyed (and a good test that those who aren’t gf couldn’t tell!)!
These are so delicious! My daughter and husband are both GF and so excited to experience a big, chewy cookie again.
that makes me so happy to hear!
This is THE BEST cookie dough I’ve ever tasted in my 57 years of baking!!! I always take a small bit to taste. SHABANG! so fantastic!! These make big big cookies! Thank you for the awesome instructions!!
Yay, so glad you liked them! I just made another batch tonight myself. :) They’re just so good.
These look glorious Panda – love those ripplesssss!
Doesn’t the opening of the oven door change the temp more to the 350 range? Also, can you use low-glycemic coconut sugar? Also, what about using almond flour? Can you tell us in ounces rather than grams?
Fantastic cookies!! Crispy and crinkly on the edges and chewy in the center with the perfect amount of spices!
I’m so glad you liked them, Crystal! The video you shared of making them on Instagram was so fun, and they looked amazing.
Can I use AP flour in place of GF flour using weight measurement?
Yes, just use equal weight of unbleached all-purpose flour!