These Vegan & Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays. They are chewy and yummy, with just the right amount of ginger and molasses flavors. Make these for your family or to give as gifts.

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three molasses cookies on a plate with a bite taken out of one

Molasses cookies are a classic American cookie. They are one of those old-fashioned recipes that your grandmother might have made. If you are looking for a holiday cookie recipe that is both chewy and satisfying, then these Vegan Molasses Cookies are for you.

These cookies make great gifts, too! This recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, so the cookies can be enjoyed by many, even those with food sensitivities or dietary restrictions

Let me show you how to make them!

photo with ingredients for vegan molasses cookies

Recipe Steps

Step One

The first step in making gluten-free molasses cookies is to pre-heat your oven and to make the chia egg. A chia egg takes about 10 minutes to thicken. All you have to do is combine a tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water.

As always, please do see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Next, you just combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and then add the wet ingredients, including the chia egg. The batter will be fairly thick and a beautiful color due to the molasses.

dry and wet ingredients for vegan molasses cookies

Step Three

Use your hands to form the dough into about 16-18 balls and flatten them just a bit. 

molasses cookies on a baking sheet ready to be baked

Step Four

These cookies only take 12 minutes to cook. They’re so soft and delicately sweet. I think you’re really going to love them!

baked molasses cookies on a baking sheet

Step Five

Let the cookies cool slightly before eating them. The outside is crisp, and the inside is soft and chewy. They are truly holiday cookie perfection.

baked molasses cookies in a holiday tin

FAQs

Is molasses vegan? 

Yes, molasses is vegan. It is also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Are these molasses cookies the same as gingerbread cookies?

The recipes for molasses cookies and gingerbread cookies have very similar ingredients, but gingerbread dough is most commonly chilled and then rolled out and cut into shapes before baking.

Molasses cookies are easier to make than gingerbread cookies because you just roll them into balls and bake them.

I’m not gluten-free. Can I use regular flour for these?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need them to be gluten-free.

molasses cookies served with milk

Other Healthy Treats You Might Like

See all of my gluten-free and dairy-free healthy dessert recipes.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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plate of vegan molasses cookies ready to be eaten

Vegan Molasses Cookies

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews
Print Recipe

Description

These Vegan & Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays. They are chewy and yummy, with just the right amount of ginger and molasses flavors. Make these for your family or to give as gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons of water)
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  2. Make the chia egg by combining the chia seeds and water in a small glass bowl. Stir and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.
  3. Next, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chia egg, coconut oil, molasses, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Stir to combine.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  6. Use your hands to form the dough into about 16-18 1-inch round balls. Flatten each one slightly as you lay it on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cookies start to brown. Be careful not to let them burn.
  8. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months in an air-tight container.
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: vegan holiday cookies, healthy holiday cookies, vegan and gluten-free dessert

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