37 Best Gingerbread Recipes for the Holidays

Celebrate the holidays with these easy and festive gingerbread recipes.

From classic cookies and gingerbread lattes to stunning gingerbread breakfasts, they’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The spicy smell as these recipes cook in the oven is so nostalgic and swoon-worthy.

And whether you stick to the classics (you’ll never go wrong with gingerbread people) or want to get fancy with poached pears or pots de Creme, these gingerbread recipes are about as scrumptious as it gets.

So, put on your favorite holiday movie, bust out the spice rack, and let’s get baking!

37 Easy Gingerbread Recipes (Cookies, Cakes, Brownies, and More!)

1. Gingerbread Cookies 

Behold: the perfect gingerbread cookie!

This recipe is a must-try if you prefer your gingerbread soft and chewy with just a hint of crunch.

Unlike some other recipes that can feel like they’re breaking your teeth, these are perfectly spiced with crisp edges with a light, fluffy center. 

The dough is ideal for cutting into shapes, but it’s not so great for making gingerbread houses.

2. Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies 

When you combine gingerbread and butterscotch, something magical happens. 

You get all the same deep, spiced flavors from the cookie dough, but there’s a layer of sweet and creamy butterscotch in every bite.

Think of these butterscotch chip gingerbread cookies as the Christmas version of chocolate chip cookies. Yum!

3. Old-Fashioned Gingerbread 

Want to keep things old-school this holiday season? This old-fashioned gingerbread cake is super simple and comes together in a flash.

While it may be understated, it doesn’t shy away from bold spices. It’s the ultimate holiday quick bread!

The secret ingredient to this deliciously moist cake is the fusion of molasses and brown sugar. 

Cut it into squares, give it a dusting of powdered sugar, and watch it disappear!

4. Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Consider this sensational gingerbread bundt cake if you’re in charge of dessert this Christmas.

Deliciously moist with warm spices and a touch of tang from the buttermilk, it’s just as tasty as it is impressive.   

While the cake isn’t overly sweet, the magic happens when you pour maple glaze over the top.

It’ll seep into all those nooks and crannies, so you get a little pop of sweetness in every forkful.

5. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookie Cups

How stinking adorable are these cheesecake cookie cups?

It all starts with a gingerbread cookie cup. Once those are cooked and cooled*, pipe in the creamy filling.

A blend of cream cheese, powdered sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger, it’s too good to resist.

Technically, the mini cookies on top are optional. But come, are they really? Or are they the best part about the whole thing?

*Top tip: if you plan to make these ahead, brush some melted chocolate into the cups. It’ll harden and form a barrier between the cookies and the cheesecake.

That way, they won’t go soggy. Use any chocolate you like!

6. Gingerbread Brownies 

Traditional brownies get a decadent infusion with this fun recipe. Chewy, spiced, and oh-so-chocolatey, they’re a dream come true.

The texture is somewhere between a fudgy brownie and a warm cookie. The edges bake up super chewy while maintaining a soft and delightful interior. 

These incredible brownies are a must-try.

And they’re ideal for any occasion, be it Christmas or the 4th of July! They’re tasty no matter when you make them.

7. Gingerbread Pancakes 

Say you have family staying for the holiday. I bet you want a simple yet impressive breakfast to keep everyone happy, right?

Well, it doesn’t get much better than these gingerbread pancakes!

Unlike other gingerbread bakes, these pancakes are impossibly light and fluffy.

They’re also fully loaded with warm ginger flavors that pair perfectly with maple syrup and a smattering of melty butter. 

8. Bakery Style Gingerbread Muffins 

Nothing goes better with a hot cup of coffee this holiday season than these bakery-style gingerbread muffins. 

They utilize rich gingerbread ingredients, including cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and dark molasses. 

With a sinfully moist interior and that bakery-style crust that bursts from the muffin tin, there’s no need to pick up muffins at your local coffee shop.

9. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies 

Crinkle cookies always make an appearance in my yearly Christmas cookie boxes. They’re just so simple but look stunning to behold. 

And this fantastic recipe gives traditional crinkle cookies an infusion of rich gingerbread flavors. 

You’ll love the soft texture and light dusting of powdered sugar.

Better yet, you get all the flavors of gingerbread without the hassle of decorating. So they’re perfect for crowds!

10. Gingerbread Cheesecake 

Let’s give pumpkin the season off, shall we?

I know pumpkin pie is the ultimate spice-infused dessert, but this gingerbread cheesecake will give it a run for its money.

It infuses staples like cinnamon, molasses, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar into the dreamy cheesecake filling.

Serve it simply with whipped cream. Or make it even more indulgent with a drizzle of salted caramel and chocolate shavings!

11. Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies 

Is there anything better than chocolate and gingerbread?

If you prefer cookies with that patented ginger snap, these cookies should be right up your alley. 

The fresh ginger in the batter makes for a firmer texture and bold ginger flavors.

While it’s more finicky than powdered ginger, the added flavor is worth it!

