Can you believe there are 42 days until Christmas and the end of the year! Where did 2023 go? While we ponder this, let's get baking some of my famous gluten-free gingerbread men cookies. Unlike the traditional holiday biscuits, these cookies are made with wholefood ingredients, are low in sugar, and best of these biscuits are totally gluten-free! Ready? Let's cook it together!
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Gluten-free Gingerbread Cookies
It's that time of year again where home baking reaches an all time hight for the year. Today I have been super busy in the test kitchen creating healthy alternatives to some Christmastime favourites. And one of those traditions had to be these soft and chewy gluten-free gingerbread men cookies.
Unlike traditional gingerbread made with wheat flour, I have crafted a nutrient-rich version using gluten-free almond flour, a hint of sweetness from sugar-free alternatives, and the wholesome goodness of wholefood ingredients for a guilt-free and delicious treat. When I say these biscuits might actually be good you, they certainly are; the trick is just limiting yourself to sampling only one!
On a budget? Near Christmastime, the shops are flooded with all kinds of holiday fare, and while gingerbread biscuits aren't necessarily an expensive item, they are almost always full of sugary, cheap ingredients. If you are gluten-free like myself, finding a wheat-free version can be a needle in a hay stack, not to mention triple the cost. Making them at home is an affordable way to batch cook a large tinfull of gluten-free cookies for the holidays. You'll also be able to control the sugar content, making homemade very budget-friendly.
Food allergies, not problem! Almond flour is an absolute game-changer in the gluten-free kitchen. Not only is it a versatile substitute for regular flour, but it also brings a subtly sweet and nutty flavor to baked goods. And let's not forget about the health benefits! Packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, almond flour is a nutrient-dense option that doesn't compromise on taste. Whether you're watching your carbs or dealing with gluten sensitivities, go ahead, get creative in the kitchen with almond flour.
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Healthy Christmas Gingerbread Cookies
Healthy Gingerbread Men Ingredients
When it comes to making gingerbread cookies, I prefer using wholesome ingredients that provide more nutritional value then traditional flour and sweeteners. If you are coeliac like myself, you'll appreciate the almond flour used in this recipe. You don't have to miss out on deliciously festive and low-carb holiday treats.
Almond Flour: made from finely ground almonds, and serves as a nutritious substitute for traditional wheat and gluten-based flours in recipes. It is also low-carb, and adds a subtly sweet and nutty flavour to baked goods.
Ground Ginger Root: gives a warm and aromatic flavour to traditional gingerbread men, and a distinctive flavour that captures the heart of festive holiday baking.
Unsalted Butter: enhances the recipe by giving the dough a deliciously chewy texture and binding with the eggs and flour.
Eggs: are also needed for structure creating that soft, chewy texture while binding the ingredients together during baking.
Stevia Sweetener: serves as a health-conscious choice in this recipe, providing sweetness without added sugars, making the almond flour gingerbread cookies a delicious and low-carb option for those mindful of their sugar intake..
Rock Salt: a pinch of salt helps balance the flavours and intensify the ginger taste. Rock slat is the preferred choice among Nutritionists as it is less processed than table salt, and also contains many natural trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
These key ingredients create gingerbread biscuits just as good as traditional, and are suitable for those with gluten sensitives offering a delightfully tasty dessert experience.
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Gluten-free Christmas Gingerbread Men
These almond flour gingerbread cookies are a delicious and festive low-carb dessert option for Christmas, offering a flavourful and satisfying treat without the excess carbs. By using almond flour, they are also fully gluten-free making them a delightful surprise gift to friends and family who are coeliac or gluten sensitive.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
2 cups almond flour, unbleached
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar-free sweetener (e.g., erythritol or stevia)
1 large egg, free-range organic
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp Dutch cinnamon, ground
1/2 tsp ginger, ground
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
1/4 tsp rock salt
Sugar-free Coconut Icing for decoration (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, softened butter, sugar-free sweetener, egg, vanilla extract, spices, and salt. Mix with a fork and then your hands until a tough dough forms.
Roll out the dough on a cutting board dusted with almond flour to prevent sticking. Use a gingerbread cookie cutter to cut the men shapes from the dough. You may need to roll out the leftover dough again and again to use it all up and make all the cookies (approx 10-12).
Place the cut out gingerbread men on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking as every oven is different. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cooled, you can decorate them with sugar-free icing if desired.
Batch Cook & Meal Prep
Yes, you can easily meal prep these biscuits for entertaining. You may need to double or triple the recipe depending on the number of guests. This recipe is quick and easy to make, and can be prepared the day before. Just be sure to keep the dough covered in plastic wrap and chilled in the fridge until it is needed for baking. Will keep for 2-3 days. Just note that the flavours of the spices will become more pronounced.
Want more holiday wholefood recipes like these? You might like my Healthy Holiday Dessert Cookbook full of easy, festive recipe for the Christmas season. Click here to grab your copy!
Emma Lisa, Nutritionist & Women's Practitioner
Emma Lisa is a Nutritionist & Women's Health Practitioner with over 12+ years expereince in wholefood nutrition, meal planning and health coaching. She is a published cookbook author, passionate food recipe creator and lifestyle blogger, and an advocate for women's health and anti-diet culture. When she's not in clinic, Emma is mum to five kids, in her test kitchen and a wellness digital creator. She lives in Sydney, Australia.
Healthy + happiness,
Emma Lisa xx
HEALTH & NUTRITION PRACTITIONER
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