Wait until you try these chewy paleo molasses cookies! They're gluten free, refined sugar free and so easy to make. They're a great Christmas cookie for the holiday baking season.
Welcome to day 6 of Christmas cookie week! I can't believe we're almost at the end. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year and it's coming to a close. Let's recap the healthy cookies we've made this year:
- No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies
- Paleo + gluten free snickerdoodles
- Healthy buckeyes
- Almond Biscotti [paleo + keto]
- Flourless oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
There's been a lot of chocolate and peanut butter on the cookie list this year. So I had to make sure I included a classic! This paleo molasses cookie tastes just like the traditional, but it's so much healthier.
Before we get started on all the recipe things, I want to address one thing. And that's whether or not molasses is even considered paleo.
Is molasses paleo?
this has been a controversial topic. Because molasses is boiled down sugar. But in my opinion, we need to look at the nutrient density in the ingredients. If you use blackstrap molasses, it shouldn't be on any non-paleo lists.
Blackstrap molasses has been boiled down three times so all of the refined sugar is removed. It leaves you with a deep, rich molasses flavor perfect for paleo molasses cookies.
What does molasses do for cookies?
Now that we've confirmed it's okay in the paleo diet, let's talk about what molasses does for a cookie recipe. Molasses is deep and rich in flavor so it adds a deep brown sugar flavor. It also creates an extra chewy texture.
The molasses in these paleo molasses cookies also gives the top that crinkly look. The natural sugars rise to the top and create that gorgeous crackle we've come to love in a molasses cookie.
Are molasses cookies gluten free?
Traditionally molasses cookies are not gluten free, but this paleo molasses cookie recipe is! Instead of traditional flour, these paleo molasses cookies are made with a combination of coconut flour and almond flour so they're completely gluten free.
How do you make paleo molasses cookies
These paleo molasses cookies are really easy to make. Start by mixing all of the wet ingredients together including the coconut oil, coconut sugar, molasses and vanilla extract. Next, add the egg and mix well.
Add the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. Chill the dough for 30 minutes then use a cookie scoop to drop the dough on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-11 minutes until the cookies are just set. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
If you make this recipe, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and tag me with @what_mollymade so I can see it and feature you!
More healthy cookies:
Paleo molasses cookies
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter room temperature
- ¾ cup coconut sugar packed
- ⅓ cup natural almond butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 ¼ cup blanched almond flour1
- ¼ cup coconut flour2
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup coconut sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together butter or coconut oil, coconut sugar,almond butter, molasses and vanilla extract. Then whisk in the egg.
- Next, add in almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, spices and salt; mix well to combine and form a dough. Chill dough for 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
- Use a heaping tablespoon to form dough into balls then place on baking sheet about 3 inches apart. Bake for 8-11 minutes or until cookies are set on top. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finishing cooling.
Sheree says
Could I make this lower carb/sugar by using monkfruit or swerve in place of the coconut sugar? My dad is diabetic and highly sensitive to sugars. I would love to make these for him for Christmas.
Molly Thompson says
Hey Sheree! I haven't tested it but I would definitely give it a try. It might change the texture of the cookie but it's worth a try:)
STEPHANIE says
THESE LOOK AMAZING!! CAN YOU FREEZE THE DOUGH BALLS, AND DEFROST AND BAKE?
Melissa says
These are absolutely amazing!
Shelby says
I have no experience with paleo baking but wanted to make a treat for a friend who follows the paleo diet. This recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies are delicious. My friend loved them.🙂
Molly Thompson says
Thank you, Shelby!! Love that!