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gluten-free

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30 Minutes or Less

One-Bowl Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

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overhead image of gluten-free molasses cookies on a table.

My focus this holiday season has been on creating family traditions. With the recent arrival of my second baby, I’ve fallen in love with the idea of creating family recipes that will hopefully last us generations – like the gluten-free cinnamon rolls I plan on making every Christmas morning and the gluten-free Christmas cookies we’ll bake for family and friends.

These gluten-free molasses cookies are classic and totally timeless – yet easy to make in just one-bowl, NO chilling required! It’s these minor tweaks I made over rounds of recipe testing that I hope one day even my great grandkids will appreciate. I also baked these cookies with my toddler last week, and it passed the kid-friendly test with flying colors! He loved rolling the cookies in sugar, and I loved that I only had one bowl to clean. 🙂 Win, win!

a gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

What Makes These the BEST Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies

These gluten-free molasses cookies check every box:

  • Soft, chewy, and perfectly spiced like classic bakery-style molasses cookies
  • Made in one bowl with easy pantry-staple ingredients
  • No chilling required—meaning cookies in under 20 minutes
  • Naturally gluten-free, and easily dairy-free/vegan with simple swaps
  • Perfect crackly tops thanks to rolling the dough in sugar
  • A reliable dough that doesn’t spread too much and bakes evenly every time

If you’ve been looking for a gluten-free molasses cookie that tastes exactly like the real thing, this is the recipe you’ll keep forever!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Molasses: I recommend using unsulphured molasses and avoiding blackstrap molasses – it’s more bitter and a little too thick for this cookie recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: A high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum works best. I love and recommend either the King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour. If your blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon.
  • Butter: To make these cookies dairy-free, swap the butter for vegan butter sticks or softened coconut oil.
  • Spices: The spice blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives these cookies their classic “gingersnap meets molasses cookie” flavor. Adjust ginger for more or less spice!
one gluten-free molasses cookie with a bite taken out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store these gluten-free molasses cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4–5 days. They also freeze beautifully – store baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, thawing on the counter before enjoying.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with vegan butter or softened coconut oil. The texture remains soft and chewy.

How do I also make these cookies vegan?

Yes – simply use vegan butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water). Bake time remains the same!

Sam’s Baking Tips

  • Don’t skimp on the spices! Molasses cookies need a strong spice profile.
  • Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added to keep the cookies chewy and tender.
  • Roll in sugar for that perfect crackly top and bakery-style finish!
  • Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gluten-free molasses cookies are soft, chewy, perfectly spiced, made in one bowl, and require no chilling—a holiday win! They taste just like the classic version, and no one will ever guess they’re gluten-free or dairy-free.

overhead image of gluten-free molasses cookies on a table.
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One-Bowl Gluten-Free Molasses Cookies (no chilling required!)

These soft and chewy gluten-free molasses cookies are packed with warm holiday spices and made in just one bowl – no chilling required! They bake up with perfectly crackled tops, rich molasses flavor, and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture no one will believe is gluten-free. The perfect easy Christmas cookie that’s also dairy-free friendly and ideal for gifting, parties, or cozy winter baking!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Equipment

  • 2 large cookie sheets
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons butter softened (or non-dairy butter)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar for a healthier option
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating the cookies

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Beat butter and brown sugar together in a large bowl with either a hand or stand mixer, until light and fluffy. Add in molasses, egg, and vanilla extract and beat again until combined.
  • Add in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix again just until a dough forms – careful not to over-mix the cookie dough!
  • Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough, roll the dough between the palm of your hands to form a smooth ball, then roll the ball in sugar before placing it on your prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly press down each cookie just a little to flatten it, then bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Remove the cookie from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 3g | Sugar: 7g
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30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls

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bite taken out of a bowl of chocolate peppermint protein balls.

These rich, festive protein balls pair chocolate and peppermint flavor perfectly – made with only five simple ingredients, and delivering about 10 grams of protein each! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a healthy sweet snack. Crunchy candy-cane topping meets a creamy almond-butter base plus chocolate protein for a satisfying treat!

chocolate peppermint protein balls in a small bowl.

