There’s something extra special about sipping on a warm, spiced latte during the winter, and a homemade gingerbread latte recipe is just the thing to bring some extra cheer to the festive season!
Perfect for fans of holiday coffee drinks and those who love Starbucks holiday coffee recipes, my gingerbread coffee is filled with cozy spices and rich, comforting flavors. With a delicious ginger flavor and hints of gingerbread spices, this easy hot latte recipe captures the spirit of Christmas in every sip.
So skip the coffee shop lines and enjoy this festive flavored coffee drink right at home – ideal for Christmas mornings or chilly winter days that call for a little extra warmth!
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Latte Recipe
- Warm, cozy flavors: Gingerbread lattes combine classic winter spices like ginger, cinnamon and cardamom to create a comforting flavor that feels like a holiday treat in a cup. It’s a delicious way to embrace the festive spirit.
- Nostalgic holiday vibes: The flavor of gingerbread brings back memories of holiday traditions, family gatherings, and baking treats for many coffee drinkers.
- Easy homemade recipe: This recipe is so quick and easy to make at home – so there’s no need to drive to your favorite cafe to pay for a gingerbread coffee when you can whip one up at home in minutes!
If you love Christmas coffee drinks, try my peppermint mocha creamer, this easy Christmas iced coffee or my yummy gingerbread white russian.
Gingerbread Coffee Ingredients
You’ll need just a few ingredients to make this popular Christmas coffee drink.
The specific quantities and steps are listed in the recipe card below, so here I just want to touch on each of the ingredients that make this flavored coffee so delicious!
- Coffee: Brew it strong so the flavor of the coffee carries through the milk.
- Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla extract give this coffee drink the lovely warm winter spiced flavor of gingerbread.
- Molasses: A thick sweet syrup that is the essential basis for gingerbread recipes.
- Maple syrup: Adds some lovely sweetness to the drink.
- Milk: I use whole milk in my latte recipes to give them a creamy, velvety finish.
Substitutions
- Coffee: I have specified brewed coffee in the recipe, but you can use whatever style of coffee you have at home. If you have an espresso machine, I recommend you use 2 shots of espresso per drink.
- Maple syrup: If you don’t have syrup in the house, substitute brown or white sugar instead.
- Cardamom: Ground cardamom pairs perfectly with ginger and adds an almost chai like flavor to the drink. If you don’t have it on hand, nutmeg is a good alternative.
Equipment Needed
All you need to brew a batch of gingerbread coffee is:
- Coffee maker – could be a french press, drip coffee maker, espresso machine or moka pot.
- Saucepan – a small saucepan with a pour spout is the easiest way to heat and pour your latte into mugs once ready.
Considering a new coffee maker? See my reviews of the best options here.
How To Make A Gingerbread Latte At Home
Here’s a quick overview of how to make a DIY gingerbread latte. For the full recipe and ingredient list, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
Step 1: Add your spices, molasses, vanilla, and maple syrup to a small saucepan over a gentle heat and stir to combine.
Step 2: Add the milk to the saucepan, then the coffee. Stir to combine then heat gently until simmering. Do not boil.
Step 3: Turn off the heat and carefully pour the coffee blend into your mugs.
Enjoy as is or top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for the ultimate festive coffee drinks treat!
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to vary this recipe, here are some ideas:
- Serve iced: Once combined, chill the mixture in the fridge and serve cold over ice for a yummy iced gingerbread latte drink!
- Use decaf: If you want to enjoy this cozy drink in the evening, but can’t tolerate caffeine late in the day, simply substitute decaffeinated coffee for the strong brewed coffee.
- Make it dairy free: Use your favorite plant based milk to enjoy a dairy free gingerbread latte. Oat milk and almond milk are great options for a creamy vegan gingerbread drink.
Recipe Tips For Success
Do not boil: Be careful not to boil your gingerbread latte on the stove. Use a medium heat, stir continuously and turn the heat off once it comes to a gentle simmer.
Use strong coffee: Brew a strong batch of coffee for this recipe, otherwise the milk may overwhelm the flavor of the drink.
How To Store Your Gingerbread Drink
Leftover gingerbread coffee can be stored in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Serve cold with ice for an iced gingerbread latte or gently warm leftover mixture in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
What To Eat With A Gingerbread Latte
A batch of my coffee chip cookies would be super tasty with this gingerbread coffee.
Or even better, a slice of my coffee walnut slice would be the perfect accompaniment for this hot spiced coffee drink.
More Hot Coffee Recipes You’ll Love
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Homemade Gingerbread Latte
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee
- whipped cream optional
- cinnamon, for dusting optional
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add the ground ginger, molasses, cinnamon, cardamom, vanilla, and maple syrup (or sugar). Place over medium heat, and stir to combine.
- Add the milk to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Add the coffee, and continue stirring until the mixture is hot, around 5-8 minutes. Do not boil!
- Carefully pour your gingerbread coffee into mugs and top with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon (optional).
Notes
- I use whole milk for this coffee recipe, but you can use any milk you prefer, including plant based milks.
- You can use maple syrup or brown sugar for this recipe – both taste great.
- Warm the gingerbread latte mixture on a medium heat while stirring – don’t let it boil.
- A small saucepan with a pour spout is the easiest way to pour your coffee into your mugs without spilling.
- Leftover gingerbread latte mix can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm it up to enjoy hot or serve over ice for an iced gingerbread latte!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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