Gingerbread desserts go way beyond the classic cut-out cookie. Molasses, ginger, cinnamon and cloves work just as well in creamy cheesecakes, trifles, cute cake pops and beautiful cakes and tarts, which is why this collection of festive desserts pulls together some of the best ways to enjoy all the cozy gingerbread flavors this winter.
You’ll find easy no-bake options like tiramisu and gingerbread dip for busy weeks, plus showstopping bundt cakes and tarts for when you want something a little fancier on the holiday table. There are big-batch cookies for swaps and gifting, a few make-ahead desserts, and plenty of Christmas desserts that hold up well for parties.
Use this list to plan your holiday baking ideas early, or bookmark it for later, since most of these winter dessert recipes are just as good in January as they are in December.
Whether you want something to feed a crowd or a cozy treat for a quiet night in, these gingerbread dessert ideas have you covered.
If you love gingerbread flavored recipes, you may also like this simple gingerbread sheet cake, my gingerbread latte, or this easy gingerbread syrup recipe.
Gingerbread Tiramisu
Coffee-dipped ladyfingers layer with a molasses-spiced mascarpone cream in this festive gingerbread desserts recipe. Make it the night before, then top with cocoa and mini cookies to serve.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Tiramisu
Gingerbread Cake Pops
A boxed cake mix shortcut keeps these spiced cake balls simple. Each one is dipped in cinnamon white chocolate and finished with sprinkles, perfect for holiday party desserts and homemade food gifts.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Cake Pops
Baked Gingerbread Cheesecake
A gingerbread cookie crust holds a spiced filling with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses. Finished with caramel sauce and crushed cookies, this recipe is a showstopping gingerbread dessert for the holidays.
Get the recipe: Baked Gingerbread Cheesecake
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Soft, chewy cookies get a creamy spiced white chocolate center and a pretty drizzle on top. One batch makes around 60, so there are plenty to fill Christmas cookie boxes, a Christmas potluck, or holiday snacks.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Find more Christmas cookie exchange recipes here.
Gingerbread Christmas Trifle
Cubes of spiced cake, vanilla pudding, caramel and whipped cream stack into a stunning glass bowl for one of the best Christmas desserts. Toffee bits add crunch, and it easily serves a crowd.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Trifle
Love trifle? Find more trifle recipes here.
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
Fifteen minutes of prep gets this spiced bundt cake in the oven. A festive glaze sweetens the dessert, and sugared cranberries make this easy ginger cake party ready.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Bundt Cake
Festive Gingerbread Cupcakes
Spiced molasses cupcakes are piled high with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an easy Christmas dessert recipe. They come together from scratch in about 40 minutes, ready for bake sales, Christmas party desserts, or gifting.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Cupcakes
Discover more Christmas cupcake recipe ideas in this collection.
Gingerbread Christmas Tart
A crisp gingerbread shortcrust holds a silky spiced dark chocolate ganache filling in this decadent chocolate tart. It’s dairy-free and nut-free, and gingerbread cookies and pomegranate seeds on top give it a festive finish that will wow your guests.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Christmas Tart
Gingerbread Jello Jigglers
Gingerbread syrup and sweetened condensed milk set into a creamy layered jello you cut out with a cookie cutter. These wobbly, mildly spiced treats are a hit with kids.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Jello Jigglers
Classic Gingerbread Men
This classic gingerbread men dough rolls out easily and holds its shape for decorating with royal icing or sprinkles. Ginger, cinnamon and cloves make every cookie taste like Christmas.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Men Cookies
Eggnog Gingerbread Tiramisu
Ginger snaps soaked in coffee and eggnog layer with fluffy mascarpone cream in this festive take on the Italian classic dessert. Chill overnight and dust with cocoa before serving and enjoy all the holiday flavors in each bite.
Get the recipe: Eggnog Gingerbread Tiramisu
If you adore Tiramisu, you will love these tiramisu recipes.
Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
Baked in a mini muffin tin, these bite size cheesecakes sit on a buttery Biscoff base. Top each with whipped cream and a tiny cookie so dessert guests can grab and go.
Get the recipe: Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes
Spiced Gingerbread Cake
Shredded apple keeps this one-bowl spice cake soft and tender for days. Spread on a velvety cream cheese frosting and decorate with sugared rosemary or candied ginger for a tasty holiday dessert idea.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Spice Cake
Easy Gingerbread Pie
Five minutes of prep and a store-bought graham crust are all it takes to make this no bake gingerbread dessert. The spiced cream cheese filling sets in the fridge, leaving the oven free for the rest of your holiday baking.
Get the recipe: No Bake Gingerbread Pie
Frosted Gingerbread Blondies
Chewy, molasses-rich bars get a tangy cream cheese icing and a scatter of pomegranate seeds. They bake in one square pan and are an easy gingerbread dessert idea for a new years party or winter treats.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Blondies
Easy Gingerbread Dip
This creamy spiced dip tastes like a spoonful of cheesecake filling and comes together in five minutes. Set it out with gingersnaps, graham crackers, fruit or pretzels for a Christmas or New Years Eve dessert everyone will love.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Dip
Simple Gingerbread Cake
Fresh ginger and a touch of cocoa give this gingerbread sheet cake extra depth. It’s topped with an old-fashioned cinnamon molasses frosting that’s light, fluffy and not too sweet. The easiest winter cake recipe with classic gingerbread flavors.
Get the recipe: Easy Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread Brownies
Crispy-edged, gooey brownies bake with spiced gingerbread cookie cutouts pressed right on top. You get two seasonal favorites in one pan, plus a fun Christmas baking project to share with the kids.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Brownies
Gingerbread No Bake Cheesecake
A gingersnap crust lined with little cookie men holds a light, fluffy spiced filling in thie no bake Christmas cheesecake recipe. Skip the oven, chill until firm, then pile on whipped cream before slicing.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread No Bake Cheesecake
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Two soft, crackly ginger cookies sandwich a generous layer of fluffy cream cheese frosting. These bite size treats freeze beautifully, so bake a batch now for cookie trays later.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
Easy Gingerbread Ice Cream
Six simple ingredients blend into a creamy, warmly spiced base for your Ninja Creami. Freeze, spin and enjoy scoops of homemade gingerbread ice cream with your holiday desserts all season long.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Ice Cream
Gingerbread Loaf Cake
Make the coffee shop favorite at home with this moist spiced loaf and its orange-kissed cream cheese frosting. Bake mini loaves to wrap up for teachers and neighbors.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Loaf Cake
Gingerbread Star Cookies
Generously spiced and chewy, this big batch dough makes about four dozen gingerbread cut-out cookies. Shape them into stars, flood with royal icing, and freeze any extra dough for later. Perfect for lunch boxes, gifting, and a cookie exchange.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Star Cookies
Gingerbread Blossom Cookies
Soft, chewy spice cookies are rolled in sugar and crowned with a striped Hershey’s Hug. No rolling pin or cutters needed, making them an easy pick for cookie exchanges or a Christmas bake sale.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Blossom Cookies
Gingerbread Creme Brulee
Silky custard infused with molasses, cinnamon and ginger hides under a crackly caramelized sugar top. Bake it up to two days ahead, then torch just before serving.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Creme Brulee