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls

  • Creamy nut/seed butter and chocolate protein powder combine for a high-protein snack that also satisfies your sweet tooth.
  • The peppermint extract and candy-cane topping bring a festive, refreshing twist without added junk.
  • Quick to make, simple to store, and perfect for holiday prepping (or regular snack stash).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does any nut or seed butter work?
Yes – almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even peanut butter will work!
What protein powder do you use?
Aloha Chocolate Protein Powder or any high-quality chocolate-flavored protein works; opt for vegan if you want fully plant-based.
How do I store these protein balls?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before eating.

Close up image of chocolate peppermint protein balls in a small bowl.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Swap almond butter for cashew or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version!
  • Omit candy-canes and sprinkle sea-salt flakes or cocoa nibs instead.
  • Use sugar-free dark chocolate chips to reduce added sugars while keeping richness.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • If the mixture seems too dry to roll, add one tablespoon of non-dairy milk at a time until you can comfortably roll it.
  • Use parchment-lined tray before freezing to prevent sticking, and press the crushed candy-canes lightly so they adhere to the chocolate coating.
  • For smoother melting, heat chocolate chips + coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals to avoid burning.
bite taken out of a bowl of chocolate peppermint protein balls.
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Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls

These rich, festive protein balls pair chocolate and peppermint flavor perfectly – made with only five simple ingredients, and delivering about 9 grams of protein each! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a healthy sweet snack. Crunchy candy-cane topping meets a creamy almond-butter base plus chocolate protein for a satisfying treat!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chocolate protein powder if unsweetened, add 3 tablespoons of maple syrup to this recipe
  • 1/2 cup almond butter or cashew butter
  • 3-4 tablespoons non-dairy milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the chocolate coating:

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional
  • crushed candy canes optional

Instructions

  • Add the almond butter, chocolate protein powder, peppermint extract, and non-dairy milk to a bowl and mix until fully combined. Continue adding one tablespoon of non-dairy milk if the mixture seems too dry to roll into balls.
  • Scoop the truffles with a medium-sized cookie scoop into about 2 tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls between the palms of your hands. Transfer the balls to the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the topping.
  • Melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil in either the microwave or over a double boiler until completely smooth.
  • Dip each protein truffle into the melted chocolate, then carefully transfer to a parchment-lined plate. Sprinkle the truffles with crushed candy canes, then transfer to the fridge until the chocolate has hardened.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g
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Breakfast

6-Ingredient Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Greek Yogurt Frosting

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protein cinnamon rolls with greek yogurt cream cheese frosting on top.

My love for cinnamon rolls runs deep. But so does my desire for a dessert recipe that packs in extra protein! Like my protein hostess cupcakes, protein banana bread, or most famously, my protein chocolate chip cookies. It always feels like cheating when I can enjoy a sweet treat while sneaking extra protein into my day. And these protein cinnamon rolls are the ultimate version of that! They’re just as delicious and indulgent as a classic cinnamon roll, but with 10 grams of protein a piece and a gluten-free option, too. And because no cinnamon roll is complete without some type of cream cheese frosting, I topped these with a protein Greek yogurt cream cheese frosting that seriously takes ’em over the top!

overhead image of protein cinnamon rolls with greek yogurt frosting on top.

Why You’ll Love These Protein Cinnamon Rolls

  • Only six core ingredients for the dough – no complicated steps or long rise times required!
  • Each roll delivers around 10 grams of protein thanks to the Greek yogurt and protein-rich base.
  • Perfect for breakfast or dessert – soft, indulgent, but also balanced for macro-minded eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein does each cinnamon roll have?
About 10 g per roll when split into eight or nine servings, thanks to the Greek yogurt and protein-enhanced dough.

Can I replace the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener?
Yes – use a granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend in place of the sugar for a lower-sugar version (just check how your dough handles the change).

