Is it even the holidays if your kitchen doesn’t smell like gingerbread? I’ll answer that for you: absolutely not. There’s something about those warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg—that just screams December in the best possible way.
I used to think gingerbread was basically limited to those rock-hard cookies you hang on the tree and never actually eat. Boy, was I wrong. Once I discovered you could transform those cozy flavors into everything from pancakes to cheesecake cookies, my holiday baking game changed forever.
These 12 gingerbread-inspired desserts for the holidays go way beyond your standard gingerbread house (though those are still cool, I guess). We’re talking soft, chewy cookies, decadent cakes, breakfast treats that taste like dessert, and creative twists that’ll make everyone at your holiday party ask for the recipe. Let’s get into it.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies Done Right
Let’s start with the OG gingerbread treats because honestly, you can’t improve perfection—you can only make different versions of it.
1. Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies are what happens when traditional gingerbread cookies decide to get fancy. That crackled sugar coating? Pure magic. The soft, chewy center with all those warming spices? Even better.
I make these every single year, and every single year they disappear faster than I can say “save some for Santa.” They’re easier than you’d think, too—just roll the dough in sugar before baking and watch the magic happen in the oven. The contrast between the crispy exterior and that soft, spiced interior is absolutely perfect.
2. Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate Best Chewy Gingerbread Cookie Recipe, this is it. No dry, cardboard-like cookies here—just perfectly spiced, wonderfully chewy gingerbread that actually tastes good enough to eat (not just decorate).
The secret is in the molasses and brown sugar combo, which keeps these cookies moist for days. Not that they’ll last that long, but theoretically they could. These are my go-to when I need cookies that travel well for gift boxes or cookie exchanges.
3. Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies
Soft Chewy Gingerbread Men Cookies are the ones you actually want to eat, not just use as ornaments. They’re perfectly spiced, soft enough to bite into without breaking a tooth, and they hold their shape beautifully for decorating.
These are fantastic for decorating with kids because they’re sturdy enough to handle some enthusiastic frosting application but still taste amazing. Pro tip: slightly underbake them for the softest texture. You’re welcome.
Creative Gingerbread Cookie Variations
Because why stick to just one shape when you can have cookies in all forms?
4. Gingerbread Cookie Bars
Gingerbread Cookie Bars are for those days when you want gingerbread cookies but can’t be bothered with rolling, cutting, and baking multiple batches. Press the dough into a pan, bake, slice, done.
These are seriously underrated, IMO. They have all the flavor of regular gingerbread cookies with a fraction of the work. Plus, the texture is incredible—slightly crispy edges with that perfectly chewy center. Top them with cream cheese frosting and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that looks way fancier than the effort required.
5. Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies
Want to absolutely blow people’s minds? Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies combine two of the best things in the dessert world. These beauties have a gingerbread cookie base with a creamy cheesecake center that’s basically heaven.
I discovered these when I couldn’t decide between making gingerbread cookies or cheesecake for a holiday party. Why not both? The cream cheese filling adds this incredible richness that takes regular gingerbread cookies to a whole new level. They’re a bit more work, but trust me, they’re worth every second.
6. Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
Gingerbread Snowball Cookies are like the cool cousin of traditional Russian tea cakes. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, creating that perfect “snowball” effect.
The gingerbread spices in these are more subtle than your typical gingerbread cookie, which makes them perfect for people who want that holiday flavor without it being too intense. They’re also ridiculously pretty on a cookie platter—those little snow-dusted balls just scream Christmas.
Beyond Cookies: Gingerbread Everything
Who said gingerbread has to be limited to cookies? Not me, that’s for sure.
7. Gingerbread Pancakes with Spiced Syrup
Gingerbread Pancakes with Spiced Syrup turn Christmas breakfast into an event. These fluffy pancakes are loaded with warm spices and paired with a syrup that’ll make regular maple feel boring in comparison.
I started making these on Christmas morning a few years ago, and now my family would riot if I tried to serve regular pancakes. The spiced syrup is the real game-changer here—it’s basically liquid gingerbread in the best possible way. Make extra because everyone will want seconds.
8. Gingerbread Muffins
Gingerbread Muffins bridge that perfect gap between breakfast and dessert. They’re sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings but acceptable enough to eat at 8 AM without judgment.
