18 of the Best Gingerbread Cookies You Can Bake This Holiday

From the Recipe Creator: I created these gingerbread cookies with my niece and they just happen to be vegan! They’re just right for sharing with all your friends.—Jenet Cattar, Neptune Beach, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite molasses cookie. I use the recipe not only to create little houses for Christmas; it’s just as fun as making a gingerbread house (and easier to eat). —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, WI

From the Recipe Creator: Get creative when decorating gingerbread cookies. With a single cookie cutter, you can turn your gingerbread man into Santa, Buddy the Elf or even a yeti! —Christy Thelen, Kellogg, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Perhaps the most amazing thing about Ugly Sweater Cookies is how cute they are. Try these classic gingerbreads on for size. —Christy Thelen, Kellogg, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: These snowflake cookies will melt in your mouth as soon as they hit your tongue. Experiment with your favorite colors and give your cookie trays an unexpected twist. And don’t forget to follow our tips for cutout cookies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Our two boys linger around the kitchen when these homemade gingerbread cookies are baking. I make this gingerbread cookie recipe throughout the year using a variety of cookie cutters. —Christy Thelan, Kellogg, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: ‘Tis the season for mailing out Christmas cards and gift packages stuffed with homemade cookies. Why not save time and combine the two? Royal icing is the perfect backdrop for you to customize a delicious, heartfelt holiday greeting. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: After stumbling across a community recipe for gingerbread biscotti, I made several batches and tweaked it to our tastes. These became an instant obsession at our house.—Susan Board, Palmer, Alaska

From the Recipe Creator: These cookies were ideal for a winter get-together I hosted. I like to share these crunchy treats on the way home from cutting our fresh Christmas tree.—Shelly Rynearson, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I get so busy during the Christmas season that cutout cookies are a hassle. But I love gingerbread and spritz cookies so I combined my favorite recipes and was pleased at the results.—Sherry Gazelka, Iron, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: Orange and lemon zest give gingerbread cutouts a refreshing twist. Brushing a honey glaze over the top adds a subtle shine and an extra touch of sweetness. —Monique Hooker, DeSoto, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Every time I make these wonderful cookies, the spicy aroma takes me back to my childhood. I helped Mom make them and delivered them to neighbors. —Kara Cook, Elk Ridge, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Fun and festive, these cookie sandwich trees will be a huge hit with kids of all ages. They’re a super-cute holiday treat! —Steve Foy, Kirkwood, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: When it’s time to start the cookie-baking season, this recipe always kicks off the festivities. My mother-in-law first shared it with me, but it’s too good to keep to myself! You can tint the buttery gingerbread cookie icing a cheery pink or green and pipe it on with a decorating tip. —Ann Scherzer, Anacortes, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I make a big batch of these gingerbread cookies every Christmas to give to co-workers and family. For a festive decoration, arrange cutouts in a large clear jar to look like a snow globe. —Kelly Kirby, Mill Bay, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: Every Christmas, my family would visit a display of the most amazing gingerbread houses. Of course, we’d get to munch on gingerbread cookies along the way! I created my recipe with fresh grated ginger and cream cheese icing—it's the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. —Rebekah Jackson, San Jose, California