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This roundup pulls together 10 easy gingerbread recipes for Christmas, from loaf cake and churros to French toast, ice cream and a few giftable treats in jars.
If you are planning your holiday baking list, putting together a festive brunch or craving something warm and spiced, you will find plenty to make here. It just would not feel like Christmas without at least one gingerbread treat.
Pick one based on what you need
Need something fast for movie night? Gingerbread popcorn
Baking with kids? Simple gingerbread cookies
Christmas morning brunch? Gingerbread French toast
Homemade gifts in jars? Gingerbread syrup, spice mix, granola
Dessert that feels a bit special without much effort? Gingerbread churros or ice cream
If you are out of molasses
Start with the honey gingerbread cookies or pick one of the other recipes here. Most of them get their gingerbread flavor from the spice mix, not molasses.
Christmas movies and sweet, sticky gingerbread popcorn belong together. You can make it fast, with zero planning, which makes it ideal for last-minute guests or a quick festive snack.
If you want gingerbread flavor without turning on the oven, this is the one. It tastes like the holidays in a mug and it’s easy to dress up with whipped cream or a drizzle of syrup if you have some on hand.
This takes minutes and makes everything else easier. Stir a little into pancake batter, muffins, quick breads or cookie dough, then stash the rest in a small jar for gifting.
Why not start the holiday season with a slice (or two) of gingerbread loaf topped with cinnamon icing? Orange peel and chocolate chips make it feel extra seasonal, but it still stays simple enough for a fun baking project with kids.
These are easy Christmas cookies that are great for decorating, gifting or hanging on the tree if you feel like making ornaments. The dough is make-ahead friendly, which helps a lot when December gets busy.
Candy cane-shaped gingerbread churros look instantly festive and you can have them on the table in under 30 minutes. Serve them with thick hot chocolate for dipping and call it dessert, a snack or both.
This is made for Christmas morning. That cinnamon honey sauce turns it into a real treat, so you can serve it with fruit and coffee and call brunch done.
If you are looking for edible Christmas gifts, gingerbread syrup is an easy win. Drizzle it over pancakes, crepes or French toast, or add a splash to coffee or chai. It’s also nice over ice cream.
For anyone who keeps eating ice cream no matter the season, this one is a must. It includes both an ice cream machine method and a no-churn option, so you can make it with whatever setup you have.
This is a great add-on for gift baskets or a quick December breakfast you can grab all week. It’s crunchy, packed with gingerbread spice and stores well in an airtight jar, so you can make a batch and be set for a while.
FAQ
What’s the easiest gingerbread recipe here for a last-minute plan?
Gingerbread popcorn, hot chocolate or the spice mix. They’re quick and do not require cooling time.
Which ones work best as edible Christmas gifts?
Gingerbread syrup, spice mix and gingerbread granola. They package neatly and travel well.
What should I make for Christmas morning?
The gingerbread French toast is perfect for Christmas morning and a mug of hot chocolate on the side is always a good idea.
I want something that feels like dessert, not a snack. What should I pick?
Churros or gingerbread ice cream. Both feel like a proper finish to a holiday meal.
Can I prep anything ahead to make December easier?
Yes. Cookie dough is a good make-ahead choice, and the syrup, spice mix and granola can be made earlier and stored.
Save this list for December. It’s a mix of quick treats, Christmas morning ideas and a few jar-friendly gifts you can make ahead.
