Gingerbread cookies have become a timeless holiday classic, filling homes with warmth, spice, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and molasses. These delightful treats not only taste amazing but also create memories of cozy moments spent baking and decorating with loved ones. Whether you enjoy them soft and chewy or crisp and crunchy, gingerbread cookies are a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. These 19 gingerbread cookie recipes will add a touch of spice and sweetness to your holiday celebrations, offering a variety of flavors and textures to please every palate. Get ready to bring the holiday magic to life with these festive and flavorful gingerbread cookies!
1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies
The traditional gingerbread cookie is a staple during the holiday season. These soft, spiced cookies are made with a perfect blend of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, creating a delightful warmth in every bite. The dough is easy to work with, making it ideal for rolling out and cutting into festive shapes, such as gingerbread men, stars, or trees. Once baked, these cookies can be decorated with royal icing, sprinkles, or candies for a festive touch. Get the recipe Classic Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
2. Gingerbread Men Cookies
Gingerbread men are perhaps the most iconic shape for holiday cookies. These cute and spicy cookies are made using the classic gingerbread dough and are decorated to resemble little gingerbread people. Whether you choose to give them frosting clothes, sprinkle on some colorful sugar, or leave them plain, gingerbread men are always a hit with kids and adults alike. They make a fun, interactive holiday baking activity and can even double as tree ornaments. Get the recipe Gingerbread Men Cookies Recipe
3. Soft Gingerbread Cookies
For those who love a chewy, soft gingerbread cookie, this variation is perfect. These cookies are just the right balance of soft and spicy, with a slightly cakey texture that melts in your mouth. With a rich molasses flavor and a warm mix of spices, these cookies are a comforting treat during chilly holiday nights. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze makes them even more irresistible. Get the recipe Soft Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
4. Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
Everyone can enjoy gingerbread cookies, even those following a vegan lifestyle. This recipe uses plant-based substitutes like coconut oil, almond milk, and flaxseed to create the same delicious, spiced flavor. The texture is perfectly soft and chewy, and you can still roll them out and cut them into festive shapes. These vegan gingerbread cookies are great for sharing with friends and family, no matter their dietary preferences. Get the recipe Vegan Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
5. Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies with Buttercream
If you love the combination of soft, spicy gingerbread and creamy frosting, these gingerbread sandwich cookies are perfect for you. The cookies are made with a rich, spiced dough, and once baked, they’re sandwiched together with a smooth, buttery filling. You can use traditional buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a flavored frosting like cinnamon or vanilla to elevate the flavor. These cookies make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table. Get the recipe Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies Recipe
6. Gingerbread Biscotti
For a crunchy, twice-baked twist on the classic gingerbread cookie, try making gingerbread biscotti. These Italian-style cookies are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg and have a delightful crunch that makes them perfect for dipping into a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. The biscotti are flavored with molasses, giving them a rich sweetness, and can be drizzled with a bit of white or dark chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. Get the recipe Gingerbread Biscotti Recipe
7. Gingerbread Snickerdoodles
For a fun twist on the classic snickerdoodle, these gingerbread snickerdoodles combine the spicy goodness of gingerbread with the signature cinnamon-sugar coating of snickerdoodle cookies. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with a delightful spiced flavor, dusted with cinnamon and sugar. These cookies are simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season. Get the recipe Gingerbread Snickerdoodles Recipe
8. Molasses Gingerbread Cookies
Molasses is a key ingredient in gingerbread, and in these molasses gingerbread cookies, it takes center stage. The rich, dark molasses creates a deep, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a slightly dense texture that’s perfect for stacking in a cookie tin or serving with a cup of warm tea. Get the recipe Molasses Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
9. Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies
Cut-out cookies are a holiday favorite because they’re so customizable. With gingerbread cut-out cookies, you can use cookie cutters to create any festive shape you like, from classic gingerbread men to snowflakes, stockings, or reindeer. After baking, you can decorate them with colorful icing, sprinkles, or candies to make them extra festive. They’re perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday party. Get the recipe Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies Recipe
