39 Gingerbread Cookie Recipes To Warm Up This Christmas

Felicia Lim

Gingerbread Men Cookies

Christmas is never complete without cookies, and gingerbread cookies are an absolute must.

Whether you like your gingerbread cookies in a normal round cookie shape, or prefer them shaped as gingerbread men or tiny soldiers, there's definitely a recipe that you're bound to love in this mix of 39 best gingerbread cookie recipes!

What is Gingerbread?

Gingerbread refers to baked goods that are flavored with ginger, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, and gingerbread recipes are often sweetened with sugar, honey or molasses.

Related: 24 Perfect Molasses Cookies That Are Sure to Win the Cookie Exchange

Some common gingerbread baked goods include soft, moist gingerbread cake and gingerbread muffins, and  gingerbread cookies, of course.

Best Gingerbread Cookie Recipes

From options for the chocolate lover such as soft chocolate gingerbread cookies, white chocolate gingerbread thumbprint cookies, and chocolate chunk gingerbread cookies, to recipes such as gingerbread oatmeal cream pies, gingerbread cookies with royal icing, and frosted gingerbread cookie bars, these delish treats prove cookies flavored with molasses and ginger are definitely a classic Christmas cookie for a reason.

Here are 39 best gingerbread cookie recipes for Christmas. Browse through them to pick your favorites, crank on the oven, and let's get baking!

