“Chewy” Ginger Snap Paleo Holiday Cookies

This may be one of the best-tasting ginger snap cookies you’ve ever made – paleo or not – but I’ve got to warn you…this ginger snap doesn’t go “snap!”

Let me explain how this one came about…

Several weeks ago I asked my Paleo Newbie Facebook page followers to suggest a few favorite holiday treats that I could try and turn into healthier, more paleo-friendly versions.

Turns out ginger snap cookies were one of the most requested treats.

Nice! Love ’em, love ’em! There’s nothing like the aroma of ginger snaps baking in the oven to let you know the holidays are officially here.

But I wasn’t sure if I could turn this classic sweet and spicy holiday cookie into a healthier, gluten-free recipe

I’ve gotta say, I’ve shied away from making cookies since becoming paleo. Here’s why… Many months ago I tried a couple of “healthy” cookie recipes I found online. Maybe my expectations were just too high, but honestly, the healthy paleo and gluten-free recipes didn’t taste anything remotely like the original flour and sugar versions! Ugh…

So, I decided I could live without paleo-friendly cookies, and that was that…

…until my FB friends challenged me to make ginger snaps!

My first attempt turned out so-so. Ok, but not ready for the cookie jar yet. I was definitely missing the molasses that gives ginger snaps their signature flavor.

So I started investigating blackstrap molasses. I was thrilled to learn not only is molasses paleo, it has some great nutritional value as well! (You can read more about molasses in this post on The Paleo List)

But we all know any sweetener, even when it’s natural, needs to be consumed in moderation. I only used 2 tablespoons in this ginger snap recipe but it made all the difference in the world – the cookies turned out with just the right flavor, color, and moisture content. Awesome!

easy paleo recipe ginger snap cookies

This recipe will give you firmly-structured cookies with a slightly chewy center.

I added a little crystallized ginger and coconut sugar as a sprinkle, because that’s how I roll. Feel free to leave this optional topping off the cookies before you bake them.

A special thank-you to my Facebook friends for suggesting I should try and give ginger snaps a paleo makeover.

So now it’s your turn to give this easy paleo ginger snaps recipe a try!

These won’t go “snap” – but I personally prefer the sweet and sassy holiday flavors of these that melt in your mouth, over the hard-baked wheat ones that could cost you a tooth with every bite.

Enjoy! :)

"Chewy" Ginger Snap Paleo Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

    Cookie Dough
  • 1 1/4 cups of almond flour
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp blackstrap molasses
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 2 rounded tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • Optional Topping
  • 1 Tbsp crystalized ginger, minced
  • 2 Tbsp coconut sugar

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all dry cookie dough ingredients
  2. Next add wet ingredients to dry, and stir well to combine
  3. Important: Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before baking
  4. Preheat oven to 350º F
  5. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
  6. Roll cookie dough into 2-inch balls, flatten with your hand, and place on cookie sheet*
  7. *If using optional topping, first roll the cookie dough ball over a mixture of crystallized ginger and coconut sugar, then flatten in your hand and place on cookie sheet
  8. Bake 9 to 11 minutes - oven temperatures and times may vary; avoid over-baking!
  9. Cookies will puff up while baking, then flatten to normal when removed from oven
  10. Allow cookies to cool before serving
  11. Makes about one dozen cookies
https://www.paleonewbie.com/holiday-ginger-snap-cookies-easy-recipe/


Join the Conversation

  1. Could I leave out the molasses?

    1. Christy you could, but it would really change the flavor. The molasses is key to the recipe.

  2. I have to tell you, I first found this recipe a year ago and it is my all time favorite cookie recipe-paleo or otherwise!

    1. Thank you Jules! I love them and they are my husband’s favorite cookie as well. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. :)

  3. I’m new to the paleo lifestyle and was greatly missing my favorite ginger snaps this holiday season. This was EXACTLY what I needed :) Awesome!!

    1. Yay Nicole! Hope you like them! :)

  4. this recipe looks legit, thanks for sharing! but note that maple syrup isn’t ever raw; it’s produced by *cooking* the raw sap of maple trees to over 200 degrees. i just learned that 40 gallons of sap boils down to about a gallon of syrup.

    1. Danielle, The recipe is legit. :) That is a typo on my part. I use raw honey in some of my recipes and can’t believe no one else noticed it, including me, until now! Thanks for the heads up. I will correct it.

  5. do you need to sift the almond flour?

  6. So delicious, even without the coconut sugar and crystalized ginger. Thank you, thank you!

  7. I just made these. I love them, they were so easy to make too. Tasty.

    1. Hi Syd, you would get along well with my hubby. They are his favorite. Thanks for your comment! :)

  8. these were good, i doubled the recipe, added 1/2 c of coconut oil, only half the almond butter, and 3 eggs, very delish

    1. Glad you were able to adapt to the way you wanted them! They are tasty! :)

  9. We made these today, our first attempt at paleo cookies. Delish! Love them dipped in my coffee.

    1. Thank you Nancy! I’m so glad you like them. Still my hubby’s fav! :) thanks for the comment!

  10. These were SO GOOD! I made them for company this weekend, and we devoured the recipe in no time. Half the batch was coated coconut sugar, and the other half was drenched with a almond butter. Delicious. Thanks!

    1. Glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for the kind comment! Happy thanksgiving!

      1. This is an excellent recipe! So easy to make and tastes great, and even better – healthy for you. My family eats what I eat and they do not complain about healthy stuff especially when it is this good. Thank you do much for sharing it.

        1. You are very welcome! It’s a favorite here too! :)

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