Paired with rich dark chocolate and an extra dose of chocolate chips, Santa will stop at your house even if you’ve been naughty this year. 

12. No Bake Gingerbread Pumpkin Icebox Cake

Icebox cakes are simple, classic, and always a big hit at family gatherings. But this isn’t your average icebox cake. 

It infuses layers of tender, moist ginger cake between creamy layers of whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk. 

That combo ensures every forkful is rich and creamy, and delicious.

If you’re someone that can (and has!) eaten whipped cream by the bowlful, this recipe is a must-try. 

13. Buttermilk Gingerbread Waffles 

Break out that waffle iron, ladies and gentlemen! It’s time for buttermilk gingerbread waffles. 

If you’ve never added buttermilk to waffle batter, you’re in for a treat. It creates lighter and fluffier waffles with a subtle touch of tang.

To fill your home with the mouthwatering aromas of the festive season, you’ll infuse these holiday waffles with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. 

And don’t forget the maple syrup!

14. Gingerbread Pie with Phyllo Dough Crust 

It’s time to get fancy!

This amazing gingerbread pie may look like it popped straight out of Martha Stewart’s Insta, but it’s shockingly easy to make at home.

And to be honest, it’s all down to that phyllo pastry crust! Doesn’t it look so fun and unique?!

Of course, the pie filling is no slouch.

It’s wonderfully indulgent and pairs ingredients such as sweetened condensed milk, spices, molasses, and brown sugar. 

Top it off with plenty of whipped cream to combat those heavy spices and dust with a hint of cinnamon. Stunning!

15. Gingerbread Pudding Cake 

This gingerbread pudding cake isn’t your average sponge.

Best served warm, it’s kind of like a cross between a fudgy brownie and a cake. If you’ve ever had sticky toffee pudding, you’ll know what I mean.

It’s nice and gooey inside, almost like a chocolate lava cake! But instead of overwhelming chocolate, it’s loaded with warm spices.

Ready in an hour, it’s sure to turn heads.

16. Gingerbread Donuts 

It’s the holidays, so you deserve to treat yo’self! And what better way to indulge than these phenomenal gingerbread donuts?

Baked, not fried, they’re brimming with spice, molasses, and brown sugar, making them insanely moist. 

Once they’re out of the oven, dredge them in cinnamon and brown sugar and serve with a hot cup of Joe!

17. Homemade Gingerbread Latte 

Tired of the same old latte recipes?

Try this gingerbread latte if you want to turn your morning cup of coffee festive!

Pairing espresso (or any strong coffee) with homemade gingerbread simple syrup couldn’t be more straightforward.

If you don’t have time to make the simple syrup, pick some up at your local Starbucks, supermarket, or try online.

Top your latte with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon. Yum!

18. Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread Cake 

Pineapple upside-down cakes are such a fun treat to finish a meal.

But if you want something with a hint of spice, you need to try this pear and gingerbread dream!

Moist, tender, buttery, and lightly sweet pears are a terrific swap for tangy pineapple.

They offer a wonderfully delicate flavor that works perfectly with the bright flavors of gingerbread. 

Seriously, if you want to impress your party guests this Christmas, this recipe is sure to be a show-stopper. 

19. White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies 

Simple gingerbread cookies taste amazing, but they look a little boring.

And I want every cookie to look equally impressive when making my cookie boxes!

Cue these precious white chocolate-dipped ginger cookies. 

While they boast the bold flavors of gingerbread, dipping them in white chocolate adds a subtle touch of sweetness and a simple but effective finish. 

I mean, look at them! They’re so pretty and surprisingly easy to whip together in a flash. 

20. Gingerbread House 

To create a gingerbread house that’ll last, you need the right type of gingerbread.

So while many gingerbread recipes are great for cookies, they’re often too soft for building. 

But this gingerbread cookie recipe is the ultimate gingerbread house-building material.

It’s firm and crisp (without the texture of a brick wall) and loaded with bright spices. 

21. Gingerbread Hot Chocolate 

Nothing beats curling up to a roaring fire with a hot cup of cocoa.

But have you ever tried it with gingerbread spices? It amplifies those warm and fuzzy holiday feels to the max!

You’ll blend in cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and fresh ginger, making this insanely flavorful.

Top your delightful creation with a dollop of whip cream, and brace yourself for dreams of sugar plums. 

22. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies 

Your friends and family will ooh and ahh in delight when you come to the party with these fun whoopie pies. 

Few can resist the siren call of these sweet and tender cookie sandwiches.

Between the two soft and moist gingerbread cookies is a layer of bright cream cheese frosting.

Add a blob of caramel in the middle, and these are beyond addictive!

23. Gingerbread Fudge 

Everyone gets a little crazy about fudge when the holidays roll around. And this is one of my favorite recipes to whip up.

Not only is it incredibly indulgent, but it comes together in just 20 minutes – which means more time for Hallmark Christmas movies!

The layered effect here is all the decoration you need.

But if you can find mini gingerbread sprinkles, they’ll make the whole thing even more impressive.

24. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting 

Want some scrummy Christmas cupcakes for a party or family gathering? How about gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting?

The batter bursts with rich holiday flavors, and the crumb is incredibly moist.

But to be sure every bite melts in your mouth, you’ll top them off with a mouthwatering cream cheese frosting infused with cinnamon.

Wow!

25. Overnight Gingerbread French Toast Breakfast Bake 

If you have a large group coming over for breakfast, this simple French toast bake will make your life a little easier. 

You can quickly assemble all the components the night before and then pop the whole thing in the oven the following morning. 

In fact, that’s the only way to do this! Allowing it to sit overnight means it’s even creamier.

And it’s so rich and aromatic with bright ginger spices, there’s no need for an alarm clock. Instead, the beautiful aromas are enough to wake your guests. 

26. Vegan Gingerbread Men Cookies 

Classic gingerbread cookies call for butter and eggs. But as with most cookies, it’s pretty easy to make them vegan.

Instead of an egg, opt for a flax egg (a simple mix of flax seed and water) and use vegan butter. Easy peasy!

These simple swaps create bright and crunchy cookies that are perfect for cutting out and dressing as gingerbread people. 

27. Gingerbread Spiced Snowflake Sugar Cookies

Do you make gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies for most parties? Why not both?

These gingerbread spice snowflake sugar cookies are the perfect marriage of buttery and warm.

They have a similar consistency to sugar cookies with oh-so-subtle ginger flavors. 

They’re a must-try if you aren’t a big fan of overpowering ginger flavors but want something with a touch of heat.

28. Poached Pear Gingerbread Loaf Cake 

Here’s another pear and gingerbread recipe, and it’s just as stunning as the last.

There’s something so sophisticated and elegant about this poached pear loaf. 

Because though it looks like something out of a professional French bakery, it’s something you can whip up at home with ease. 

You’ll poach the pears in a mix of white wine, sugar, cinnamon, and cardamom.

And they’re so good, I suggest you make extra and have them on their own with ice cream too!

29. Easy Gingerbread Martini 

Want to get boozy this holiday season?

Spare your party guests the disappointment of eggnog and whip up this super easy gingerbread martini instead!

It’s super creamy, thanks to the Baileys – everything is better with Baileys, after all!

And a touch of sweet molasses ensures it’s deeply flavorful and gingerbread-like.

This Christmas cocktail also features gingerbread simple syrup, vanilla vodka, and Frangelico for a hint of hazelnut. Delish!

30. Creamy Gingerbread Eggnog 

Okay, okay, I know plenty of people love eggnog! And why not? It’s sweet, creamy, and deliciously spiced.

Of course, this version incorporates simple homemade ginger syrup to make it extra warm and delectable.

To wow your party guests, garnish the rim of every glass with a fun cookie and brown sugar.

31. Mini Pumpkin Pies with Gingersnap Crust (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) 

If you can’t decide between pumpkin and ginger, why not combine the two?

These mini pumpkin pies capture everything you love about the holiday season, but the gingersnap crust makes them even more scrumptious!

32. Gingerbread Granola 

Looking for something a little on the healthy side?

If you have cookies coming out of your eyeballs, this light gingerbread granola is a perfect way to celebrate seasonal flavors without busting the zipper on your jeans. 

It incorporates healthy additions like rolled oats, pecans, dried cranberries, and plenty of ginger spices. 

Serve with Greek yogurt or with fruit. 

33. Gingerbread Blondies 

Running short on time this holiday season?

If you need a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t require dirtying every dish in your kitchen, these gingerbread blondies are worth a look!

What’s great about this recipe is that all ingredients combine in one bowl.

Plus, with simple swaps, you can transform them into a vegan dessert without sacrificing flavors. Talk about a holiday miracle!

34. Eggnog Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies 

These stuffed cookies may look simple, but they hide a creamy eggnog surprise in the center. 

It’s important to note that these cookies pack a heavy spice punch that may not be for everyone. 

That said, the eggnog center helps tame those bold flavors.

35. Salted Gingerbread Pots de Creme 

Don’t let the French name trick you into thinking this recipe is complicated. Pots de Creme simply translates to “jars of cream.” 

And that sums up this mouthwatering recipe. It’s a mason jar filled with creamy gingerbread custard. 

Need I say more?

Top your creamy creations with crushed gingerbread men, sea salt, and whipped cream for a little added texture. 

36. Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies 

You can call me an oatmeal pie super fan. I just love the juxtaposition of spicy oatmeal cookies with a creamy filling.

It doesn’t get much better. And as the title suggests, these gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are incredible.

The rich spice punch of the gingerbread cookies against the buttercream filling is magical. 

37. Gingerbread Linzer Cookies 

Is it even the holidays without a batch of Lizer cookies?

Traditionally, they’re made with buttery sugar cookies and raspberry jam.

But this version calls for super soft and chewy gingerbread Linzer cookies with a fantastic dulce de leche filling.

You’ll never look at classic Linzer cookies the same way again.