How to Make Gingerbread Cookies: Classic Holiday Recipe

This classic gingerbread calls your name this holiday season—warmly spiced, lightly sweet, and finished with a lighter cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both cozy and indulgent without being overly heavy.

We feature many healthy and delicious bread and cake recipes here. If you enjoy breakfast loaves and seasonal bakes, try variations like easy cinnamon apple bread, vegan banana bread, or blueberry banana bread. For festive treats, consider pumpkin cheesecake bars, hot cocoa cookies, or simple apple pie bars—there’s a recipe for every craving and season.

Cake or Bread? Or Both?

Is gingerbread a cake or a bread? The answer can be both. The loaf texture and name suggest bread, but the way it’s sliced and frosted gives it the feel of a sheet cake. This recipe embraces that middle ground—moist and tender like a quick bread, yet rich enough to be frosted and presented like a cake.

In the mood for more bread recipes? Try simple variations such as Easy Cinnamon Apple Bread, Strawberry Banana Breakfast Bread, Vegan Banana Bread, Blueberry Banana Bread, or Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. If you’re leaning toward cake, consider an Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a lighter Carrot Cake, a Single-Serve Pumpkin Mug Cake, or a Chocolate Mug Cake.

Gingerbread Ingredients

• White whole wheat flour: This recipe uses white whole wheat flour for a lighter, fluffier loaf compared to traditional whole wheat. It provides whole-grain nutrition without a heavy texture.
• Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps the loaf moist and adds natural sweetness. Pumpkin puree or mashed bananas can be used as alternatives.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice creates the classic gingerbread flavor. Adjust amounts to taste, but this combination captures the seasonal warmth.
• Almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk adds a mild, nutty note; any milk (dairy or plant-based) will work.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
• Maple syrup and molasses: These natural sweeteners bring depth and a subtle caramel-molasses note without relying on refined sugar.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and helps highlight the molasses flavor.
• Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil is used for richness; you can substitute another neutral baking oil if preferred.
• Eggs: Provide structure and lift. For an egg-free version, try substituting two flax eggs (not tested in this recipe).
• Lightened-up cream cheese frosting: A tart, lighter frosting made with fat-free cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup finishes the loaf.

How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting

The tartness of a cream cheese frosting complements the sweet spice of gingerbread. This lighter frosting blends creamy texture with fewer calories than a traditional butter-heavy frosting.

• Let the cake bake and cool while you prepare the frosting; the kitchen will smell amazing.
• Combine room-temperature fat-free cream cheese, almost-room-temperature plain nonfat Greek yogurt, and maple syrup in a bowl.
• Whip with an electric mixer until smooth and spreadable. If the Greek yogurt is too cold it can cause the cream cheese to clump, so allow the yogurt to warm slightly first.

For finishing touches, dust the frosting with a little ground cinnamon, or add a small gingersnap cookie pressed into each slice for a festive presentation.

How to Store Gingerbread

Store cooled gingerbread in an airtight container or keep it covered in the baking dish with foil. Refrigerate for 3–5 days. If storing unfrosted, bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.

How to Freeze Gingerbread

To freeze, cool the loaf completely and do not frost it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil to minimize air exposure. Label with the recipe name and date. Properly wrapped, the gingerbread will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to Thaw Gingerbread

Thaw frozen gingerbread on the counter at room temperature until completely defrosted. Do not refreeze after thawing. Once thawed, spread the cream cheese frosting and serve.

More Seasonal Desserts

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
• Apple Pie Bars
• Hot Cocoa Cookies with Vanilla Bean Frosting
• Healthy Carmelita Bars

Gingerbread

This classic gingerbread is perfectly spiced and sweet, topped with a lighter cream cheese frosting for balance. It’s a great holiday dessert or an everyday treat when you crave warm spices.