✔ Updated · fixed card, thick-shake ratio + topping ideas
My gingerbread milkshake blends vanilla ice cream, crushed gingerbread cookies, molasses and warm spices into a thick holiday shake. It takes 5 minutes and one blender, with no cooking at all.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Blend on low and stop as soon as it looks smooth. Over-blending warms the ice cream and turns a thick shake thin and runny.
Why You'll Love This Gingerbread Milkshake
- Real gingerbread flavor, from crushed cookies plus molasses, ginger and cinnamon.
- Ready in 5 minutes, with no cooking and only one blender to wash.
- Easy to customize, from a lighter shake to a dairy-free version.
What Is a Gingerbread Milkshake?
A gingerbread milkshake is a holiday shake that tastes like a gingerbread cookie: creamy vanilla ice cream blended with crushed gingerbread, dark molasses and warm spices. Many restaurants serve a version in winter, and this homemade shake is inspired by them.
For more shakes, see my milkshake recipes.
What You Need
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Vanilla ice cream: the thick, creamy base. A full-fat ice cream gives the best texture.
- Cold milk: just enough to help it blend. Whole milk is creamiest.
- Gingerbread cookies: the main flavor, plus tiny bits of cookie in every sip.
- Molasses: the deep, slightly bitter sweetness that makes it taste like gingerbread.
- Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg: the warm spice blend.
- Toppings: whipped cream, extra cookie crumbs and mini candy canes.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Soften the ice cream slightly. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it blends quickly with less milk, which keeps the shake thick. I set the tub on the counter while I crush the cookies.
- Start with less milk. You can always thin a shake, but a runny one needs more ice cream to fix it.
- Use crunchy cookies for more spice. Store-bought gingerbread men or gingersnaps both work. Gingersnaps give a sharper ginger kick.
- Taste before pouring. Cookies vary in sweetness and spice, so add another pinch of ginger or a little more molasses if needed.
- Serve it immediately. Milkshakes melt fast. Chill the glasses and have the toppings ready before you blend.
Gingerbread Milkshake
2
servings5
minutes510
kcal5
minutesA thick, festive gingerbread milkshake made by blending vanilla ice cream, cold milk, crushed gingerbread cookies, molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg, topped with whipped cream and cookie crumbs.
Ingredients
- For the Milkshake
2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
1/2 cup cold whole milk
3 gingerbread cookies (about 3-inch), crushed
1 tablespoon molasses
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
- For the Topping
1/2 cup whipped cream
1 gingerbread cookie, crushed, for garnish
2 mini candy canes or a pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- If you have time, put two tall glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes so the shakes stay cold longer.
- Crush 3 gingerbread cookies into coarse crumbs in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Crush the extra cookie separately and keep it for the topping.
- Add the softened vanilla ice cream, cold milk, crushed cookies, molasses, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg to a blender.
- Blend on low for 20 to 30 seconds, just until smooth and thick. If it is too thick to pour, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time; if it is too thin, add another scoop of ice cream and pulse briefly.
- Pour into the chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream, the reserved cookie crumbs and a mini candy cane or a pinch of cinnamon, and serve right away with straws.
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Gingerbread Milkshake Variations
- Gingerbread latte shake: add 1 to 2 ounces of cooled espresso or strong coffee.
- Lighter shake: use light ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt and 2% milk.
- Gingersnap shake: swap the gingerbread cookies for 6 gingersnaps for a spicier flavor.
- Dairy-free: use a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert, oat milk and dairy-free whipped topping.
Try These Recipes
Chocolate Milkshake with Ice Cream: Indulge in this classic chocolate milkshake, rich and creamy, perfect for a sweet treat.
McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie: A refreshing and fruity option, this smoothie is a perfect blend of strawberries and bananas.
Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino: If you’re a fan of Starbucks, try this homemade version of their popular Vanilla Bean Frappuccino.
Dr Pepper Vanilla Float Recipe: For a unique twist, this recipe combines the classic flavors of Dr Pepper with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream.
McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie: Enjoy the fruity flavors of strawberry and banana in this refreshing smoothie.
McDonald’s Shamrock Shake: A seasonal favorite, this minty shake is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or whenever you crave its unique flavor.
See Also: Milkshake Recipes Worth Trying
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gingerbread milkshake made of?
A gingerbread milkshake is made with vanilla ice cream, a little milk and crushed gingerbread cookies, plus molasses, ground ginger, cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for that classic gingerbread taste. It is usually topped with whipped cream, cookie crumbs and sometimes a mini candy cane.
Yes. Leave out the cookies and increase the spices to 3/4 teaspoon ginger and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and use 1 1/2 tablespoons molasses. The shake will be smoother and slightly less sweet, so taste it and add a teaspoon of brown sugar if you like.
How do I make my milkshake thicker?
Use more ice cream and less milk. Start with 2 cups of ice cream and just 1/2 cup of milk, blend on low for 20 to 30 seconds and stop as soon as it is smooth. Chilled glasses and slightly softened ice cream also help it stay thick.
Is this a copy of a restaurant gingerbread shake?
It is a homemade shake inspired by the gingerbread milkshakes restaurants serve during the holidays, not an official recipe. Crushed cookies and molasses give it that cookie-like flavor, and you can adjust the spice and sweetness to taste.
Can I make a dairy-free gingerbread milkshake?
Yes. Use a dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert made from oat, almond or coconut milk, swap the milk for oat milk and top with dairy-free whipped topping. Check your gingerbread cookies too, since many contain butter.
🎄 Holiday party? Try more Christmas drinks and festive cocktails, including alcohol-free options.