Related: The Best Gingerbread Houses to Bake

<p>Parade</p><p>These spiced gingerbread cookies can be topped with a glaze for making cute gingerbread people, or a ginger buttercream when you crave something more decadent.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/720064/solanahawkenson/spiced-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spiced Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Spiced Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Lori Lange</p><p>Betty Crocker's gingerbread cookie recipe is packed with spices, and it’s definitely tender and chewy. </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://parade.com/240335/lorilange/best-ever-chewy-gingerbread-cookies-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Betty Crocker's Chewy Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Betty Crocker's Chewy Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Sugar Spun Run</p><p>A simple and delicious recipe for classic Gingerbread Men! These Gingerbread Cookies are made with all butter (no shortening!) for the best flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-men/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Men Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Men Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Joy Food Sunshine</p><p>These white chocolate gingerbread cookies make the perfect holiday dessert. This classic recipe is so easy to make and contain all the best flavors of Christmas!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://joyfoodsunshine.com/white-chocolate-chip-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">White Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Pies and Tacos</p><p>These are gingerbread macarons filled with gingerbread buttercream! Perfect for Christmas!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.piesandtacos.com/gingerbread-macarons/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Macarons;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Macarons</a></strong></p>
<p>Sugar Hero</p><p>Soft chocolate gingerbread cookies are the perfect holiday cookie! They’re a great blend of chocolate and gingerbread flavors, with a chocolate star in the middle, and they keep their soft and chewy texture for days.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.sugarhero.com/soft-chocolate-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Soft Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Soft Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Running with Spoons</p><p>Flourless gingerbread cookies that are soft, chewy, and super easy to make with only one bowl and a handful of healthy ingredients.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.runningwithspoons.com/flourless-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Flourless Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Flourless Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>The Monday Box</p><p>Gingerbread season is here, in all of its chewy, spicy splendor! With this time saver recipe, you can quickly whip up a batch of Gingerbread Spice Cookies. There is a taste of the holidays in every scrumptious bite!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://themondaybox.com/gingerbread-spice-cookies-time-saver-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Spice Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Spice Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Taste and See</p><p>These white chocolate kissed gingerbread thumbprint cookies really are the perfect Christmas cookie!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://tasteandsee.com/white-chocolate-gingerbread-thumbprint-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:White Chocolate Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">White Chocolate Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Delightful Adventures</p><p>Chewy, perfectly spiced, and covered with sparkly sugar, these vegan gluten free gingerbread cookies will make a welcome addition to your Christmas baking list and become a new favorite!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://delightfuladventures.com/chewy-vegan-gluten-free-gingerbread-cookies-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chewy Vegan Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Chewy Vegan Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Foolproof Living</p><p>Made with almond flour and sweetened with coconut sugar, these warm spiced healthy gingerbread cookies are the perfect treat during the holidays.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://foolproofliving.com/paleo-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Paleo Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Paleo Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>The Lemon Apron</p><p>The best of European spices blend with a soft gingerbread cookie to make for a cozy treat. Sending them over the moon is a simple rum and butter glaze.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thelemonapron.com/speculaas-gingerbread-cookies-with-a-rum-butter-glaze/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Speculaas Gingerbread Cookies with Rum Butter Glaze;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Speculaas Gingerbread Cookies with Rum Butter Glaze</a></strong></p>
<p>Oh So Delicioso</p><p>This easy gingerbread men recipe combines rich molasses, warm spices, and deep brown sugar for cookie that is unforgettable.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://ohsodelicioso.com/easy-gingerbread-men-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No-Fail Gingerbread Men;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">No-Fail Gingerbread Men</a></strong></p>
<p>Amy's Healthy Baking</p><p>A guilt-free recipe for classic cut-out gingerbread cookies. Full of the same traditional cozy flavors but no butter, refined flour or sugar!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://amyshealthybaking.com/blog/2016/12/04/the-ultimate-healthy-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ultimate Healthy Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Ultimate Healthy Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Ella Claire Inspired</p><p>A perfectly sweet rolled cookie for those fun days of fall baking- this spiced pumpkin gingerbread cookie is a delicious fall treat.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/spiced-pumpkin-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Just So Tasty</p><p>These soft gingerbread cookies are a must for the holidays. They’re perfectly spiced with soft centers and the perfect gingerbread taste. The best gingerbread men I’ve ever tried!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.justsotasty.com/soft-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Extra Soft Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Extra Soft Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Mommy Mouse Clubhouse</p><p>Soft and chewy gingerbread sugar cookies are a delicious rolled sugar cookie recipe with a hint of gingerbread spices!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://mommymouseclubhouse.com/gingerbread-sugar-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Sugar Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Sugar Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas holiday cookie to make this season than you’ll love these Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. Classic soft gingerbread cookies with a white chocolate center and chocolate drizzle.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.swankyrecipes.com/gingerbread-thumbprint-cookies.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Ambitious Kitchen</p><p>Amazing oatmeal cream pies with a gingerbread twist! These perfectly spiced gingerbread oatmeal cookies are sandwiched together with a delicious thick cream filling for the ultimate holiday cookie sandwich.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/gingerbread-oatmeal-cream-pies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies</a></strong></p>
