The Recipe for Yummy Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies (2024)

Published: · Modified: by thesugarfreediva. · This post may contain affiliate or amazon links.

A sugar free way to enjoy a holiday season favorite cookie.

See The Recipe

This Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies is the perfect cookie recipe to get you through the holiday season.
I like that this recipe can be used for both cookies and for those cute ginger bread houses. Much as I like to decorate these cookies to make them look more festive, I also like to eat them plain.

Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies

What is it about gingerbread cookies that makes it so popular during the holiday season?
The popularity of the gingerbread cookie probably has a lot to do with memories. By memories, I mean, visions from childhood of sitting around the kitchen and decorating cookies with grandma or mom. And of course, those gingerbread houses are something to talk about as well.

Gingerbread in itself refers to actually a wide range of yummy treats.
While we may not actually make a cookie or a bread with ginger itself, we like to think of it in a cookie. However, ginger is often an ingredient in gingerbread anything. There are other ingredients that we also see in gingerbread anything such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and molasses. Most importantly, we see sugar in gingerbread anything.

For me, the big hurdle in creating a sugar free gingerbread cookie is the molasses.

It is the molasses that gives gingerbread cookies that brown color and rich taste. When it comes to the effects of molasses on the blood sugar, there are experts who tell us that because black strap molasses is digested slower, it may not have the same effect as other sugar products. However, since blackstrap molasses is derived from sugar, it does have carbohydrates and calories.

If you are able to consume blackstrap molasses, you could use it in this recipe.
However, I am someone who will use an alternative to molasses. Yacon Syrup is a "fatfree sugarfree substitute for sugars, honey, sweet n low, stevia, equal, molasses, maple, corn, sugarcane syrups." Another option would be to use a sugar free syrup. You can easily find a variety of sugar free syrups online. You will also need to use aBrown Sugar Alternative as well. Hence, we will be attempting to make this as sugar free as possible.

Please note, that using a molasses substitute may not yield the same baked good as the original sugared version.
It will lead to a more tolerable cookie however. Thus, you may need to make a compromise on taste. I am willing to make that compromise.
You can read more about molasses substitutes here.

The big question may be what to do with those cookies when they are done. It seems like they look a bit more festive when decorated.

  • Sugar Free Royal Icing with Stevia.
  • Also, Sugar Free Royal Icing with Splenda.
  • Sugar Free Frosting Made withCream Cheese and Pudding.

The recipe for Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies

What you will need to make this.

  • Flour (AP)- 3 Cups
  • Baking Soda- 1 teaspoon.
  • Ground Ginger- 1 teaspoon (make sure there is no sugar added).
  • Also, Ground Cinnamon- 1 teaspoon (make sure there is no sugar added).
  • Ground cloves-½ teaspoon
  • Allspice- 1 teaspoon.
  • Salt- ½ teaspoon.
  • Butter- 1 ½ sticks softened at room temperature.
  • Brown Sugar Alternative-½ cup
  • Egg-1.
  • Molasses Substitute- 1 cup (see post for substitutes).

How to make these cookies.

  • You can use a medium mixing bowl for this step. Sift together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice and cloves. You can set this aside for a moment.
  • In a mixing bowl while you use an electric mixer, cream together your brown sugar alternative, butter, egg and molasses substitute.
  • Now, gradually add your dry ingredient from the first bowl to the mixing bowl, a quarter at a time, mixing between additions.
  • When the mixture is blended remove from the bowl and split the dough in half. Roll out each individual half of your dough on some plastic wrap . Roll your dough to about ¼" to ⅛" thick. If your dough seems sticky simply sprinkle it with a small amount of additional flour. Wrap and refrigerate your dough for at least 3 hours.
  • When ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350, and prep your pan for nonstick. I use parchment that can also be used to transfer cookies as well. Unwrap the dough using one wrapped dough half at a time. Use your cookie cutters to cut shapes if desired at this point.
  • You should bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. After you remove the cookies from the oven please allow them to cool on rack before you add any icing. However, you can also enjoy these as they are too if you would rather not add any icing.

