Healthy Festive Cheer: Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and tradition, and few things bring that festive feeling home quite like the scent of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. Whether you’re decorating them with loved ones or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat that never goes out of style.
But what if you could indulge in this holiday favorite with a healthier twist? This recipe for Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies swaps traditional ingredients for almond flour, coconut sugar, and a touch of molasses, creating a cookie that’s just as delicious but a little kinder to your body. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these gluten-free cookies bring all the festive flavor without compromise. Let’s bake some holiday cheer—healthier and tastier than ever!
Serving Size and Preparation Time
- Serving Size: This recipe makes about 18-20 cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutters. Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays!
- Preparation Time: From start to finish, these cookies take about 30 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 8-10 minutes for baking. With minimal hands-on time, these festive treats come together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the season!
Macros and Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 5g (net carbs: 3g)
These cookies offer a great balance of protein and healthy fats thanks to the almond flour and coconut oil, which provide energy and help keep you feeling satisfied. The low-carb content makes them ideal for those following a keto or low-carb diet, while the fiber from almond flour helps support digestion. Overall, these cookies are a guilt-free indulgence that combines flavor and nutrition!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive and wholesome Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (finely ground for the best texture)
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (a natural sweetener with a caramel-like flavor)
- 2 tbsp molasses (for that deep, rich gingerbread taste)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp baking soda (to help the cookies rise slightly)
- ¼ tsp salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted and cooled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for a touch of warmth and flavor)
These wholesome ingredients come together to create cookies that are not only festive but also better for you—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed for that perfect holiday flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, molasses, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well blended. If using a flax egg, allow it to sit for 5 minutes to thicken before mixing it with the other wet ingredients.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, let it rest for a few minutes to allow the almond flour to absorb the moisture.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness. This makes it easy to handle without sticking to your rolling pin.
Step 6: Cut Out Shapes
Use your favorite festive cookie cutters to cut the dough into shapes like gingerbread men, stars, or snowflakes. Carefully transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; they will firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. They’re delicious as-is or can be adorned with your choice of icing or sprinkles for extra holiday cheer.
Enjoy your healthier take on gingerbread cookies! These treats are perfect for gift-giving, parties, or cozy nights at home.
Serving and Storage Tips
These Almond Flour Gingerbread Cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Serve them alongside a mug of hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea for a cozy holiday treat. They’re perfect for decorating parties with kids or as a charming addition to a festive dessert platter.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, transfer them to the freezer, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking and thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
For gifting, arrange the cookies in a holiday tin or wrap them in cellophane with a festive ribbon—your loved ones will appreciate the thoughtful (and tasty) gesture! With proper storage, these cookies can be enjoyed all season long.
Why Choose Almond Flour for Gingerbread Cookies?
Almond flour is an excellent choice for baking gingerbread cookies, especially for those looking for a healthier twist on traditional recipes. First and foremost, almond flour is gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities or following a gluten-free diet. Unlike wheat flour, which can be high in carbs, almond flour is low-carb, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or follow a keto-friendly lifestyle.
But the benefits don’t stop at just nutrition—almond flour also brings a nutrient-rich profile to your cookies. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, it provides an extra boost of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, making these cookies a more nourishing treat than their traditional counterparts.
In terms of texture, almond flour helps create a soft, slightly chewy cookie with a delicate crumb. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, making the cookies taste even richer. Plus, almond flour has a natural sweetness, which means you can use less sugar without compromising flavor. All in all, almond flour is a fantastic choice for a healthier, delicious holiday cookie!
This healthier take on gingerbread cookies is the perfect way to enjoy a classic holiday treat without the guilt. With almond flour, coconut sugar, and molasses, these cookies offer a deliciously wholesome twist that’s both festive and nourishing. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out—feel free to share your personal touches or any creative tweaks you make to the recipe! Happy baking!