• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Wellness Mama®

Wellness Mama®

Simple Answers for Healthier Families

  • About
  • Resources
  • Podcast
  • Blog
    • Beauty
    • Health
    • Mama Wellness
    • Natural Home
    • Natural Remedies
    • Organization
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • Reviews
  • Shop
  • Health
  • Natural Home
  • Motherhood
  • Natural Remedies
  • Beauty
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Reviews

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe with Dates & Molasses

December 22, 2015 by Katie Wells
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Nutrient-Dense Ingredients for Healthy Gingerbread Cookies
  • Making the Cookies+−
    • Or Use It as a Crust!
  • Gingerbread Cookies Recipe with Dates & Molasses

I’ve never been much of a cookie-maker, but one year the kids requested gingerbread cookies. They’d been visiting friends and making gingerbread houses. Since I was trying to find a way to incorporate molasses and dates (for a shorter labor) into my daily diet, the idea of gingerbread cookies sounded pretty good. So I started experimenting with a grain-free, high-protein, spiced molasses and date gingerbread cookie recipe.

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients for Healthy Gingerbread Cookies

After several failed attempts, I’m happy with these fragrant and delicious cookies. They are free of refined sweeteners and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. Not only do they taste delicious, but I don’t mind letting the kids have them (or eating them myself) because of the benefits of their ingredients:

  • Molasses: a great natural source of iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, and copper. It has many beneficial properties such as improving digestion, reversing gray hair, and helping battle anemia.
  • Dates: a fruit that is often eaten alone or used as a natural sweetener. They are said to be anti-inflammatory and are often suggested for heart health, healthy blood pressure, and brain health. When I found a study about how consuming dates regularly could shorten labor, I decided to give them a try.
  • Almond Flour: high in protein, filling, and nourishing
  • Cinnamon: a little spice with a lot of benefits, cinnamon has immune-boosting and infection-fighting properties, and is often used to help regulate blood sugar. It also tastes delicious!
  • Ginger: so many great health effects, including easing nausea and calming coughing. Read more about it here. And check out this post for some great info on storing fresh ginger.

Of course, no cookie is great for daily consumption. Although between the health benefits of the ingredients and the minimal sweeteners used, I’d say these are as close as they come.

Making the Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic Christmas dessert. Even the scent of them evokes memories of childhood gingerbread house making and tree decorating.

In general, making cookies is pretty straight-forward. You mix together the dry ingredients, mix together the wet ingredients, then mix the two together. I follow the same pattern with these cookies, with the exception of using a blender for the wet ingredients. It’s the easiest way to get a smooth consistency with the dates.

I usually chill to dough for at least 15 minutes to let it firm up a bit before rolling it into balls. If you don’t you’ll have a sticky mess on your hands… literally.

The final two steps are optional. The first is the sugar. I like to roll my cookie dough balls in organic coconut sugar. It looks beautiful and gives the cookies a nice crunchy crust on the outside.

The second is the pressing. These cookies don’t flatten out on their own while they’re cooking so you can either smash them gently with the bottom of a glass before baking, or make a criss-cross pattern with a fork halfway through baking. Or you can make life simpler and just leave them in balls!

We had a great time making these for Christmas and I hope you will too. They aren’t overly sweet, but if you aren’t used to a lot of processed desserts, they have the perfect balance of sweet and spice.

Or Use It as a Crust!

It didn’t take me long to discover this recipe also makes an incredible grain-free crust for a pumpkin pie or gingerbread cheesecake!

