18 Types Of Gingerbread Cookie Recipe Ideas For Christmas

Classic gingerbread cookies are timeless treats that keep on giving. These boast a perfect blend of spices, with a predominant essence of ginger that infuses the dough with a comforting, aromatic flavor. The dough is made with flour, molasses, brown sugar, and spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves,

This fragrant mixture is carefully rolled out and cut into various shapes, often in the form of gingerbread people, stars, or houses, allowing for creative decorations. Once cooled, these cookies become a canvas for decoration. Many enjoy icing and adorning them with colorful confectionery.

The soft and chewy texture of these cookies is obtained by adjusting the baking process. To ensure this, the baking time in adjusted in such a way that the cookies are soft and slightly underbaked to retain that chewy center. The texture resembles that of a soft chocolate chip cookie or sugar cookie. You can customize the recipe with different sugar cookie recipes for an elevated texture.

This texture also works well with the warm spices added to the mix which makes them an ideal treat during festive times. The molasses concentration is also fairly high as compared to the classic recipe so that they retain moisture.

Gingerbread molasses cookies have a deep, robust sweetness of molasses. Combined with the warmth of ginger and a medley of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, each bite is reminiscent of cozy, winter aromas that evoke memories and nostalgia.

The texture of gingerbread molasses cookies is part of their allure. They are often soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. The perfect amount of molasses not only contributes to their distinct flavor but also aids in achieving that coveted chewy texture.

The Gingerbread man is possibly the most famous shape during the holidays. These cookies capture the essence of festive joy and nostalgia. These charming little cookies are more than just a sweet indulgence; they're a beloved tradition.

The dough is rolled out and shaped into adorable little men, often with distinctive features that evoke smiles. On top of that goes icing and colorful candies which is exciting for kids and adults alike. Beyond their visual appeal, biting into a spiced gingerbread man offers a satisfying crunch, followed by a burst of sweet and spiced flavors.

This recipe opts for entirely plant-based ingredients to capture the warmth and spice of traditional gingerbread. There are some alterations to be made in the ingredients and baking process.

To make them vegan, traditional ingredients like butter and eggs are replaced with plant-based alternatives. Coconut oil or vegan margarine stands in for butter, providing the necessary fat for texture and flavor. Instead of eggs, options like flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water create a binding effect that's essential in cookie baking.

Gingerbread cookies and Spritz cookies are both traditional holiday cookies. So the fusion makes perfect sense. These cookies, often made using a cookie press or spritz press, take on intricate shapes that work well with the flavors and textures as well as the holiday tradition.

The dough for gingerbread spritz cookies is typically rich with warm spices like ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg along with some molasses. What makes them stand out is their texture – a perfect balance of buttery crispness and a tender bite. They're often adorned with a sprinkle of sugar crystals or colorful decorations before baking to keep them authentic as well as personal. For more options, try these spritz cookie recipes for inspiration this Christmas.

Dipping gingerbread cookies in smooth, melted chocolate adds a layer of luxury. So, these are great for when you're trying to impress your guests during holiday dinner. The ingredients and cooking process remains the same but these cookies are sweeter than traditional cookies because of the addition of chocolate.

When served with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine, the sweetness of the chocolate and the flavors of spices come through to make it a memorable bite every time.

Maple-glazed gingerbread cookies are as festive as they can get. Winter ingredients like maple and warm spices make this possibly the most comforting cookie recipe on this list. There is a sweetness of maple glaze that complements the spice of the cookies.

The cookie dough itself is a symphony of warm spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and, of course, ginger—blending together to create that iconic gingerbread flavor. Once the dough is rolled, cut and baked, the maple glaze is added on top as the finishing touch. Made with pure maple syrup, confectioners’ sugar, and a touch of butter, it's the perfect complement to the spiciness of the cookies.

These cookies are known for their signature appearance - a cracked, crinkled surface dusted with powdered sugar, resembling a snowy landscape. The contrast between the dark, spiced cookie and the snowy-white cracks gives it a visual appeal. 

