When the enchanting aromas of gingerbread fill your home, you know the holiday season has come again. The festive treat features three flavorful and fragrant spices: cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. You can use them to infuse the unique taste of gingerbread in many holiday recipes, including dips, cheesecake, fudge and even fun mocktails.
We’ve compiled this guide with easy gingerbread recipes for Christmas that your family and guests will love. Here comes the best part: with these creative holiday gingerbread recipes, you can celebrate the season and stay on track with your weight loss plan. That’s a gift you will enjoy all year long!
We put together the zingy taste of gingerbread with the creamy texture of cheesecake in one rich dip. It’s made with low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping, then flavored with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg. Serve it with slices of fresh apples, pears or whole grain graham crackers. Enjoy a serving yourself because this dip is approved by the dietitians at Nutrisystem.
Get the Gingerbread Cheesecake Dip recipe.
Join the fun at a holiday party with a flavorful drink that’s low in calories and high in flavor. This mocktail’s gingerbread taste comes from fat-free vanilla oat milk spiced with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and the natural sweetener stevia. Give it a festive presentation by coating the rims of the martini glasses with crushed ginger snap cookies mixed with maple syrup. The drink is so rich and satisfying, you won’t even miss the alcohol.
Get the Gingerbread Martini Mocktail recipe.
Rice Krispies treats are favorite snacks for many families year-round. With this recipe, the classic taste gets a healthy makeover and a seasonal look and flavor. They have the mix of crunchy cereal and gooey marshmallow that everyone loves. Season it all with ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg, then form it into the classic gingerbread man shape. After the treats come out of the oven, ask the kids to help decorate them with white cookie icing and colorful M&Ms.
Get the Holiday Gingerbread Rice Krispies recipe.
If you’re looking for gluten free gingerbread recipes, we’ve got one for you! Whether you avoid eating gluten or just want a chewy cookie that fits into your healthy diet, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. You bake them using coconut flour, which has no gluten and no coconut taste. The cookies come out of the oven soft and fragrant with the warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, molasses and vanilla. Be sure to set aside a few for your mid-morning coffee or tea breaks when the holiday parties end.
Get the Gluten Free Chewy Ginger Cookies recipe.
Power up your holidays and bolster your immune system with the potent nutrients of cinnamon and ginger! These snowball cookies are naturally sweet, thanks to Medjool dates and real molasses. You make them in the blender, so there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen or even heat up your oven. They’ll be a hit at parties and make a perfect afternoon pick-me-up for you anytime.
Get the No-Bake Coconut Gingerbread Bites recipe.
Are we saying that cheesecake can be a part of your healthy holiday eating plan? Yes, we are. This version has a simple graham cracker crust and a filling made with low-fat cream cheese, eggs and nonfat Greek yogurt. The gingerbread flavor comes from vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and a bit of real sugar. The best part? The cheesecake needs just 22 minutes in the Instant Pot, followed by a few hours in the refrigerator. Then you can serve your impressive homemade dessert with light whipped topping.
Get the Instant Pot Gingerbread Cheesecake recipe.
If you’re looking for a unique gingerbread recipe idea, try this simple and truly different dessert. Each bite has the rich and gooey texture of fudge and the zesty taste of seasonal spices. You make it with cashew butter, coconut oil and molasses, so each square is packed with nutrients. There’s no cooking involved. You just mix the ingredients, distribute the blend in ice cube trays, and put it in the freezer. Once it sets, it’s already in one-serving portions and ready for you to share and enjoy yourself.
Get the Gingerbread Freezer Fudge recipe.
Bundt cake is a classic holiday gingerbread dessert that is sure to please a crowd. This recipe features the traditional flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, molasses and ginger. The batter is made with whole wheat flour for fiber and non-fat milk and Greek yogurt to keep the cake moist without adding excess calories. It so fluffy and flavorful, it’s hard to believe it’s nutritious, too!
Get the Whole Wheat Gingerbread Bundt Cake recipe.
What could make festive gingerbread rice krispies treats even better? You add real cocoa powder to the mix, giving them an authentic gingerbread look and rich chocolatey taste. The unsweetened cocoa powder is loaded with flavor but doesn’t come with excess sugar. These easy gingerbread treats for Christmas are a handy solution when you need to whip up something quick for school or neighborhood parties.
Get the Chocolate Gingerbread Men Rice Krispies recipe.
The sweet and lightly spicy flavor of pears is a natural partner for the zesty taste of ginger. They go together in this creative holiday gingerbread recipe that’s low in calories and fat and high in satisfaction. The batter is made with whole wheat pastry flour, along with unsweetened applesauce, eggs, skim milk and lemon juice. It bakes in the oven for just 30 minutes so you can make a batch for just about any occasion.
Get the Pear Ginger Squares recipe.