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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Ginger Snap Cookies

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My crispy Ginger Snap Cookies are one of my all-time favorites! They’re bursting with spicy ginger flavor and just the right touch of sweetness. Everything I love about ginger cookies is packed into these little bites and they’re completely vegan and gluten-free. I bake them all season long, but honestly, they’re perfect any time of year and the best part? They’re ready in just 45 minutes!

homemade gluten free vegan healthy ginger snap cookies on a white plate

I created these ginger snap cookies because they’re a holiday classic I can’t live without, and they’re so fun to bake for Christmas cookie exchanges. While they’re a staple on any festive cookie platter, I’ll be honest, I make them all year long because they’re just that good, much like my impressive gingerbread Bundt cake recipe.

I usually bake these by the dozen because they’re healthy and so easy to share with my kids’ friends, no need to worry about dietary restrictions! And if you love these, I highly recommend trying my dried fruit cookies, they’re another holiday favorite in my kitchen.

I love how gingersnaps have that satisfying crisp snap when you break them in half, it’s such a fun little touch! Ha! They have a flavor similar to gingerbread cookies but with a totally different texture that my kids and I can’t get enough of.

What makes my healthy ginger cookies recipe so great is how effortlessly it balances flavor and texture. The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a beautifully spiced cookie that’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for any occasion. The almond flour gives the cookies a light, nutty flavor while keeping them gluten-free, and vegan butter ensures they stay rich and chewy.

They’re quick to make, too! The dough comes together in no time, and with just a little chilling, you’ll have warm cookies on the table in under an hour. These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just pairing with a hot cup of tea on a chilly day.

Let me tell you, these ginger snap cookies are a game-changer and I can’t wait for you to bake them and see just how tasty they are 😉

Latest Recipe Video!

🍪 Ingredients

My Ginger Snap Cookies are so simple to make with just a few pantry staples and if you’re missing something, you can easily find it at the grocery store.

ingredients for gluten free vegan healthy ginger snap cookies

Almond Flour: I always use blanched almond flour for the best texture, almond meal doesn’t work as well here.

Sweeteners: I use organic brown sugar to keep these cookies vegan, along with maple syrup for added sweetness and moisture.

Vegan Butter: My favorite for baking these cookies is Earth Balance Vegan Baking Sticks. They give the cookies just the right amount of richness and moisture.

Warm Spice Combination: These cookies are packed with cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, plus a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. It’s the perfect blend for that classic gingersnap flavor.

Swaps

Sweeteners: If you’re out of maple syrup, just mix 1 tablespoon of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of dark molasses, it works like a charm.

Flour: If you’re not gluten-free, feel free to swap in all-purpose flour instead.

🔪 How To Make

Now comes the fun part! I’m so excited to show you just how simple it is to make these Ginger Snap Cookies with step-by-step photos so we can bake them together.

Step 1: First, I preheat my oven to 350°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, no need to grease it! Then, I combine the wet and dry ingredients, including the flour mixture, in my food processor. I start blending on medium speed and then crank it up to high until a dough forms. If you don’t have a food processor, no problem! Just mix everything in a large bowl using a hand mixer, it works perfectly.

cookie dough in a blender

Step 2: Next, I wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and shape.

cookie dough on a plate covered with plastic wrap

Step 3: After the dough has chilled, I grab a spoon or a cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized amounts. Then, I roll them into neat 1-inch balls, they’re already starting to look like the perfect cookies.

cookie dough balls on a baking sheet

Step 4: I place the dough balls onto the prepared baking tray, making sure to leave some space between them. Then, I flatten each one gently using the back of a fork or the palm of my hand, it’s such a simple step, but it makes them bake up beautifully.

cookie dough balls pressed with a fork on a baking sheet

Step 5: Next, I pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake the cookies on the center rack for 10–13 minutes. I keep an eye on them, they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the kitchen smells amazing.

pressed gingersnap cookies on a baking shet

Step 6: Once the cookies are baked to perfection, I take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They’re best served at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee.

homemade gluten free vegan healthy ginger snap cookies on a baking sheet

My #1 Secret Tip for making the best Ginger Snap Cookies is to let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 3 hours if you have the time! I learned this trick after a batch turned out too soft to roll properly, it was a mess. Chilling the dough not only makes it firmer and easier to handle, but it also gives the spices time to develop, making the cookies even more flavorful. Now, it’s a step I never skip.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Measure Flour Correctly: I always use a scale to measure flour for accuracy, but if you don’t have one, the spoon-and-level method works great. Just spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, no scooping directly from the bag.
  • Thinner Cookies: If I want thinner cookies, I gently flatten the dough balls with the palm of my hand. It’s such a simple step for those perfectly crispy edges.
  • Cooling Cookies: I always let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. It keeps them from getting soggy and ensures they stay crisp and delicious.

