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Heavenly Gluten-Free Gingerbread Recipe

Looking for the perfect festive treat? Then my Gluten-Free Gingerbread recipe is for you!

These gingerbread biscuits are a delightful treat that captures the essence of festive baking without compromising on taste or texture.

Made with a blend of gluten-free flours, such as almond or rice flour, these biscuits retain the classic spiciness of traditional gingerbread, thanks to the generous use of ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Their rich, warm flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture make them perfect for decorating during the holiday season, whether with intricate royal icing or a sprinkle of festive edible glitter.

Ideal for sharing with family and friends, these biscuits not only cater to those with gluten sensitivities but also bring a touch of cheer to any Christmas gathering.

Enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of tea or mulled wine, gluten-free gingerbread biscuits are sure to become a cherished addition to your festive traditions.

What you will love about this recipe

Oh, there’s so much to love about gluten-free gingerbread biscuits they’re simply delightful during the festive season!

• First off, the flavours are just divine; those warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg create such a lovely, cosy aroma that really gets you in the holiday spirit.
• Then there’s the versatility: whether you fancy traditional gingerbread figures, festive stars, or even soft and chewy ones, there’s a recipe to suit everyone’s taste.
• Easy to make: With just a few basic gluten-free ingredients, even novice bakers can whip up a batch in no time.
• A fun activity:  let’s not forget the fun of decorating them! It’s a brilliant activity for families; kids will love getting creative with icing and sprinkles.
• Healthy Ginger: ginger itself has some health benefits—who knew you could indulge and be a bit virtuous at the same time?

Ingredients

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: 350g of gluten-free rice flour and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda,  allows everyone to enjoy gingerbread without the gluten, maintaining the classic texture and taste.
• Spices: 2 teaspoons of ground ginger, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, not only provide that signature warm flavour but also come with health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
•  Sweeteners: 175g dark brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of golden syrup add depth and richness to the biscuits, enhancing their caramelised flavour.
• Butter: 100g unsalted butter gives a lovely richness to the biscuits, ensuring they have a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Egg: This acts as a binder, helping to hold the mixture together and giving the biscuits their structure.

Instructions

• Mix the flour, spices and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl.
• Rub in the butter in small cubes until it looks like breadcrumbs.
• Add in the sugar.
• Mix in the golden syrup and beaten egg until the mixture comes together.
• Let it chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
• Tip the dough onto a floured surface, be gentle as the dough may still be very soft.
• Roll out the dough to a depth of (1/4) inch.
• Cut out your festive shapes and put them onto a greased baking tray.
• Bake the biscuits for 10-12 minutes at 160C (Gas 3).
• Leave the biscuits to cool fully on a wire cooling rack.
• Decorate with icing and edible gluten-free decoration.

What to decorate your gingerbread biscuits with

• Royal Icing: Whip up a classic royal icing using icing sugar, egg whites, and a splash of lemon juice. Pipe delicate outlines and fill in the sections with an array of colours to create intricate patterns and designs.
• Candy Accents: Adorn your biscuits with a selection of gluten-free sweets, such as jelly beans, chocolate buttons, or mini candy canes. Melted chocolate makes an excellent adhesive for securing these treats onto your biscuits, adding a playful touch.
• Sprinkles and Edible Glitter: Once your icing has set, sprinkle over some edible glitter or gluten-free sprinkles for a festive flourish. This not only adds a touch of sparkle but also enhances the overall visual appeal of your creations.
• Fruit and Nut Toppings: Consider using dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, alongside chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. These can serve as charming decorative elements or be mixed into the icing for added texture and flavour.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some gluten-free chocolate and drizzle it artfully over your cooled biscuits. This adds a rich, indulgent flavour and can be complemented with nuts or sprinkles for an elegant finish.

What to serve with gluten-free gingerbread biscuits

Hot Beverages

• Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced red wine that complements the ginger and spices in the biscuits.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm with cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.
• Ginger Tea: A soothing ginger tea can enhance the ginger flavour of the biscuits.