Gingerbread Cookies Recipe with Dates & Molasses

Katie Wells
Homemade healthy gingerbread cookies with molasses, dates, almond flour, and coconut flour are nutrient-dense and packed with beneficial properties.
4.46 from 11 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Refrigeration Time 15 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 96.75 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3½ cups almond flour
  • 1 tsp  baking powder
  • 1 TBSP fresh ginger (grated, or 1 tsp powdered ginger)
  • 4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch cloves
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • ½ tsp  salt
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup butter ( or coconut oil, melted)
  • 12 pitted dates
  • ¼ cup almond milk ( or or coconut milk)
  • 1/3 cup organic blackstrap molasses
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl mix together the almond flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and coconut flour.
  • In a blender blend the eggs, melted butter or coconut oil, dates, almond or coconut milk, and molasses.
  • Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Dough should be thick enough to form balls, but not quite as thick as playdough.
  • You may need to add an extra ½ cup almond flour or 1 tablespoon coconut flour to get the correct consistency. If dough is too thick, add 1 tablespoon almond or coconut milk at a time to get desired texture.
  • Refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes to let harden slightly. This will make it easier to form for baking.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Carefully roll the dough into 1 inch balls.
  • If using sugar, roll the dough in a light coating of sugar for texture and to help prevent sticking.
  • Place dough on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes. Halfway through baking, remove from oven and make marks with a fork, if desired. This step is completely optional but creates the look of traditional molasses cookies.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before carefully removing from baking sheet.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

These cookies will be stickier than regular gingerbread cookies and are not ideal for use with cookie cutters or gingerbread houses. They do not have the gluten to help hold them together that baked goods made with regular flour do. Also, there can be differences between different types of almond and coconut flour, and even between types of dates and molasses, so you may have to adjust ingredients up or down slightly to get the correct consistency. When the cookies are done cooking they should still be semi-soft to the touch, but starting to harden around the edges. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 96.75kcalCarbohydrates: 7.18gProtein: 2.83gFat: 7.07gSaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 12.48mgSodium: 52.47mgPotassium: 75.58mgFiber: 1.76gSugar: 4.28gVitamin A: 52.59IUCalcium: 41.04mgIron: 0.67mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

Were gingerbread cookies a part of your childhood?

Related Posts

coconut milk snow cream winter kid activitiesEasy Snow Cream Recipepumpkin cheesecakeGluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipehomemade herb and spice mixes14 Homemade Spice BlendsPaleo Coconut Chocolate No-Bake CookiesCoconut Chocolate No-Bake Cookies RecipeHealthy Chocolate Almond Butter Cookie RecipeChewy Chocolate Cookies RecipeHow to make all of your own DIY beauty products with seven natural ingredients7 Ingredients – 20+ DIY Natural Beauty Recipes
Category: Dessert Recipes, Recipes

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder and CEO of Wellness Mama and Co-Founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

  • All Posts
Previous Post: « Skin nourishing massage oil recipe Skin-Nourishing Massage Oil Recipe
Next Post: Benefits of Rooibos Tea Benefits of Rooibos Tea »

You May Also Enjoy These Posts...

  • Superfood Gingerbread Latte Recipe
    Superfood Gingerbread Latte Recipe
  • Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe (Grain-Free & Delicious!)
  • Paleo Coconut Chocolate No-Bake Cookies
    Coconut Chocolate No-Bake Cookies Recipe
  • Healthy Chocolate Almond Butter Cookie Recipe
    Chewy Chocolate Cookies Recipe
  • Can eating date fruit shorten labor-science says it might
    Can Eating Dates Shorten Labor?
  • almond flour chocolate chip cookies
    Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe (Grain and Gluten Free)

Reader Interactions

Discussion (37 Comments)

  1. Anna C

    December 27, 2015 at 11:19 PM

    I can’t wait to try this recipe – it sounds like the perfect combination for my taste buds! Speaking of my taste buds, I was wondering if you have any ‘jam’ recipes. I love jam but am still trying to find some good low or no sugar recipes to try.

    Reply
    • Amanda J

      November 29, 2016 at 3:29 PM

      4 stars
      If you’re into jam, what I usually do is to cut up about 4 cups of a juicy fruit (plums, in my case) and then I put them in a saucepan and cook them over high heat until they release their natural juices and then thicken into jam. I usually add about two teaspoons of cinnamon and nutmeg to taste, and about 1/2 tsp. lemon or orange zest, but unless you really love super-sweet jams, you can forego added sugar, and the natural sweetness of the plums will take are of the rest. It’ll take about 15-20 minutes for it to thicken. Stir constantly. When the jam is a dark purple color and has thickened enough that you can run a spoon through it and there be a delay before the jam fills in the gap, then you can do the “plate test” to check for the set. (Freeze a ceramic plate and drop a spoonful of your jam onto it; if the jam doesn’t drip when you tilt the plate, then it’s set.)