Their texture is another allure—soft, chewy, and with a slight crispness around the edges. If you're looking to go beyond the traditional gingerbread cookies, this can be a great option for you to try with similar input.

This one is for all those who are watching their weight this holiday season. Oatmeal cookies are healthier and offer a similar texture and flavor as the original cookies. Because it is a cookie, the crumbly texture of oatmeal complements the recipe quite well. One thing to consider is the addition of hydrating ingredients as oatmeal can draw out moisture.

You can enjoy these during the holiday season or as a comforting snack year-round which adds to their appeal.

The addition of filling in a cookie instantly elevates the traditional recipe. In this version, gingerbread cookies are transformed into a sandwich form with a creamy center made with either spiced buttercream or a cream cheese frosting. Depending on what you prefer, you can customize the filling.

It is the best of both worlds, nostalgic flavors from the gingerbread cookies and the coziness of the holiday season with the filling. So enjoy these cookies by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa as you chat up with your loved ones.

Peppermint gingerbread cookies are the ultimate food for holidays. These cookies provide the warm spice of traditional gingerbread along with the refreshing zing of peppermint.

The base of these cookies typically involves a traditional gingerbread recipe, combining molasses, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. What sets these cookies apart is the addition of crushed peppermint candy or peppermint extract, so that the dough has a refreshing minty flavor.

Who doesn't like the warm coffee flavor during winter? Coffee adds the aromatic richness of a latte to the traditional gingerbread spices for a sophisticated twist. The infusion of espresso into the dough makes sure that you don't miss out on the flavor.

You can finally dust it off with some powdered sugar or better yet, some cocoa powder. Whether shared with loved ones or savored quietly with a cup of coffee, Gingerbread Latte Cookies deserve to be on your holiday cookie platter.

Almonds complement gingerbread cookies because the flavors work well together. These cookies carry a festive spirit along with the slight nuttiness of almonds. Ground almonds are mixed with gingerbread spices to ensure that the cookies have a nutty undertone. To really bring the flavors home, you can also add some chopped almonds to the dough.

Serve these with nut bars or just some tea to make sure that the flavors come through the cookies as you eat. You can also replace the flour with almond flour to really make it a ALMOND gingerbread cookie.

Royal icing is all about creativity. So let your inner child fly as you take on these cookies and show off your intricate patterns and colorful designs. From delicate piping to vibrant colors, the icing transforms these cookies into edible works of art. You can also make it a tradition where people of all ages engage to create personal cookies for themselves.

The special icing itself is made from confectioners' sugar, egg whites or meringue powder with a touch of lemon juice or cream of tartar.

This recipe is a little different from the other ones. These typically include three forms of ginger: ground ginger for a deep, earthy warmth, fresh ginger and crystallized or candied ginger. The combination of these three ginger elements creates a multi-layered taste experience.

The ground ginger provides a rich, aromatic base, while the fresh ginger adds a vibrant, citrusy note. The crystallized ginger pieces offer bursts of sweetness and a delightful chewiness. Alongside these ginger components, the cookie dough is often laced with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for the authentic flavors.

Gingerbread snowflakes capture the wintery magic of the holiday season. These intricately shaped treats embody the cozy charm and sweetness of traditional gingerbread but come adorned with a touch of wintry whimsy.

The delicate, lacy appearance of these cookies is obtained by carefully crafting and designing each one with snowflake-shaped cutouts. These snowflakes often receive a dusting of powdered sugar, resembling a glistening layer of fresh snow. These are considered charming edible gifts during the holiday season.

These twice-baked delights are a modern take on the traditional Italian biscotti. To create these cookies, the dough is prepared with a blend of flour, brown sugar, molasses, and a generous amount of gingerbread spices. Chunks of crystallized ginger or even bits of chocolate can be added to enhance the texture and taste. Once the dough is formed, it's shaped into logs and baked until golden and firm.

The magic happens during the second baking, where the logs are sliced into individual biscotti and baked again to achieve that characteristic crunch. The result is a biscuit that goes well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.