How do I store these cinnamon rolls?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; warm gently before serving. You can also freeze un-iced rolls, then add the icing after reheating.

overhead image of protein cinnamon rolls with greek yogurt frosting on top.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Use room-temperature yogurt for smoother mixing and fluffier frosting.
  • If the dough seems too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons extra Greek yogurt – the goal is a workable ball.
  • Roll the dough to a rectangle before spreading the butter and sugar-cinnamon mixture for even swirls.
  • Let the rolls cool slightly before icing so the glaze doesn’t melt into puddles.
protein cinnamon rolls with greek yogurt cream cheese frosting on top.
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6-Ingredient Protein Cinnamon Rolls with Greek Yogurt Frosting

These Protein Cinnamon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and secretly packed with 10 grams of protein per roll! With only 6 ingredients, they’re an easy, healthy twist on your favorite breakfast treat – no yeast or rising required. Perfect for meal prep, brunch, or a cozy weekend bake, these cinnamon rolls are gluten-free, high-protein, and absolutely delicious!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all purpose flour I used gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt plus more if needed
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar divided, or your favorite sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon

For the frosting:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×4-inch loaf pan.
  • Add the all purpose flour, plain Greek yogurt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar to a large bowl. Mix together until a dough forms. If the dough seems dry, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. The dough might seem dry, but just use enough Greek yogurt until it can be formed into a ball (you’ll have to get your hands dirty here!).
  • Lightly flour a kitchen surface and roll the dough out into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter on top of the dough, then sprinkle the dough evenly with ½ cup sugar and the cinnamon.
  • Carefully take the long end of the dough and roll it into a tight log. Slice the log into 8-9 cinnamon rolls, each about 2 inches thick.
  • Then, place the cinnamon rolls into your prepared baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top.
  • Remove the protein cinnamon rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes while you make the frosting.
  • Add all frosting ingredients to a bowl and use either a hand or stand mixer to whip everything together until smooth. Top the cooled cinnamon rolls with the protein frosting and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 15g
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Dairy-Free

Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls (with a dairy-free option!)

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The inside of a gluten-free dinner roll in a pan.

Every thanksgiving my mom makes the most incredible dinner rolls. They’re soft, fluffy, and the perfect addition to any holiday plate. There’s just one problem – they’re not gluten-free or dairy-free. And now that I’ve assumed a gluten-free diet and my sister is completely dairy-free, that old dinner roll recipe just won’t work for us anymore. Which is why I developed these gluten-free dinner rolls with a dairy-free option. They’re equally as soft and fluffy as the kind my mom used to make, and no one even noticed the difference! I’m not going to lie, I went into developing this recipe with caution – not sure if I could actually make a gluten-free dinner roll that tasted just like the real thing. So you can imagine my surprise when I actually did it! A dinner roll that is entirely gluten-free, and even dairy-free, that everyone can enjoy. 🙂

overhead image of gluten-free dinner rolls in a baking dish with dairy-free butter brushed on top.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

  • They’re surprisingly easy to make even though they use yeast; no complicated techniques required.
  • The dough yields rolls with golden crust and soft, tender insides – just like you remember from regular bread.
  • With a non-dairy swap for milk & butter, you can make them dairy-free and allergy-friendly — many bloggers highlight this flexibility.
  • They’re perfect for the holidays or any meal where you want warm bread on the table that everyone can enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free dinner rolls dairy-free too?
Yes – simply swap the milk for a non-dairy variety (like coconut or almond milk) and use vegan butter or this buttery-flavored coconut oil instead of regular butter!
Do I have to use gluten-free bread flour?
It’s highly recommended to use a gluten-free bread flour or blend designed for yeast baking; standard gluten-free all-purpose flours may lack structure and rise. I recommend the King Arthur Gluten-Free Bread Flour available on Amazon.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, though egg-free versions may result in slightly different texture. I’d recommend an egg replacer, like this one from Bob’s Red Mill, over flax or chia “eggs.”

close up image of gluten-free dinner rolls in a baking dish.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Warm your milk precisely to 110° F before adding yeast – too hot and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold and it won’t activate.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about one hour until it’s puffed and slightly set.
  • Use a cookie scoop or ⅓-cup measure to form each roll for even sizes and consistent baking.
  • Brush the rolls with melted butter (or non-dairy butter) right after baking for soft tops and rich flavor.
  • These rolls freeze well – just let them cool fully, then store in freezer-safe bags; re-warm before serving.

How to Store These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

These gluten-free dinner rolls stay soft and fluffy for up to 3 days when stored properly. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight container at room temperature (the container must be airtight, any air will dry them out!). For longer storage, freeze the rolls in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months – just reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes before serving to restore that fresh-baked texture.