      This makes about 1 1/2 pints of jam or so, and if you can it right, it’ll last a couple months in the refrigerator before you open it. After you open it, it’ll last probably 2 weeks.

      Reply
  2. Toby

    December 27, 2015 at 9:45 PM

    Looking forward to try this, as it seems delicious and highly nutritious. I discovered your blog when I was packing my hospital bag with baby number 4. That was after a very long labor and difficult home birth with baby number 3. I’ve learned sooooo much from you over the years -thanks! I know you’re a doula, just wondering, do u drink raspberry leaf tea? Cuz I only started at week 37 with baby #5, and he was born so quickly in the jacuzzi. And except for my second child, this is the only one where I had good strong labor and didn’t need pitocin. Less than 3 hours from when I arrived at the hospital to having him in my arms. I credit the red raspberry… Good luck. Hope you’ll have this one quickly and easily, you totally deserve to:)))

    Reply
  3. Tina

    December 27, 2015 at 4:37 PM

    Best choice substitute for a coconut flour substitute? Even a tablespoon sets off the SIBO.

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      December 27, 2015 at 6:29 PM

      You can omit and add more almond flour, it just may change the texture some. Arrowroot would also be an option.

      Reply
  4. Emily

    December 27, 2015 at 3:31 PM

    Recipe looks great! Do you know anything about health properties of sorghum molasses? I am wondering about subbing for the blackstrap.Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lea

      December 27, 2015 at 10:14 PM

      You can substitute straight across sorghum for molasses and vice versa. It is a little different profile nutrition wise, but still VERY healthy and full of minerals. And MUCH milder flavor than black strap molasses.

      Reply
  5. Tish

    December 27, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    My son is also allergic to nuts. Do you have any ideas on any other flour?

    Reply
  6. Morgan Reynolds

    December 23, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Hey Katie! Love this recipe!! I’ve been trying to use more molasses lately. I’m a runner and I have a bit of an iron problem, so this recipe is perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  7. Manju

    December 23, 2015 at 7:51 AM

    5 stars
    Hey Katie,
    this receipe sounds real delicious and I am gonna try it ! Yumminess !
    Can one add a bit of ground ginger to this?
    Thanks a lot !!
    Merry Christmas and happy holidays !!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      December 23, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      Give it a try 😉 Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  8. Stephanie

    December 23, 2015 at 3:25 AM

    My son is allergic to nuts. He can eat coconut flour, could I sub cassava flour? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      December 23, 2015 at 11:13 AM

      I haven’t tried it, but it might. You’ll need to play with the texture while mixing though…

      Reply
  9. Christine

    December 22, 2015 at 10:01 PM

    I don’t see any ginger in the ingredients. Did you use fresh, or dry in these gingerbread cookies? If so, how much?

    Reply
    • Wellness Mama

      December 23, 2015 at 11:15 AM

      You can use a Tablespoon of grated fresh ginger, or a teaspoon of dried…

      Reply
  10. Jerene Broker

    December 22, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    5 stars
    Oh Thank You 🙂 The Kiddos and I are trying to do find Christmas Cookie recipes that are Awesome & GF & Healthy. I have all the ingredients & we’ll making these tomorrow. Merry Christmas to You & Your Family 🙂

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Join the Conversation... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.

Recipe Rating




About

  • About
  • Sitemap
  • Start Here
  • Comment Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Newsletter
  • Full Disclaimer
  • Promo Guidelines
  • Contact
  • Shop

The Blog

  • All Posts
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Natural Remedies
  • Beauty
  • Health
  • Natural Home
  • Mama Wellness
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Podcast
  • Reviews

Copyright © 2022 · Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme

Stay in the know.

Simple Answers for Healthier Families