There’s something incredibly comforting about the warm, spiced aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles are not just any cookies; they are a delightful blend of rich molasses, warming spices, and a soft, chewy texture that will make you reminisce about childhood holidays. These cookies are not only gluten-free but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect treat for any day of the week. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these crinkles are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Keep Making It

Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles are a fantastic choice for many reasons. They come together quickly and do not require any unusual ingredients. The combination of spices creates a delightful flavor profile that dances on your palate. Plus, they have that signature crinkly top that is visually appealing and fun to eat! These cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays, but trust me, you’ll want to make them year-round. Once you try one, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for more!
Gather These Ingredients
To make these delightful Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles, you will need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons brown rice flour
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons white rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup sweet rice flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 scant teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup dark molasses
- Additional small bowl of sugar, for rolling
Appliances & Accessories
Make sure you have the following appliances and accessories handy:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is well mixed and smooth.
- Baking sheet: For placing your cookie dough; line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning out the cookie dough.
- Oven: Your trusty kitchen partner for baking these delicious cookies.
Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet rice flour, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until they are well blended and free of lumps.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, add the egg and dark molasses, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Chill the Dough (optional)
For the best texture, you can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to roll the cookies.
Step 6: Roll and Coat
Once chilled, scoop out spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in the additional sugar until fully coated. This gives them a lovely sweetness and a beautiful sparkling finish.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them as they will spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the tops are crinkled and slightly cracked.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen!
Better Choices & Swaps

If you’re looking to make some adjustments or substitutions, consider the following:
- Butter: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Granulated sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative for a lower glycemic index.
- Xanthan gum: If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can use psyllium husk powder as a thickener.
- Molasses: Maple syrup can be used for a lighter flavor, though it will change the taste slightly.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When making Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure your measuring cups are correct; gluten-free flours can be dense, leading to too much flour if packed.
- Don’t skip the xanthan gum; it helps bind the ingredients together, giving the cookies a chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool properly; they may seem soft when you take them out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
- If your dough feels too sticky, a light dusting of rice flour can help with rolling.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you want to save some for later or prepare in advance, here’s how:
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want to freeze the cookies, place them in an airtight container once cooled, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles FAQs
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above.
What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, hot tea, or coffee. They also make a great addition to a holiday dessert platter!
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to add gluten-free chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet treat. Just fold them in after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.
Cook This Next
If you enjoyed making Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles, you might want to try these delicious recipes:
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Cookies
- Chewy Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Gluten Free Snickerdoodles
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles, it’s time to gather your loved ones and share these delectable treats. Whether served at a gathering, as an after-school snack, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and the satisfying chew of these cookies, knowing you’ve created something truly special. Happy baking!

Gluten Free Molasses Crinkles
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ¾ cup brown rice flour
- ¾ cup white rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup sweet rice flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 scant teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup dark molasses
- 1 bowl small bowl of sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the OvenStart by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Mix Dry IngredientsIn a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice flour, white rice flour, tapioca flour, sweet rice flour, baking soda, baking powder, xanthan gum, ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until well blended.
- Step 3: Prepare Wet IngredientsIn another bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and dark molasses, mixing until incorporated.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry IngredientsGradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Step 5: Chill the Dough (optional)Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes for better texture.
- Step 6: Roll and CoatOnce chilled, scoop dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in additional sugar until coated.
- Step 7: BakePlace balls on a baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and tops are crinkled.
- Step 8: CoolLet cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Oven
Notes
- Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- If the dough is sticky, lightly dust with rice flour for easier handling.