Dipping Sauces

•  Chocolate Sauce: Melted dark or milk chocolate for dipping adds a rich, indulgent element.
•  Caramel sauce: A sweet and buttery caramel sauce pairs well with the spiciness of gingerbread.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A light and tangy cream cheese dip can balance the sweetness of the biscuits.

Cheese Board

• Soft Cheeses: Pair with mild cheeses like Brie or Camembert for a contrasting texture.
• Cheddar: A sharp cheddar can provide a delightful contrast to the sweet biscuits.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: Include walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries to add variety and texture.

Fruits

• Fresh Fruit Platter: Slices of apple, pear, or clementines can offer a refreshing contrast.
• Dried Fruits: Options like figs, apricots, or dates can complement the spices in the gingerbread.

Ice Cream or Sorbet

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess to the spiced biscuits.
• Gingerbread Ice Cream: For an extra festive touch, serve with gingerbread-flavoured ice cream.
• Coconut Sorbet: A dairy-free option that adds a tropical twist.

Are you ready to make my gluten-free gingerbread recipe? Then let’s get started.

If you enjoy my gluten-free Gingerbread recipe, then you should check out more yummy recipes 👇

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Gluten-free mince pies

If you are thinking about gifting to your loved ones at Christmas and that person may be gluten intolerant, then check out my article on popular Christmas chocolate tubs: Are Quality Street gluten-free?

Gluten-Free Gingerbread recipe tips

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of my gluten-free gingerbread recipe:

Avoid Cross-Contamination

If you’re preparing your gluten-free gingerbread in a kitchen that is not entirely gluten-free, take precautions to avoid cross-contamination.

Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces to prevent gluten from contacting the ingredients.

When possible do not use wooden utensils, cutting boards, and rolling pins that are used with gluten.

Choose the Right Flour

Opt for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, preferably one that contains xanthan gum, as this helps mimic the elasticity of traditional wheat flour. Brands like FREEE or Doves Farm are popular choices in the UK.

Chill the Dough

After mixing your ingredients, wrap the dough in cling film and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the biscuits from spreading too much while baking.

Roll to the Right Thickness

When rolling out your dough, aim for a thickness of about 6-7mm (¼ inch). This ensures that your biscuits will bake evenly and achieve that perfect snap without becoming overly hard.

Use Cookie Cutters Wisely

Dust your cookie cutters with gluten-free flour before cutting out shapes to prevent sticking. After cutting, transfer the shapes onto lined baking trays using a fish slice or spatula, ensuring they have enough space to expand slightly during baking.

Label items

Consider buying two of certain shared food items like jam, and butter, dedicate one, and label it as gluten-free.

Cooking oil

Use separate oils to fry gluten-free foods as they will become contaminated and not safe to eat.

Personal Hygiene

Always wash your hands with hot water and soap before you handle any ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store gluten-free gingerbread biscuits?

Most recipes suggest storing them in an airtight container for 1-3 weeks. Some sources indicate they can last up to two or three weeks if properly stored.

Can I freeze gluten-free gingerbread biscuits?

Yes! You can freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Best practices include:

• Wrap cookies in parchment paper
• Store in an airtight container
• Thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.

What flour should I use?

• Use a gluten-free plain flour blend specifically designed for baking. Recommended brands include:
• Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
• FREEE Plain White Flour
• Better Batter

Do I need xanthan gum?

Most gluten-free gingerbread recipes recommend adding xanthan gum (about 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon) to help bind the ingredients. However, some flour blends already contain xanthan gum, so check your package.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute butter with:

• Hard margarine (like Stork)
• Dairy-free butter alternatives
• Dairy-free margarine

How can I decorate my gluten-free gingerbread biscuits?

• Popular decoration methods include:
• Royal icing
• Coloured icing sugar
• Sprinkles
• Broken hard-boiled sweets
• Writing icing

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• 

  Aurora replied on April 9, 2025:

  
  This gingerbread filled my kitchen with such a warm, spicy aroma; it truly felt like Christmas.

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