Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies: Yum!

**Gingerbread Cookies: A Festive and Nutritious Holiday Treat**

Gingerbread is a beloved treat during the holiday season, with a rich history dating back to ancient Greece. Queen Elizabeth I is credited with popularizing the decoration of gingerbread cookies, and English colonists brought their gingerbread recipes to America, where they were often baked as soft loaves.

These gluten-free gingerbread cookies not only offer a delicious indulgence but also pack a nutritional punch. They feature fresh and ground ginger, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent known for its numerous health benefits. Cashew butter is used as a grain and gluten-free alternative, providing healthy fats, protein, and dietary fiber. Blackstrap molasses, a traditional sweetener, is rich in vitamins and minerals.

To make these cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine cashew butter, maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, fresh ginger, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, and sea salt. Stir until well combined, then add coconut flour or almond flour. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes. For gingerbread men, roll out the dough, bake for 10-12 minutes, cut out the shape, and bake for a couple more minutes. Dust the cookies with arrowroot starch if desired for an added effect.

These gingerbread cookies are easy to make and perfect for adding to your holiday traditions. They can be enjoyed with a glass of dairy-free eggnog or paired with other Christmas goodies like Christmas spritz cookies, peppermint bark, raspberry Linzer cookies, peppermint patties, or peppermint fudge. With their warm spices and sweetness, they are sure to bring a delightful touch to your holiday celebrations.

**Ingredients**: 1 cup cashew butter, ½ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup blackstrap molasses, 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ⅓ cup coconut flour (or almond flour), arrowroot starch (optional).

**Instructions**: Preheat oven, line baking sheet, combine ingredients in bowl, stir, add flour, measure dough, bake, and dust if desired.

**Nutrition**: Serving size of 1 cookie provides 103 calories, 6.7 g sugar, 114 mg sodium, 8.2 g fat (5.3 g saturated), 2.4 g unsaturated fat, 0.3 g trans fat, 7.4 g carbohydrates, 0.2 g fiber, 0.4 g protein, and 27 mg cholesterol.

**Category**: Desserts, Method: Baking, Cuisine: English. Prep time: 10 min, Cook time: 15 min.