The inside of a gluten-free dinner roll in a pan.
5 from 1 vote

Soft and Fluffy Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls

These Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and taste just like the real thing – no one will ever guess they’re gluten-free! Made with simple ingredients and an easy, one-bowl method, they’re perfect for holidays, family dinners, or weeknight comfort meals. Plus, with a dairy-free option included, everyone at your table can enjoy warm, homemade dinner rolls fresh from the oven!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 9 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 9×9-inch baking pan

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm milk 110 degrees Fahreneheit or non-dairy coconut milk
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted or non-dairy butter/buttery flavor coconut oil
  • 3 cups gluten-free bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted or non-dairy butter/buttery flavor coconut oil

Instructions

  • Start by warming your milk in a medium bowl to about 110° Fahrenheit. Do this in either the microwave for about 30-40 seconds, or over low heat on the stove for 2 minutes.
  • Once milk is warm, add the active dry yeast, honey, and melted butter. Give it a gentle whisk to combine, then let that sit for a couple minutes while you continue on with the recipe.
  • To the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, add the gluten-free bread flour, baking powder, and salt. Turn the mixer on low until the dry ingredients are combined.
  • With the electric mixer running on medium speed, slowly add the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Once the wet and dry ingredients are almost completely combined, add in the egg and egg yolk. Continue mixing to incorporate the eggs into the dough.
  • Once the eggs are incorporated, turn the mixer on high speed and mix the dough for 3-5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and can be easily formed into a ball.
  • Using a large cookie scoop or 1/3 cup measuring cup, scoop the dough into 9 balls and gently roll each ball between your palms until smooth all the way around. If the dough is sticking to your hands, lightly wet your hands with warm water before rolling.
  • Then, place the dinner rolls in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish and tightly cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place the rolls in a warm place (by a window, in a proving drawer, in the oven with the light on, etc) to rise for about 1 hour.
  • After the hour is up, remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Once the oven is hot, bake the dinner rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. Remove the rolls from the oven and brush each roll with melted butter, then let them cool before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g
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Gluten-Free

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

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Thanksgiving dessert should be indulgent, cozy, and full of fall flavor – even when it’s gluten-free! Whether you’re hosting guests with dietary restrictions or just looking to lighten things up without sacrificing taste, these gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts are easy to make, totally delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face!

overhead image of a healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar.

6-Ingredient Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

All the gooey, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie — without the gluten, refined sugar, or complicated prep. These bars are rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, made with just six wholesome ingredients.

gluten-free cornbread with milk on the side.

One-Bowl Gluten-Free Cornbread with Honey Butter

This cornbread is soft, slightly sweet, and made in one bowl for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect side or dessert companion for Thanksgiving, especially when paired with a delicious honey butter!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Warm, spiced apples meet a soft, fluffy crumb in this gluten-free apple cake that tastes like fall in every bite. The cinnamon sugar topping gives it that irresistibly delicious finish.

healthy pumpkin muffins on a table with a small pumpkin.

Healthy One-Bowl Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins

Moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, these pumpkin muffins are a healthier twist on a seasonal favorite. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup — perfect for breakfast or dessert.

gluten free apple crisp in a baking dish with a spoon and two scoops of ice cream on top.

Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Crispy, golden oat topping meets tender, cinnamon-coated apples in this better-for-you apple crisp. It’s cozy, comforting, and best served warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.

Overhead image of gluten-free cinnamon rolls in a baking dish with cream cheese frosting on top.

The BEST Fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, gooey, and topped with a rich glaze, these gluten-free cinnamon rolls will fool even the biggest gluten lovers! They’re surprisingly easy to make and make the perfect Thanksgiving morning treat.

christmas crack pieces on a baking sheet with milk on the side

4-Ingredient Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Christmas Crack

This festive, crunchy, and perfectly sweet “Christmas Crack” is made with gluten-free crackers, dairy-free chocolate, and a caramel-like coconut sugar topping. It’s addictively delicious and makes a great make-ahead dessert or edible gift.

From gooey pecan pie bars to cozy apple crisp, these gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts prove that you don’t have to compromise flavor to enjoy your favorite holiday sweets. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, every recipe here is simple, wholesome, and absolutely irresistible – because everyone deserves a sweet ending to their Thanksgiving feast!

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