6 Best Gingerbread Treat Recipes for the Holidays

The holiday season is all about celebration, togetherness, and of course, delicious food. And nothing quite captures the cozy, festive spirit of the season like the warm, spicy-sweet aroma of gingerbread treats. From cookies to cakes, gingerbread brings a nostalgic comfort that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day.

To help you get into the holiday spirit, I've compiled a list of my 6 Best Gingerbread Treat Recipes for the Holidays. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to all who taste them.

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the traditional gingerbread cookie to kick off the holiday season. Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of that beloved ginger and molasses flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Gradually add flour mixture until dough forms.
5. Roll dough between two sheets of parchment paper and cut into shapes.
6. Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
7. Let cool and decorate as desired.

2. Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These moist gingerbread cupcakes, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting, are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Beat butter and sugar together until fluffy.
4. Add molasses and eggs, beating well.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Divide batter among cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
7. Let cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

3. Gingerbread Loaf with Lemon Glaze

A gingerbread loaf is a wonderful way to enjoy those classic flavors in a moist and fluffy format, and the lemon glaze adds a refreshing finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add molasses and eggs, mixing well.
5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.
7. Once cooled, drizzle with lemon glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

4. Gingerbread Pancakes

Start your holiday mornings off right with these fluffy gingerbread pancakes. They’re perfect for a festive breakfast with a hint of holiday spice.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. In another bowl, mix brown sugar, molasses, egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
4. Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface.
6. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown.

5. Gingerbread Truffles

These bite-sized gingerbread truffles are the perfect sweet treat, offering a rich and creamy interior with a hint of spice, all coated in smooth chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (for coating)
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix gingersnap crumbs, cream cheese, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
2. Form mixture into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
5. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
6. Chill until chocolate is set.

6. Gingerbread Ice Cream

For a cool twist on a classic holiday flavor, try this creamy and perfectly spiced gingerbread ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and brown sugar until it starts to simmer.
2. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and molasses.
3. Slowly add the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
5. Remove from heat and stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
6. Strain the mixture through a sieve and cool completely.
7. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in these gingerbread treats that are sure to spread joy and warmth. From cookies to ice cream, each recipe brings festive flavors and smiles to your celebrations. Gather your loved ones, get baking, and enjoy these holiday delights!