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

How healthy is gingerbread cookies? ›

It is important to note that despite their many health benefits, gingerbread cookies and cakes are often loaded with sugar and unhealthy fats, so too much of a good thing can be bad. Check out some of our favorite recipes that feature ginger for more inspiration!

Should gingerbread cookies be hard or soft? ›

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!

What does molasses do in gingerbread cookies? ›

Molasses is the essential ingredient in gingerbread cookies, providing the chewy texture and almost burnt sugar flavor that characterizes the treat.

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.

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.

What is the healthiest cookies to eat? ›

Hu. Hu's whole line of cookies is squeaky clean–the ingredients include organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter, cassava flour, cashew flour, free-range eggs, and flax seeds. The thing that makes Hu's cookies the best of the Best Stuff is that they are sweetened with dates rather than any sugar at all.

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.

What is a good substitute for molasses in gingerbread? ›

The Best Molasses Substitutes

Honey, dark corn syrup, and maple syrup can also be used to replace molasses in recipes.

What happens if you don't chill gingerbread dough? ›

Chilling the dough before it goes into a hot oven gives the butter a chance to firm up and reduces how much it spreads when baking. “You should chill the dough both before rolling and cutting and after,” she said.

Is molasses or golden syrup better for gingerbread? ›

Molasses – Essential for that deep, rich, caramel-like gingerbread flavour! It also helps hold the dough's shape. Golden syrup makes a great sub, or treacle. Honey will also work, but the cookies will spread out a touch more and not have the same deep flavour (but still very, very good!).

Can I use brown sugar instead of molasses in gingerbread? ›

Brown sugar is actually a combination of granulated sugar and molasses, so it's a good substitute for molasses. While measurements may vary per recipe, you can generally replace 1 cup molasses with 3/4 cup packed brown sugar.

Is molasses good for diabetics? ›

Molasses does not quickly break down into glucose, making it somewhat safer than other sweeteners for people with diabetes or insulin resistance. However, because molasses is high in carbohydrates, people living with diabetes should consume it in moderation.

What flavor goes best with gingerbread? ›

Needing to be foiled, gingerbread loves whipped cream. But it also takes to tart winter fruits like a shortcake to strawberries. Poached or broiled pineapple sings alongside gingerbread, as do a few spoonfuls of pomelo curd, garnished with candied pomelo peel.

What is the main flavor of gingerbread? ›

Gingerbread refers to a broad category of baked goods, typically flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon and sweetened with honey, sugar, or molasses.

Are gingerbread cookies healthier than regular cookies? ›

Beneficial Minerals

Despite their drawbacks, ginger cookies offer some nutritional value, and boost your iron and manganese intakes. Iron plays a key role in energy production, and it supports tissue health by helping red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues.

Is gingerbread full of sugar? ›

Gingerbread is like any other sweet out there - it's not the healthiest thing around but in moderation, it's not going to kill you. Large amounts might cause some stomach issues just because of all the sugar and molasses, but I wouldn't say it's any worse than having a slice of cake or a few cookies.

Is cookies healthy or unhealthy? ›

Cookies tend to be high in refined sugar and saturated fats. They're generally considered unhealthy, and eating them often can be a risk factor for developing type II diabetes, obesity and Alzheimers. Currently, across the globe, more than 1.6 billion people over 15 years old are overweight or obese.

How many calories are in one gingerbread cookie? ›

Serving Size1 Cookie / 1.8 oz (52g)
Calories190

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