📖 Variations

These Ginger Snap Cookies are one of my favorite treats to bake, they’re perfectly spiced, crisp on the edges, and so easy to make! For a fun variation, try these:

Add Warm Spices: For extra warmth, I sometimes add allspice or nutmeg to the dough. A little experimentation with spices always makes it fun.

Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar gives them a beautiful finish and a touch of extra sweetness. It’s an easy way to make them extra special.

Extra Ginger Flavor: I love using fresh, minced, or candied ginger to pack in even more flavor. It takes the ginger snap cookies to the next level.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

My crispy vegan ginger snap cookies are the perfect blend of warm spices and sweetness, making them a holiday favorite or an anytime treat. For the ultimate pairing, serve them with a hot chocolate milk tea, coffee, or even a scoop of chocolate banana ice cream for a delightful dessert.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: These cookies don’t need to be refrigerated, just store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to keep them crisp.

Freezing: I love freezing these cookies for later! Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It brings back that freshly baked vibe in no time!

❓Recipe FAQs

How much ginger is in a gingersnap recipe?

These cookies are packed with the perfect amount of spice, one and a half teaspoons of ground ginger, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a quarter teaspoon of cloves. I’ve found that a little ginger really goes a long way! But if you’re like me and love a stronger ginger flavor, you can always add another half teaspoon of ground ginger or mix in 2 tablespoons of crystallized ginger for an extra kick.

Why are they called ginger snaps?

Did you know gingersnaps get their name from the satisfying snap they make when you break them in half? It’s one of my favorite things about these cookies, they’re perfectly crisp and oh-so-delicious!

Are old fashioned ginger snap cookies good for you?

As a nutritionist, I love gingersnaps because they’re a healthier cookie option compared to most other treats. These vegan ginger snaps are especially impressive, not only are they just about 100 calories each, but they also pack 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and only 4 grams of sugar per cookie. Plus, with the anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying!

homemade gluten free vegan healthy ginger snap cookies on a white plate

LOVE THIS RECIPE? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!

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📋 Recipe Card

🎥 Watch How to Make It

homemade gluten free vegan healthy ginger snap cookies on a white plate
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Ginger Snap Cookies

My crispy Ginger Snap Cookies are one of my all-time favorites! They’re bursting with spicy ginger flavor and just the right touch of sweetness. Everything I love about ginger cookies is packed into these little bites and they're completely vegan and gluten-free. I bake them all season long, but honestly, they’re perfect any time of year and the best part? They’re ready in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 cookies
Calories: 108kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 356 degrees F / 170 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend on high until a dough has formed.
  • Wrap dough in plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  • Using a spoon, scoop tablespoon sized mixture and roll it into balls. Place balls onto the prepared baking tray and flatten with the back of a fork or press with the palm of your hand to flatten.
  • Bake in the oven for 10-13 minutes
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

  •  I let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but up to 3 hours if you have the time! I learned this trick after a batch turned out too soft to roll properly, it was a mess. Chilling the dough not only makes it firmer and easier to handle, but it also gives the spices time to develop, making the cookies even more flavorful. Now, it’s a step I never skip.
  • I always use a scale to measure flour for accuracy, but if you don’t have one, the spoon-and-level method works great. Just spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, no scooping directly from the bag.
  • If I want thinner cookies, I gently flatten the dough balls with the palm of my hand. It’s such a simple step for those perfectly crispy edges.
  • I love using fresh, minced, or candied ginger to pack in even more flavor. It takes the ginger snap cookies to the next level.
  • I always let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. It keeps them from getting soggy and ensures they stay crisp and delicious.
  • While it might seem like a small amount of “liquid”, I promise that the softened vegan butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract is all that is needed to create a dough — make sure to use a food processor and everything should blend together nicely.
  •  

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 14mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg

10 responses to “Ginger Snap Cookies”

    • Hi Esha! If you’re not gluten free, you can use all purpose flour, but if you are gluten free you could try it with a gluten free 1:1 baking flour. I haven’t tried it with that substitution, but theoretically it should work. If you do try it with that substitution let me know how it turns out!

  1. I love that these are gluten free and vegan! These cookies have such a delicious spicy ginger flavour with the perfect amount of crunch. Perfect for the festive season!5 stars

5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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