I love keeping these around during the holiday season because they’re grab-and-go friendly. Hosting overnight guests? Make a batch of these and suddenly you’re a breakfast hero without actually having to cook breakfast. They’re also perfect for those endless holiday gatherings where you’re supposed to “bring something” but don’t know what.
The moist, spicy crumb paired with a cream cheese frosting (or just a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling lazy) makes these ridiculously satisfying. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make them during a random Sunday baking session and save them for Christmas week when you’re too busy to breathe.
9. Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are what happens when you combine the nostalgia of Little Debbie snacks with sophisticated holiday flavors. Two soft gingerbread oatmeal cookies sandwiched around vanilla cream filling? Yes, please.
These are surprisingly fun to make, and they look absolutely adorable packaged up as gifts. The oatmeal adds this great texture that keeps the cookies from being too sweet, while the cream filling brings all that childhood joy. I’ve seen grown adults get genuinely excited about these cookies
Gingerbread Beverages (Because Why Not?)
Turns out gingerbread works in drinkable form too. Who knew?
10. Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Gingerbread Latte Cookies capture that cozy coffee shop experience in cookie form. These incorporate espresso into the gingerbread dough, creating this incredible coffee-spice combination that coffee lovers will go crazy for.
I created these after spending way too much money on holiday lattes and thinking, “I could probably make this into a cookie.” Turns out, I could. They’re perfect with your morning coffee (ironic, I know) or as an afternoon pick-me-up when you need both caffeine and sugar.
Special Occasion Gingerbread Treats
For when you really want to show off your baking skills.
11. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies
Okay, hear me out. Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies aren’t technically gingerbread, but they capture those same warming holiday spices in a completely different way. The cinnamon-sugar coating plus the eggnog filling creates this incredible flavor combination that screams holidays.
I’m including these because if you’re into gingerbread, you’ll love these. They have that same cozy spice profile but with a completely different texture and presentation. Plus, the eggnog filling is ridiculously good—like drinking Christmas in cookie form.
12. Soft Christmas Peppermints
Soft Christmas Peppermints round out our list with a refreshing twist. While these lean more peppermint than gingerbread, they’re the perfect palate cleanser after all those rich, spiced treats.
Think of these as the intermission in your holiday cookie marathon. They’re soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and that peppermint flavor provides a nice contrast to all the ginger and cinnamon. Plus, they’re absolutely beautiful—those white cookies with red stripes are basically Christmas incarnate.
Making the Most of Your Gingerbread Baking
Let’s talk strategy because baking 12 different types of gingerbread desserts requires some planning (or complete chaos, which is also valid).
Start with the basics. Master one or two classic gingerbread cookie recipes before branching out into the fancy stuff. Once you’ve got the spice ratios down, everything else becomes easier.
Prep your spices in advance. I mix up a big batch of gingerbread spice blend at the beginning of December. Equal parts cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg stored in a jar means you’re always ready to bake.
Don’t be afraid to adjust. Some people like their gingerbread super spicy, others prefer it mild. Start with the recipe as written, then tweak it to your taste. That’s the beauty of home baking—you’re the boss.
Freeze dough strategically. Most gingerbread cookie doughs freeze beautifully. Make a double batch, freeze half, and you’ve got emergency cookies ready to go when your neighbor surprises you with a gift and you need to reciprocate immediately.
Think beyond cookies. Once you’ve got the flavor profile down, you can add gingerbread spices to almost anything. Cake? Yes. Muffins? Absolutely. Pancakes? You bet. The possibilities are genuinely endless.
Why We’re Obsessed with Gingerbread
There’s something about gingerbread that just hits different during the holidays. Maybe it’s the nostalgia factor—most of us have memories of decorating gingerbread houses or men as kids. Or maybe it’s those warming spices that literally make your house smell like Christmas.
Whatever the reason, gingerbread-inspired desserts have earned their place in the holiday baking rotation. They’re versatile, delicious, and they make everything feel more festive. Plus, they’re actually pretty forgiving—a little extra ginger here, slightly underbaked there, and they still turn out great.
These 12 gingerbread-inspired desserts for the holidays cover everything from traditional to creative, simple to show-stopping. Pick a few favorites, or go crazy and make them all. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be impressed, and you’ll have officially become that person who “does a lot of holiday baking.”
And honestly? That’s not the worst reputation to have. Just remember to save some for yourself before everyone else devours them—baker’s privilege is real, and you’ve earned it.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with the perfect amount of ginger, spice, and everything nice!
