Whether it's decorated like a house or transformed into cute (but tasty) people, here is something about gingerbread that makes it only appropriate for Christmas time. Now that we think about it, have we ever really seen gingerbread cookies outside of the holidays? Nevertheless, gingerbread cookies are a must when it comes to Christmas cookie baking. Even if you aren't a fan of them yourself, you can't ignore how good they smell baking in the oven, or how cute they look decorated with some royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, and occasionally, some frosting filling.
You can never go wrong with the classic gingerbread man cookie shape, but we compiled 21 different gingerbread cookie recipes in case you were looking to get a little more creative this year. From gingerbread stockings to sandwiches and even stencils, there is sure to be a cute gingerbread cookie recipe that will become your best kept secret for years to come.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
1
Gingerbread Men Smores
These chocolate and cream cheese marshmallow s'more sandwiches are the ultimate sweet treat.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Men S'mores.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2
Gingerbread Trains
Choo! Choo! This is the perfect recipe for those creative bakers out there who want more of a challenge.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Trains.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Gingerbread Girls
Customize these gingerbread girls with candy, sprinkles, and icing.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Girls.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4
Hang the Stockings Gingerbread Cookies
Hang one of these cookies on your tree for an edible decoration.
Get the recipe for Hang the Stockings Gingerbread Cookies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Chocolate-Gingerbread Hugs
These cookies blend chocolate with ginger spices to create a delicious combination of flavors. A hug tops the cookie off to give it a hint of vanilla.
Get the recipe for Chocolate-Gingerbread Hugs.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6
Reindeer Gingbread Cookies
Looking to change it up? Use a gingerbread cookie cutter to make cutouts that can be made into reindeer when turned upside down.
Get the recipe for Reindeer Gingerbread Cookie.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Gingerbread Snow Angels
This gingerbread man will look so cute making icing and sugar snow angels.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Snow Angels.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8
Gingerbread Cookies
You can't go wrong with a classic gingerbread cookie recipe.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Cookies.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Gingerbread Animals
These cute gingerbread animals put the regular gingerbread men to shame.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Animals.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10
Gingerbread Village
Why stop at a gingerbread house when you can design this gorgeous gingerbread village?
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Village.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11
Gingerbread Polar Bears and Frosted Stars
Instead of gingerbread men, make polar bears complete with a fluffy white shredded coconut fur this Christmas.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Polar Bears and Frosted Stars.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12
Gingerbread Cookie Trees
These spiced cookies taste so good that you won't be too sad to see your display disappear within seconds. Consider it compliments to the chef.
Get the recipe for Gingerbread Cookie Trees.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13
Chocolate Gingerbread Snow Angels
This one's for the chocolate lovers! Add some cocoa to your favorite Christmas gingerbread cookie for a rich, chocolaty flavor.
Get the recipe for Chocolate Gingerbread Snow Angels.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
14
Gingerbread Cookie Wands
Crispy cookie wands covered in edible glitter and sprinkles that have a hint of pumpkin spice.
Get the recipe from Good Housekeeping.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15
Gingerbread Trees with Lemon Icing
Lemon icing gives these gingerbread trees with crystallized sugar on top a citrus zing to these cookies.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
16
Stenciled Gingerbread
These gorgeous cookies use cocoa powder and sugar to create snowflake and holly stencils on these thin gingerbread cookies.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17
Gingerbread Snowflakse
These elegantly iced snowflakes will look gorgeous as a centerpiece for any table.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
18
S'mores Gingerbread Cookie Cups
Combine gooey marshmallow cream, chocolate chips, and spicy gingerbread cookie dough to make these mouthwatering treats.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19
Caramel-Gingerbread Cookie Bars
We're drooling over these beauties. Decorate them with mini gingerbread men sprinkles for a clever touch.
Get the recipe at Delish.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
20
Caramel Gingerbread Cookie Cups
Taking a bite into these cookie cups will fill your mouth with flavors of sugary caramel, spicy cinnamon, and creamy vanilla.
Get the recipe at Delish.