24 Gingerbread Desserts That Smell Like the Holidays

Here’s a collection that brings all the warmth and spice of gingerbread into just about every kind of dessert and breakfast treat. From soft cookies to layered trifles and even drinks, gingerbread isn’t just for houses or men anymore. These recipes use molasses, spice blends, and dark sugars to deliver deep flavors and cozy textures. It’s a lineup that leans into the season and turns that signature spice into something worth repeating.

3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

These cookies are cut and slotted together to stand upright like little trees. They’re sturdy enough to hold their shape and detailed enough for decorating. Icing or sprinkles add extra flair. A fun project that doubles as edible decor.
Get the Recipe: 3D Gingerbread Tree Cookies

Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

This recipe brings cocoa and chocolate chunks into the gingerbread mix. The result is soft and rich with a warm, spiced background. They hold their shape well and have a slightly chewy texture. Great for anyone who likes a deeper dessert.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Classic and straightforward, these cookies are soft in the middle with just enough snap on the edges. They’re great for cutting into shapes and decorating with icing. The flavor leans into molasses and spice without being too strong. A must for holiday baking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Gingerbread Man Cookies

Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Bars

These bars combine oats and spices into a firm, sliceable breakfast or snack. They’re slightly chewy and hold together well. Serve warm or cold with a spread of butter or nut butter. Ideal for meal prep during colder months.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Baked Oatmeal Bars

Gingerbread Banana Bread

Mashed banana softens the texture and adds natural sweetness to this spiced loaf. It’s moist, fragrant, and gets better the next day. You can add nuts or chocolate chips for variation. A twist on banana bread with holiday flair.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Banana Bread

Gingerbread Bars

These squares are soft, thick, and easy to slice. The spices come through clearly, balanced by brown sugar and molasses. A glaze or cream cheese frosting adds another layer. They’re easy to transport and share.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Bars

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

This cake is dense, moist, and deeply flavored. Baking it in a bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape without much effort. A drizzle of glaze or powdered sugar on top finishes it off. Serve as a centerpiece dessert or for afternoon coffee.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Bundt Cake

Gingerbread Cake

A soft cake with bold spice and a tender crumb. It’s simple enough to bake in one layer but rich enough for special gatherings. Serve it warm with whipped cream or a dusting of sugar. It’s comforting and not overly sweet.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cake

Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe

This dessert pairs a spiced crust with a smooth, creamy filling. Hints of molasses and cinnamon run through the cheesecake layer. It slices cleanly and looks festive with whipped topping. A smart option for holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe

Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail

This cocktail blends creamy coffee flavor with warm spices and a splash of rum. It’s smooth, lightly sweet, and finishes with a gingery note. Serve over ice or shake and strain into a chilled glass. Great for holiday parties or late-night treats.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Latte Dessert Rum Cocktail

Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Spiced cookie rounds are sandwiched with jam for a tart-sweet contrast. The top layer has a cut-out so the filling shows through. Dust with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look. A beautiful twist on a traditional style.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Linzer Cookies

Gingerbread Loaf

This quick bread bakes up dense and fragrant. Serve it warm with a smear of butter or a bit of cream cheese. The crumb holds together well and stays moist. Great for gifting or holiday breakfast spreads.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Loaf

Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Chunks of dark chocolate melt into these chewy, molasses-rich cookies. The contrast of bitter chocolate and spice works well. They stay soft and slightly gooey in the middle. Ideal for cookie swaps or cozy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Molasses Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Gingerbread Muffins

Light and fluffy with a warmly spiced flavor, these muffins work well for breakfast or snacks. They bake with domed tops and smell amazing straight out of the oven. Add a crumble topping for extra texture. Serve with tea or coffee.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Muffins

Gingerbread Oatmeal

Warm oats are cooked with molasses and spice for a breakfast that tastes like dessert. Toppings like raisins, nuts, or a splash of cream add variety. It’s filling and fragrant. A good way to change up your usual oatmeal routine.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Oatmeal

Gingerbread Pudding

Soft and spoonable, this dessert has all the flavor of gingerbread in a custard-like base. Serve warm with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel. The texture is closer to a baked dessert than a stovetop pudding. It feels both old-fashioned and cozy.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Pudding

Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats

Classic cereal treats get a seasonal upgrade with molasses and spice. They’re still chewy and marshmallowy but with deeper flavor. You can top them with icing or crushed candy. A no-bake option with holiday style.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Rice Krispie Treats

Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Two soft cookies hold a creamy filling in the middle. The contrast of chewy exterior and smooth inside works well. Dust the tops with sugar for extra sparkle. They store well and taste even better after a day.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies

Gingerbread Trifle – Christmas Dessert

Layers of cake, cream, and gingerbread cookies build into a dramatic dessert. It’s assembled in a clear bowl for visual appeal. Each spoonful gives you spice, sweetness, and softness. A great choice for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Trifle – Christmas Dessert

Gingerbread Waffles

Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these waffles carry all the spice of gingerbread. Serve with whipped cream, syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream. The batter is quick to mix and works in any waffle maker. A fun twist on a morning favorite.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread Waffles

Gingerbread White Russian

This version of the classic cocktail includes spiced syrup or liqueur for a seasonal edge. Creamy, sweet, and warming, it’s served over ice. A festive take on a familiar drink. Easy to batch for parties.
Get the Recipe: Gingerbread White Russian

Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf

A dark chocolate loaf spiced with ginger and topped with a shiny glaze. It’s dense but not heavy, and the glaze adds richness. Each slice has a slight chew around the crust. Makes a striking addition to dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Chocolate Gingerbread Loaf

Marranitos – Mexican Gingerbread Pigs

These soft cookies are shaped like pigs and flavored with piloncillo and cinnamon. They’re a traditional Mexican bakery item. The texture is somewhere between bread and cookie. Great with coffee or milk.
Get the Recipe: Marranitos – Mexican Gingerbread Pigs

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake Recipe

This cake leans into molasses and spice for an old-school flavor. It’s simple, soft, and bakes evenly. You can serve it warm with whipped cream or lemon sauce. A cozy dessert that’s stood the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Gingerbread Cake Recipe