The Recipe for Yummy Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies (3)

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4.26 from 87 votes

Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies

A sugar free way to enjoy a holiday season favorite cookie.

Prep Time3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time3 hours hrs 27 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • Flour AP- 3 Cups
  • Baking Soda- 1 teaspoon.
  • Ground Ginger- 1 teaspoon make sure there is no sugar added.
  • Also Ground Cinnamon- 1 teaspoon (make sure there is no sugar added).
  • Ground cloves-½ teaspoon
  • Allspice- 1 teaspoon.
  • Salt- ½ teaspoon.
  • Butter- 1 ½ sticks softened at room temperature.
  • Brown Sugar Alternative-½ cup
  • Egg-1.
  • Molasses Substitute- 1 cup see post for substitutes.

Instructions

  • You can use a medium mixing bowl for this step. Sift together your flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, allspice and cloves. You can set this aside for a moment.

  • In a mixing bowl while you use an electric mixer, cream together your brown sugar alternative, butter, egg and molasses substitute.

  • Now, gradually add your dry ingredient from the first bowl to the mixing bowl, a quarter at a time, mixing between additions.

  • When the mixture is blended remove from the bowl and split the dough in half. Roll out each individual half of your dough on some plastic wrap . Roll your dough to about ¼" to ⅛" thick. If your dough seems sticky simply sprinkle it with a small amount of additional flour. Wrap and refrigerate your dough for at least 3 hours.

  • When ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350, and prep your pan for nonstick. I use parchment that can also be used to transfer cookies as well. Unwrap the dough using one wrapped dough half at a time. Use your cookie cutters to cut shapes if desired at this point.

  • You should bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. After you remove the cookies from the oven please allow them to cool on rack before you add any icing. However, you can also enjoy these as they are too if you would rather not add any icing.

Recipe Notes

See post for alternatives for brown sugar and molasses. Nutritional data will vary due to alternatives used.

most recently updated:

November 22, 2017

*About Sugar Alternatives

Specific sugar alternatives are not given in the recipes presented on this site. Only suggestions are given as to the 'kind' of alternative to use. It is up to you to select the alternative to use that suits your needs best. If the recipe is heated or cooked, it is best to use an alternative that can be heated or cooked with for best results. This site does not endorse any specific ingredients,

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that the links on this website, and specifically on this post, that lead to other sites may be affiliate links.
Please note: Nutritional data has been calculated using a tool that comes with this recipe card and not by me. This means that Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that you use. The accuracy of this tool may differ from other tools as expected. Also note that there is no instructional value to the video that may be attached to this recipe. It is only there for visual pleasure. For more information about the images in this recipe, please refer the the recipe instructions. Thank you!

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The Recipe for Yummy Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies (2024)

FAQs

What makes gingerbread cookies hard or soft? ›

Molasses and honey hardens gingerbread, but as the sugar absorbs moisture, it will get softer.” Cookbook author and ”Great American Baking Show” winner Vallery Lomas likes a gingerbread cookie that's packed with flavor. “I want to taste a lot of the spices ― especially ginger,” she said.

Are gingerbread cookies healthier than other cookies? ›

Ginger cookies can be high in sugar and fat content. Ginger cookies fall into the category of "empty calories," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines. You should consume empty calorie foods in moderation.

What makes gingerbread taste like gingerbread? ›

Spice Combinations

Some other common spices used in gingerbread recipes are cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and allspice. Cinnamon is available in ground form and in a stick. For baking, you should use ground cinnamon. Nutmeg adds a nutty, sweet spiciness to gingerbread.

Is gingerbread healthy? ›

Gingerbread's delightful combination of flavours and spices isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it's also a potential boon for your health. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its digestive benefits, gingerbread offers an unexpected array of advantages that can complement a well-rounded diet.