<p>Jane's Patisserie</p><p>Deliciously thick and chunky gingerbread-flavored gingerbread NYC cookies with white chocolate chips!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.janespatisserie.com/2020/11/21/gingerbread-nyc-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread NYC Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread NYC Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>The Busy Baker</p><p>Soft and delicious gingerbread cookies filled with fluffy pumpkin cheesecake filling and topped with caramel sauce – these are the best holiday dessert around!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://thebusybaker.ca/gingerbread-cookie-cups-pumpkin-cheesecake-filling/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Cookie Cups with Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Cookie Cups with Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling</a></strong></p>
<p>The Kitchen is My Playground</p><p>Love magic cookies? Then you'll go crazy for this gingerbread Christmas version of the classic! That's right, it's gingerbread magic cookies, complete with a gingerbread crust, cinnamon chips, and white chocolate.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2013/12/gingerbread-magic-cookies.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Magic Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Magic Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Impeckable Eats</p><p>In these soft gingerbread drop cookies, creamy tangy cream cheese adds a nice acidity and contrast to the spicy rich molasses flavor.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="http://impeckableeats.com/2015/11/soft-gingerbread-drop-cookies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Soft Gingerbread Drop Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Soft Gingerbread Drop Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting</a></strong></p>
<p>Eating Cheating</p><p>These are keto gingerbread cookies, the real classic for the Christmas holidays.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://eatingcheating.com/keto-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Keto Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Keto Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>The Seaside Baker</p><p>Let all the best flavors of the holidays fill your senses with these Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars. That classic, spicy flavor wrapped in a soft cake-like dessert, and topped with a rich buttercream frosting.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://theseasidebaker.com/frosted-gingerbread-cookie-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Frosted Gingerbread Cookie Bars</a></strong></p>
<p>Sugar Spun Run</p><p>Soft and chewy gingerbread cookie bars are decorated with a simple frosting and sprinkles! Flavored with all my favorite holiday spices, this is a fun festive treat for the season.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://sugarspunrun.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Festive Gingerbread Cookie Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Festive Gingerbread Cookie Bars </a></strong></p>
<p>If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen</p><p>Gingerbread crinkle cookies are a must-try during the holidays. They are chewy, full of ginger flavor and coated in sugar with exposed cookie cracks.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.ifyougiveablondeakitchen.com/gingerbread-crinkle-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Flavor the Moments</p><p>It’s not Christmas without gingerbread cookies! This is a tried and true recipe that’s packed with spicy, warm flavors and decorated with a simple vanilla icing. They’re perfect for the Christmas cookie box or tray!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://flavorthemoments.com/gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Soft Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Soft Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>One Sweet Appetite</p><p>The classic Italian cookie gets the added flavor of gingerbread in this easy recipe. Perfect for giving and dunking in a cup of coffee!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://onesweetappetite.com/gingerbread-biscotti/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Biscotti;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Biscotti</a></strong></p>
<p>Lifestyle of a Foodie</p><p>These cookies are crispy and do not spread, so you have the perfect shape to decorate.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://lifestyleofafoodie.com/no-spread-easy-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:No Spread Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">No Spread Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Just So Tasty</p><p>These easy gingerbread cookie bars have a delicious ginger molasses flavor and a soft, chewy texture. Instead of royal icing – they’re topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting for the perfect Christmas treat!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.justsotasty.com/gingerbread-cookie-bars/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Cookie Bars;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Cookie Bars</a></strong></p>
<p>Dish by Dish</p><p>Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside, these easy gingerbread cookies are perfect for Christmas and the holidays! Gluten-free and dairy-free.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.dishbydish.net/easy-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free);elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Easy Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)</a></strong></p>
<p>Mommy Mouse Clubhouse</p><p>Soft and chewy gingerbread sugar cookies are a delicious rolled sugar cookie recipe with a hint of gingerbread spices!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://mommymouseclubhouse.com/gingerbread-sugar-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Sugar Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Sugar Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Wholesome Yum</p><p>The best keto gingerbread cookies recipe to make your holidays merry and bright.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/sugar-free-gingerbread-cookies-low-carb-paleo/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Sugar Free Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Two Cups Flour</p><p>These big soft gingerbread cookies with a light chocolate flavor and a dusting of powdered sugar will be devoured in no time!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://twocupsflour.com/chocolate-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>My Sequined Life</p><p>Gingerbread spritz cookies are buttery and spiced with classic gingerbread flavors in this easily shaped version of gingerbread cookies. This flavored spritz cookie recipe makes more than enough for a crowd.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://www.mysequinedlife.com/gingerbread-spritz-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Gingerbread Spritz Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Gingerbread Spritz Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>The View from Great Island</p><p>It's that time of year and this gingerbread cookie recipe is easy to work with, and delicious!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://theviewfromgreatisland.com/easy-gingerbread-cookies-with-royal-icing/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Easy Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Easy Gingerbread Cookies with Royal Icing</a></strong></p>
<p>Joy Food Sunshine</p><p>These soft gingerbread cookies are so easy to make - no rolling or cutting-out necessary to enjoy this rich & nostalgic gingerbread recipe!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://joyfoodsunshine.com/soft-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Amazing Soft Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Amazing Soft Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>
<p>Stephanie's Sweets</p><p>These chocolate gingerbread cookies use a healthy sugar alternative. The cookies are chewy, soft, and healthy! They have chopped chocolate chunks that are sweetened with Stevia.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href="https://stephaniessweets.com/chocolate-gingerbread-cookies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Chocolate Chunk Gingerbread Cookies</a></strong></p>

The holiday cookie menu:

Up next: The Trick to Picture-Perfect Spritz Cookies Every Time

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