10. Gingerbread Latte Cookies
Inspired by the popular holiday drink, gingerbread latte cookies combine the warm spices of gingerbread with a hint of coffee flavor. The addition of espresso powder or instant coffee enhances the cookies’ spiciness while providing a subtle coffee flavor. These cookies are a wonderful treat for coffee lovers and pair beautifully with your favorite holiday beverage. Get the recipe Gingerbread Latte Cookies Recipe
11. Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Combine the rich, spicy flavor of gingerbread with the sweetness of chocolate chips in these delicious gingerbread chocolate chip cookies. The result is a cookie with the perfect balance of spicy warmth from ginger and cinnamon, complemented by the creamy sweetness of melted chocolate. These cookies are perfect for holiday snacking and are sure to satisfy both gingerbread and chocolate lovers. Get the recipe Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
12. Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are a holiday classic, and when paired with gingerbread, they create an irresistible treat. These cookies are soft, with a spicy gingerbread flavor, and are topped with a dollop of jam or a chocolate filling. The combination of the warm gingerbread and the sweet filling creates a perfect balance of flavors. Try raspberry, apricot, or even a spiced caramel filling for a festive twist. Get the recipe Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
13. Gingerbread Crackle Cookies
These gingerbread crackle cookies are a showstopper with their soft, chewy texture and powdered sugar coating. As they bake, the cookies crack and create a beautiful, snow-like effect on top. With the perfect balance of spiciness from ginger and sweetness from molasses, these cookies are a festive favorite that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Get the recipe Gingerbread Crackle Cookies Recipe
14. Gingerbread Spice Cookies
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s packed with spice, gingerbread spice cookies are an excellent choice. These cookies are loaded with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving them a bold, spicy flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season. The cookies have a slightly crisp texture with a deep, aromatic taste that’s sure to fill your home with holiday cheer. Get the recipe Gingerbread Spice Cookies Recipe
15. Gingerbread Pudding Cookies
Pudding cookies are known for their soft, chewy texture, and when you add gingerbread flavors, they become an irresistible holiday treat. These cookies are made with instant vanilla pudding mix, which helps them stay soft and gooey, even after they cool. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives them the perfect amount of spice, and they’re a hit at any holiday gathering. Get the recipe Gingerbread Pudding Cookies Recipe
16. Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies
For a heartier gingerbread cookie, try these gingerbread oatmeal cookies. The oats add texture and chewiness, while the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves provide the classic gingerbread flavor. The addition of raisins or cranberries gives them a fruity touch, making them a perfect breakfast cookie or snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Get the recipe Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
17. Gingerbread Blondies
If you prefer bars over cookies, gingerbread blondies are a wonderful alternative. These blondies are rich, dense, and full of the warm spices that make gingerbread so special. They’re topped with a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness. The chewy texture and deep ginger flavor make them a delightful holiday dessert. Get the recipe Gingerbread Blondies Recipe
18. Gingerbread Molasses Bars
Gingerbread molasses bars are a deliciously soft and spiced dessert that captures the essence of traditional gingerbread cookies in bar form. The molasses gives the bars a rich sweetness, while the spices add warmth and depth of flavor. These bars are perfect for cutting into squares and serving at holiday parties or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Get the recipe Gingerbread Molasses Bars Recipe
19. Gingerbread Cookie Dough Truffles Recipe
For a fun, no-bake twist on gingerbread cookies, try these gingerbread cookie dough truffles. Made with a blend of cookie crumbs, molasses, and spices, these truffles are rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in chocolate or powdered sugar. They’re a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack during the holidays. Get the recipe Gingerbread Cookie Dough Truffles Recipe
These 19 gingerbread cookie recipes offer a wide variety of ways to enjoy this classic holiday treat, whether you prefer traditional gingerbread shapes, chewy bars, or indulgent truffles. Gingerbread cookies are a perfect way to bring warmth, spice, and festive joy to your home during the holiday season. From soft and chewy to crisp and crunchy, there’s a gingerbread recipe for every taste and occasion. Get baking, and fill your home with the delicious aroma of gingerbread this holiday season!