What is the secret to soft cookies? ›

Cornstarch helps product soft and thick cookies. Using more brown sugar than white sugar results in a moister, softer cookie. An extra egg yolk increases chewiness. Rolling the cookie dough balls to be tall and lumpy instead of wide and smooth gives the cookies a bakery-style textured thickness.

How do you make cookies soft and chewy vs hard and crisp? ›

Different types of sugars affect the texture because they absorb different amounts of water. Remember moisture is the key! White sugar creates crispier cookies and brown sugar creates chewier cookies.

Are sugar free cookies healthier? ›

A: Switching to sugar-free cakes and sweets is unlikely to lead to much, if any, weight loss. Sweeteners used in these products usually include a sugar alcohol, such as maltitol or sorbitol, which are not zero-calorie, but about half the calories of sugar.

What is the healthiest cookie to eat? ›

10+ Healthy Cookies That You Can Eat Every Day
  • No-Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies. ...
  • Healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies. ...
  • Flourless Oatmeal Shortbread Cookies. ...
  • Flourless Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. ...
  • Healthy No Sugar Banana Cookies. ...
  • Flourless Oatmeal Cookies With Chocolate Chunks. ...
  • 10-Minute Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Cookies.
Nov 2, 2021

What are the three types of gingerbread? ›

The three distinct types of gingerbread are brown gingerbread, wafer-based gingerbread and honey gingerbread.
  • BROWN GINGERBREAD.
  • WAFER GINGERBREAD.
  • HONEY GINGERBREAD.

Can I use golden syrup instead of molasses? ›

Golden syrup, also known as "light treacle," is made from the evaporation of sugarcane, which creates a light, golden syrup very reminiscent of honey. Lyle's is a popular brand of golden syrup. Try using 1 cup golden syrup for every 1 cup molasses in a recipe.

What flavors complement gingerbread? ›

If you don't love the flavor of coffee, there are so many other flavor options to pair with gingerbread: lemon, white chocolate, caramel, chocolate – to name a few.

What does gingerbread do to your body? ›

Surprising benefits

Research shows it may aid in digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the common cold and flu. It's also believed ginger may support weight management, help manage arthritis and may also alleviate menstrual symptoms. Molasses is another ingredient sometimes found in gingerbread.

Why do we eat gingerbread at Christmas? ›

Gingerbread was brought to Europe in 992 by an Armenian monk. Through the 17th century, gingerbread was used for religious ceremonies. In the late 17th century, gingerbread became associated with Christmas. Russian bakers prepared gingerbread men and women, usually as replicas of those people attending parties.

How long is gingerbread safe to eat? ›

The general rule of thumb is a couple of weeks. It depends how its prepared and if you used a lot of icing. Also, gingerbread like any other bread turns stale quite fast. Eating it after 1–2 week with tea shouldn't be a problem.

Should gingerbread be soft or crunchy? ›

Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft? Soft gingerbread biscuits are ideal. They ought to be flexible. However, they should still be somewhat elastic, and if you hold them too firmly because you're so excited to eat them, you might even be able to leave your fingerprints on the cookie!

How do you make gingerbread harder? ›

A 1:4 ratio of butter to flour makes the gingerbread strong. Corn syrup keeps freshly baked gingerbread pliable and soft, so it's easy to cut while warm.

Why are my cookies hard instead of soft? ›

Cookies become hard when the moisture in them evaporates. This can be caused by leaving them out in the air for too long, baking them for too long, or storing them improperly. The lack of moisture makes the cookies hard and dry, which makes them difficult to enjoy.

How do you make cookies soft and not hard? ›

Baking cookies quickly in a hot oven – at 375 degrees F as opposed to a lower temperature – will make for soft results. They'll bake fast instead of sitting and drying out in the oven's hot air. Ever so slightly underbaking your cookies will give you softer results than cooking them the full amount the recipe says.

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