Katherine's Gluten Free Ginger Cookies

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Rich, chewy, ginger cookies - gluten free! This recipe uses molasses, ginger, and clove to pack in tons of Christmas flavor, without wheat. Enjoy with or without cream cheese icing!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground clove
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp agave nectar
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix first six ingredients (dry ingredients) together in a medium sized bowl.
3. In a small bowl, mix coconut oil, agave nectar, molasses and vanilla (wet ingredients).
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, and mix until you get a thick dough.
5. Fold in chopped ginger, if desired.
6. Scoop small spoonfulls (no more than a tbps) onto lined or greased baking sheet, and bake for 6-8 minutes.
7. Allow to cool slightly on the sheet before removing.
8. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, or top with Gluten-free Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below).

Gluten-free Cream Cheese Frosting

• 3 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 3 oz butter (softened)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons of water

Directions:

1. Mix first three ingredients together with an electric mixer, until fluffy (I use high speed -- I love power!).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar a little at a time on low speed (unless you want to wear your frosting), then increase speed.
3. Add water until you reach desired consistency.
4. This will make plenty of icing, so you can eat the leftovers by the spoonfull (Guilty!).