12 Spiced Holiday Gingerbread Recipes That Smell Like December

The scent of gingerbread wafts through the air, conjuring cozy memories and holiday cheer. This collection of spiced gingerbread recipes will fill your home with warmth and delightful aromas. Get ready to indulge your senses and embrace the spirit of December with each bite!

1. Classic Gingerbread Cookies

These timeless cookies are perfect for decorating with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup molasses

Process:

1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Cream butter and sugar; add egg and molasses.
2. Combine wet and dry ingredients; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out, cut shapes, and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes. Cool and decorate.

Make it Unique:

• Swap molasses for honey for a lighter flavor.
• Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.

2. Spiced Gingerbread Bundt Cake

This moist cake is a festive centerpiece for your dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 eggs

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another.
2. Combine both mixtures until smooth, then pour into a greased bundt pan.
3. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Allow to cool before glazing.

Make it Unique:

• Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
• Experiment with different types of glaze, like lemon or caramel.

3. Gingerbread Waffles

Start your morning with these fragrant waffles for a sweet celebration.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses

Process:

1. Whisk together dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients.
2. Mix wet into dry; cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
3. Serve warm with toppings of choice.

Make it Unique:

• Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Serve with fresh fruit or compote.

4. Gingerbread Pancakes

A cozy twist on breakfast that brings holiday flavors to your weekend.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Process:

1. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk wet ingredients in another.
2. Mix together until just combined; cook on a hot griddle until bubbly and golden.
3. Serve hot with syrup or fruit.

Make it Unique:

• Use oat flour for a healthier twist.
• Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for texture.

5. Gingerbread Trifle

An impressive dessert that’s sure to wow your guests!

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of gingerbread cake (see bundt cake recipe)
• 2 cups whipped cream
• 1 cup custard
• 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger

Process:

1. Crumble the gingerbread cake into large pieces.
2. Layer cake, custard, and whipped cream in a trifle dish.
3. Top with candied ginger and chill until serving.

Make it Unique:

• Swap custard for chocolate mousse.
• Use different fruits between layers for variety.

6. Gingerbread Granola

A crunchy, healthy snack inspired by traditional gingerbread flavors.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup mixed nuts
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway.
3. Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.

Make it Unique:

• Add dried cranberries or chocolate chips.
• Use various nuts for a custom mix.

7. Gingerbread Latte

Warm up your day with this delightful holiday drink!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brewed strong coffee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon gingerbread syrup (or homemade)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

Process:

1. Brew coffee and heat milk until warm.
2. Mix coffee, milk, and syrup in a mug; top with whipped cream and cinnamon.
3. Enjoy warm by the fire!

Make it Unique:

• Use alternative milk like almond or oat.
• Add a shot of espresso for extra kick.

8. Gingerbread Ice Cream

Indulge in a cold treat with a taste of the holidays!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Process:

1. Mix all ingredients until sugar dissolves.
2. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to instructions.
3. Freeze for a few hours before serving.

Make it Unique:

• Add a swirl of caramel or chocolate chips.
• Serve with hot fudge for an indulgent dessert.

9. Gingerbread Popcorn

Enjoy this sweet, crunchy snack while curled up with loved ones.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups popped popcorn
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Combine sugar, butter, syrup, and spices in a pan; cook until bubbling.
2. Pour mixture over popcorn, coating well; spread on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool before serving.

Make it Unique:

• Add mini chocolate candies or nuts.
• Experiment with spicy seasonings for more kick.

10. Gingerbread French Toast

Start your day off right with this holiday-inspired breakfast!

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of gingerbread (from previous recipes)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Butter for frying

Process:

1. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon together.
2. Dip gingerbread slices into the mixture and fry in a hot skillet with butter.
3. Serve with syrup and berries.

Make it Unique:

• Add a layer of cream cheese filling.
• Use different spices for a flavor twist.

11. Gingerbread Scones

These flaky scones are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter until crumbly.
2. Stir in cream and egg until dough forms; shape and cut into scones.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Make it Unique:

• Add currants or raisins for sweetness.
• Top with a spiced glaze for extra flavor.

12. Gingerbread Energy Bites

Energy bites for when you need a holiday pick-me-up!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Process:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Roll into bite-sized balls and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Store in an airtight container.

Make it Unique:

• Use peanut butter instead of almond butter.
• Roll in crushed nuts for added crunch.

Try out these spiced gingerbread recipes this holiday season! Whether you bake, sip, or indulge, each recipe is designed to fill your home with joy and delicious fragrances. Share them with friends and family, and make lasting memories together—one gingerbread treat at a time!