As the holiday season approaches, many of us are in search of sweet treats to share with friends and family. One classic favorite that never fails to bring joy is the humble gingerbread cookie. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread wafting from your oven.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious gingerbread cookie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and become new holiday traditions in your household. From classic cookies with royal icing to soft and chewy versions, vegan and gluten-free options, and even some creative twists like cookie bars and sandwich cookies, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Classic Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing
Classic Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing Recipe
This beloved holiday treat combines the warmth of ginger and spices with the sweetness of royal icing, creating a delightful cookie that’s perfect for gift-giving or snacking. With its soft, chewy texture and inviting aroma, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Royal icing (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.
Royal Icing:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons meringue powder
– 2 tablespoons water
– Food coloring (optional)
Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their warm spices and subtle sweetness, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms. If too dry, add water as needed.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze
Warm up your holiday season with these soft-baked vegan gingerbread cookies, infused with the sweet and spicy flavors of ginger and topped with a drizzle of maple glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 egg replacement (such as flaxseed or chia seeds)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together vegan butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and egg replacement; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely before glazing with maple glaze (simply mix equal parts maple syrup and powdered sugar).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies
This classic holiday treat gets a gluten-free makeover with the help of almond flour and a hint of warm ginger spice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, brown sugar, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars
These chewy bars combine the spices of traditional gingerbread with the ease and convenience of a bar cookie. Perfect for snacking or serving at your next holiday gathering, these Spiced Gingerbread Cookie Bars are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 teaspoons ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and spices.
3. Add butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely in pan before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling
These soft and chewy gingerbread cookies sandwiched with a tangy cream cheese filling are perfect for the holiday season. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– Cream cheese filling (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set.
Cream Cheese Filling:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Sandwich a dollop of filling between two gingerbread cookies for the perfect treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Gingerbread Cookies
These soft-baked gingerbread cookies are elevated by a velvety chocolate coating, perfect for satisfying your sweet and spicy cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
– Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
9. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate and place on a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat.
10. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Gingerbread Cookie Truffles
Gingerbread Cookie Truffles: A Twist on Classic Treats
These bite-sized truffles combine the warmth of gingerbread with the creaminess of chocolate, making them a perfect holiday treat. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create these delicious morsels in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup crushed gingerbread cookies
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup melted white chocolate or candy melts
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies and heavy cream. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Melt the white chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Dip each gingerbread ball into the melted white chocolate, using a fork to coat evenly. Place on a piece of parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: None
Gingerbread Cookie Cups with Whipped Cream
These bite-sized treats combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with a dollop of whipped cream to create a sweet and satisfying snack or dessert. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Whipped cream, for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into prepared muffin tin cups.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool completely.
7. Top with whipped cream and serve.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Dough Bites
Experience the warmth of gingerbread in a deliciously bite-sized treat! These cookie dough bites are soft, chewy, and infused with the spices of traditional gingerbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon molasses
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, and spices.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add chopped ginger, molasses, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each bite.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Brittle
A twist on traditional gingerbread cookies, this brittle version adds a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of spice to the classic holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheet.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars
These bars combine the warm spices of gingerbread with the creamy texture of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a crunchy cookie crust. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until combined.
3. Press mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. Bake crust for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
6. Pour cheesecake batter over baked crust.
7. Sprinkle chopped ginger and brown sugar on top.
8. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set.
9. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
A twist on the classic ice cream sandwich, these treats combine warm gingerbread cookies with creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful winter treat.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 gingerbread cookies (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pint of vanilla ice cream
– Whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Place a cookie on a flat surface and top with an ice cream ball.
3. Sandwich the ice cream with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Repeat with remaining cookies and ice cream.
5. If desired, drizzle whipped cream over the sandwiches and sprinkle with crushed gingersnap cookies.
Cooking Time: None! Assemble the sandwiches just before serving for maximum freshness.
Gingerbread Cookie Bark with White Chocolate
Gingerbread Cookie Bark with White Chocolate Recipe
Summary: A sweet and spicy twist on traditional cookie bark, featuring gingerbread cookies and white chocolate.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup gingerbread cookies (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Arrange the gingerbread cookies on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
5. Pour the melted white chocolate over the cookies, spreading it evenly to cover.
6. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the bark immediately after pouring the white chocolate.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until set.
8. Break into pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Gingerbread Cookie Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with these sweet and spicy gingerbread cookie pancakes topped with a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This unique breakfast treat combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with the comfort of fluffy pancakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, chopped ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
7. Flip and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gingerbread Cookie Crumble Topping for Desserts
Gingerbread Cookie Crumble Topping Recipe
Transform your favorite desserts into a festive treat with this easy-to-make gingerbread cookie crumble topping. Perfect for pies, cakes, or ice cream, this sweet and spicy topping is sure to be a holiday hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup gingerbread cookies, crushed
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed gingerbread cookies, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and nutmeg to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
3. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time: None! This topping is ready to use as soon as you mix it together.
Gingerbread Cookie Milkshake
Get into the holiday spirit with this unique and delicious Gingerbread Cookie Milkshake! This creamy treat combines the flavors of gingerbread cookies, milk, ice cream, and whipped cream to create a one-of-a-kind dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon molasses
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup crushed gingerbread cookies (about 6-8 cookies)
– Whipped cream and additional crushed cookies for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, ground ginger, molasses, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the crushed gingerbread cookies and blend until well combined, about 10-15 seconds.
4. Pour into glasses or jars and top with whipped cream and additional crushed cookies, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Gingerbread Cookie Stuffed French Toast
Start your day off right with a sweet and indulgent twist on classic French toast. This recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread cookies with the fluffiness of bread, all wrapped up in a crispy exterior.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of Challah or Brioche bread
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup crushed gingerbread cookies (about 6-8 cookies)
– Maple syrup or honey for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and salt.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each bread slice into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated bread slices on the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Stuff each French toast slice with crushed gingerbread cookies.
6. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total (including egg mixture preparation).
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and spicy world of gingerbread cookies! This article presents 18 irresistible recipes that will satisfy your cravings. From classic gingerbread cookies with royal icing to soft and chewy versions, vegan and gluten-free options, and creative twists like cookie sandwiches and cheesecake bars. You’ll also find recipes for cookie truffles, cups, dough bites, and even cookie-stuffed French toast! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet treat, these gingerbread cookie recipes are sure to delight.
