The Story & Intro
Every time I bake Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies, I’m reminded of how food has this magical ability to bring people together even when the recipe is a little different from the classics I grew up with in Crete. My grandmother never baked gluten-free treats, but she always said, “A recipe should make everyone feel welcome at the table.” That idea stuck with me.
When a close friend discovered she needed to avoid gluten, I didn’t want her to miss out on the warm, cozy flavors of my favorite molasses cookies. So I went into my kitchen messy apron, flour on my face, and music playing determined to create a version she could enjoy just as much as the traditional ones. After several attempts, I finally got them exactly how I wanted: soft, chewy, full of spice, and bursting with that rich molasses flavor.
Now, at 38, cooking on my beautiful island of Crete, I still carry those lessons. Cooking isn’t just about ingredients. It’s about memories, sharing stories, and making people feel at home. My kitchen can get chaotic during recipe testing, but that’s part of the fun! I love mixing tradition with creativity, especially when the result is something simple, delicious, and welcoming to everyone whether they avoid gluten or not.
These Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies are a perfect example of that balance. They’re warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. The texture is incredible tender and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges. And the best part? You don’t need complicated ingredients or special equipment.
Whether you’re gluten-free, baking for someone who is, or simply curious about trying something new, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. And once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why these Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies quickly became a staple in my home.
Let’s get baking and make a batch that tastes like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rolling
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Mixing the spices evenly ensures the warm flavor spreads throughout every cookie. Gluten-free flour can sometimes clump, so whisking makes a huge difference.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step builds the base of the soft, chewy texture that makes these Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies irresistible.
3. Add Egg, Molasses, and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes thick and caramel-colored. The molasses gives these cookies their deep flavor and signature softness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined. Don’t overmix gluten-free dough can become dense if overworked.
5. Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for 25–35 minutes. This helps the cookies stay thick and chewy and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.
6. Roll the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in granulated sugar for that classic sparkle and crinkled top.
7. Bake
Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. The cookies should look puffed with slight cracks on top.
Important tip: If the centers look just slightly underbaked, that’s perfect! They’ll set beautifully as they cool.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, enjoy the soft, warm spice that makes Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies so special.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
- Hot tea
- Warm apple cider
- A steaming mug of cocoa
- A holiday breakfast spread
- A cozy movie night treat
They’re great for gifting too wrap them in cellophane bags with ribbon, or stack them inside a festive tin. Gluten-free or not, everyone loves their chewy texture and rich flavor.
Recipe Card
TIME COOK:
Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Bake: 8–10 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
All ingredients listed above.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Mix dry ingredients.
- Cream butter + sugar.
- Add egg, molasses, and vanilla.
- Combine mixtures.
- Chill dough.
- Form balls + roll in sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy.
NOTE:
For best texture, use a gluten-free flour blend that already includes xanthan gum. If yours doesn’t, add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients.
NUTRITION (per cookie, approx.):
Calories: 105
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 18g
Protein: 1g
Conclusion
These Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies prove that gluten-free baking doesn’t have to be complicated or flavorless. They’re everything you want in a cozy cookie: soft, chewy, warm, and full of rich molasses and spices. Whether you’re baking for dietary needs or simply exploring gluten-free recipes, these cookies deliver comfort in every bite.
From my kitchen in Crete messy apron, warm spices filling the air, and memories guiding my hands I hope these cookies bring joy and sweetness into your home. Cooking is about creating moments, and this recipe is one worth sharing.
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from the island of Crete, and these Gluten-Free Soft Molasses Cookies were born from wanting to make sure everyone feels welcome at my table. When a close friend went gluten-free, I didn’t want her to miss out on our cozy winter molasses cookies. After some messy experimenting, I created a version just as soft, chewy, and comforting as the original. Cooking has always been about sharing love and memories, and these cookies do exactly that. They’re warm, delicious, and perfect for anyone who wants gluten-free baking to feel simple and joyful.