Name: Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 1 cup blanched almond flour (100g); ½ cup tapioca flour (65g); 1 tsp paleo baking powder; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ tsp salt; 1 large egg; ¼ cup avocado oil; 2 Tbsp maple syrup; 2 Tbsp molasses; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 Tbsp water; 3 oz dark chocolate chips; 2 tsp coconut oil; ½ Tbsp molasses (optional); ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional); ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)

There’s something utterly cozy about the spices blended perfectly in these donuts — this Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe brings all the warmth of gingerbread with none of the fuss. Plus, being gluten-free and paleo-friendly means you can indulge without the usual guilt or tummy troubles!

There are five donuts placed on a silver metal cooling rack with a white marbled surface underneath. Each donut has a golden-brown base layer, topped with a smooth, thick layer of shiny chocolate glaze that evenly covers the top. The chocolate glaze is decorated with small, round confetti sprinkles in red, green, and white, scattered randomly over each donut. To the top right, a white bowl holds fresh red raspberries, adding a vibrant color contrast. Additional sprinkles are scattered around the rack and bowl, enhancing the festive look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly smitten with how these Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe strike the perfect balance between being indulgent yet nourishing. They deliver those festive, spicy flavors we crave without any gluten or refined sugars — making them an all-around win in my book.

Super flavorful: The ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg blend gives these donuts that classic gingerbread punch everyone adores.
Gluten-free & Paleo-friendly: Made with almond and tapioca flours, so it’s friendly for sensitive tummies and paleo eaters alike.
Quick & simple: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes — perfect for holiday mornings or anytime the craving hits.
Chocolate glaze bonus: The rich dark chocolate topping adds a touch of decadence without overpowering the warm spices.

A close-up view of a chocolate-glazed donut with a bite taken out from the right side, showing its soft, light brown inside texture; the top glaze is smooth and shiny dark brown, decorated with small round sprinkles in red, green, and white colors scattered evenly across the surface. A woman's hand is holding the donut delicately from the bottom, with pale skin tone and visible folds on the fingers. The background has white subway tiles, and the overall lighting is natural, highlighting the glossy glaze and the texture of the donut. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe is really in the balance of hearty almond flour, stretchy tapioca flour, and fragrant spices. Each ingredient contributes both flavor and texture to keep these donuts tender but firm enough to hold that glaze.

Flat lay of a small mound of blanched almond flour, a small heap of white tapioca flour, a few whole brown cinnamon sticks alongside a small white bowl of ground cinnamon powder, a small white bowl containing ground ginger powder, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg powder, a small white bowl of fine salt, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl filled with golden avocado oil, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of dark molasses, a small white bowl holding translucent vanilla extract, a small white bowl of clear water, a small pile of glossy dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl with white coconut oil, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Blanched almond flour: Gives the donuts a light, nutty flavor and moist crumb that pairs perfectly with gingerbread spices.
Tapioca flour: Adds elasticity and chewiness that almond flour alone can’t provide in gluten-free baking.
Paleo baking powder: Helps the donuts rise nicely without weird additives.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: The classic trio that brings the deep, warm gingerbread flavor.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the spice flavors.
Egg: Builds structure and richness for a tender donut.
Avocado oil: A neutral oil that keeps the donuts moist and paleo-friendly.
Maple syrup & molasses: Natural sweeteners rich in flavor — molasses especially contributes to that authentic gingerbread taste.
Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a subtle, comforting aroma.
Water: Just enough to bring the batter together smoothly.
Dark chocolate chips, coconut oil, and optional spices for glaze: The chocolate glaze brings a luscious coating with a hint of spice that absolutely elevates these donuts.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe to bring out different flavors or fit different diets — it’s so forgiving and adaptable. You’ll find it easy to make it really yours!

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the molasses for extra maple syrup if I want a milder sweetness. It changes the flavor just enough but keeps everything moist.
Nut-free option: You can replace almond flour with a sunflower seed flour blend, but keep in mind this might slightly alter texture and taste.
Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of cloves or cardamom if you want a more complex gingerbread profile.
Glaze switch-up: Try a simple cinnamon sugar dusting instead of chocolate glaze for a lighter treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Dough

I start by preheating my oven to 350°F and greasing a silicone donut pan with a little avocado oil — this pan works wonders for easy donut removal. Next, I whisk together all the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: almond flour, tapioca flour, paleo baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing those warm spices first allows their aroma to bloom early, which you’ll notice as you stir.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients and Combine

Now, I pour in the egg, avocado oil, maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, and water. I whisk everything until smooth — no lumps here! The batter is thick but spoonable, with a beautiful molasses scent that hints at the gingerbread magic to come. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until uniform.

Step 3: Bake Those Donuts

Filling the donut pan is my favorite part — I use a small scoop or spoon to keep things even, which helps the donuts bake uniformly. They go into the oven for 12-14 minutes, and I watch for that golden brown edge and a springy top when lightly pressed. Avoid overbaking, or the donuts might dry out.

Step 4: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, I let the donuts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes — enough to firm up but not start drying. Then I carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, I melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil on low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. Off the heat, I stir in molasses and a pinch of cinnamon and ginger for that extra cozy warmth.

Finally, I dip each cooled donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off before placing them back on parchment paper. A short stint in the fridge helps that glaze set perfectly shiny.

Top Tip

From making these donuts dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that help keep them tender and flavorful every single bake:

Use a kitchen scale: Measuring flours by weight ensures your donut batter isn’t too dry or wet — I never skip this step!
Don’t overbake: Watch the oven closely near the end; removing the donuts as soon as they’re springy makes a huge difference in moistness.
Silicone pans are your friend: These make for perfect shapes and easy release without risking breakage.
Cool completely before glazing: Warm donuts will melt the chocolate and make a messy glaze.

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few crushed pecans or walnuts on the glaze right after dipping for a bit of crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes I dust them lightly with cinnamon sugar for a more rustic look when skipping the glaze.

Side Dishes

These donuts are fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai latte — the spices complement each other beautifully. For a fuller breakfast spread, I pair them with fresh fruit and a dollop of coconut yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve arranged these donuts on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for a seasonal vibe. You could also stack them in a pyramid on a cake stand, letting the chocolate glaze drip temptingly down each layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep that glaze from getting sticky, I separate layers with parchment paper. When chilled too long at room temp, donuts can dry out, so I typically refrigerate beyond two days.

Freezing

These donuts freeze beautifully! I recommend freezing before glazing for best texture. Just wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze fresh for that just-made shine.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donut in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm it gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture without melting the glaze too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are these donuts truly gluten-free and paleo?

Absolutely! This recipe uses almond and tapioca flours instead of wheat, and all other ingredients are paleo-approved, making it safe for both diets.

Can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as you use dairy-free dark chocolate for the glaze and avocado or coconut oil.

How can I avoid my donuts being dry?

Measuring flours by weight and avoiding overbaking is key. Also, don't skip the oils and sweeteners, which help keep moisture locked in. Cooling them properly before glazing helps maintain their tenderness.

Can I make these donuts without molasses?

You can substitute molasses with extra maple syrup, but the flavor will be less intense and less traditional for gingerbread. Molasses adds that distinct rich depth to the donuts.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Healthy Gluten-Free Gingerbread Donuts Recipe has become one of my go-to treats during chilly months — it hits that sweet spot of comfort food that feels good inside and out. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a festive, allergy-friendly dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Grab your donut pan and give it a try; I promise you’ll be delightfully surprised!