Gingerbread Milkshakes Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about gingerbread when the holidays roll around. Combine that nostalgic, spicy-sweet flavor with smooth ice cream and festive eggnog, and you’ve got a winter treat that’s impossible to resist. Gingerbread Milkshakes are frosty, creamy, and livened up with a cozy kick of gingersnap cookie spice in every sip. Perfect for holiday gatherings or an extra-special night in, these shakes deliver comfort and joy with every cold, whipped-cream-topped mouthful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you want bold flavor and an ultra-creamy texture, these Gingerbread Milkshakes keep things simple but spectacular! Every ingredient here pulls double duty, making your milkshake as festive to look at as it is delicious to sip.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This is your base and the key to dreamily thick, chill-worthy shakes. If it’s too stiff, let it soften for a few minutes for the perfect scoop.
• Eggnog: Adds a rich, spiced holiday note and thins the milkshake just enough for blending and sipping. Look for good-quality eggnog for the best results.
• Gingersnap Cookies: Bring all the magic! Their crunch and blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses transforms every sip into a gingerbread wonderland.
• Whipped Cream: Piled high on top, this adds luscious, fluffy sweetness — and looks oh-so-inviting.
• Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies: For the ultimate finish, more cookie crumbles make every glass extra festive and add just a hint of crunch.

How to Make Gingerbread Milkshakes

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you blend, make sure your ice cream is soft enough to scoop, your eggnog is chilled, and you’ve got those spicy gingersnaps at the ready. Laying everything out makes the process a total breeze.

Step 2: Blend the Milkshake

Add your ingredients to the blender in this order: eggnog first, then vanilla ice cream, then toss in those gingersnap cookies. This layering helps your milkshake blend up ultra-smooth with no lumps or dry pockets. Blend on high until everything is silky, thick, and the cookies are fully incorporated — you want a creamy pour with a slight fleck of cookie goodness throughout.

Step 3: Pour and Top

Once the Gingerbread Milkshakes reach that dreamy consistency, pour them into tall glasses. Leave a little room at the top for the grand finale: a generous cloud of whipped cream and a shower of crumbled gingersnap cookies. If you have festive straws or sprinkles, now’s the moment to have a little fun!

How to Serve Gingerbread Milkshakes

Garnishes

Garnishing these shakes is half the joy! Big billowy swirls of whipped cream, a heavy hand of gingersnap cookie crumbles, maybe a gingerbread man cookie perched on the rim, or a dusting of cinnamon – there’s no such thing as too much here. Play with toppings for a delightful look and a craveable first bite.

Side Dishes

While Gingerbread Milkshakes are plenty decadent all on their own, they’re also brilliant with a plate of buttery shortbread, a handful of roasted nuts, or chocolate-dipped pretzels. These serve as a playful contrast to the shake’s sweetness and keep everyone snacking between sips.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Gingerbread Milkshakes party-showstoppers? Try serving mini shakes in shot glasses at a dessert bar, or dress them up in classic soda fountain glassware with ribbon-tied straws. Rim your glasses in crushed cookies or colored sugar for a pop of texture and color that’ll wow your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh. They tend to separate and lose their luscious thickness if left out for too long — so pour, garnish, and sip right away. If you do have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to an hour, but expect some melting.

Freezing

Freezing leftover Gingerbread Milkshakes turns them into a scoopable frozen treat, almost like gingerbread ice cream! Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a week. Let it thaw on the counter for a few minutes before scooping or give it a quick blend to bring back creaminess.

Reheating

While you can’t truly “reheat” a milkshake, you can revive a too-frozen shake by letting it rest at room temperature until just soft enough to sip. Avoid microwaving, as this will create uneven melting and may ruin the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Milkshakes without eggnog?

Absolutely! You can swap in regular milk or a dairy-free alternative for the eggnog. To keep the holiday spice, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to your blender along with the other ingredients.

How can I make these milkshakes dairy-free?

You can use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and substitute the eggnog with almond, oat, or soy-based nog. There are plenty of plant-based whipped creams and vegan-friendly gingersnaps out there too!

Can I prepare Gingerbread Milkshakes in advance for a party?

Since freshness is key with milkshakes, it’s best to blend them just before serving. You can, however, pre-measure your ingredients and set up your toppings, so everything comes together in just a few minutes as guests arrive.

My milkshake is too thick or too thin. How do I fix it?

If your shake is too thick to pour, add a splash more eggnog or milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, toss in another scoop of ice cream or even an extra cookie for more body and a stronger gingerbread flavor.

What are some creative toppings for Gingerbread Milkshakes?

Try mini gingerbread cookies, cinnamon sugar dust, caramel or chocolate drizzle, even a sprinkle of edible gold or red and green nonpareils for holiday sparkle. Let your imagination run wild!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the flavors of the season but want something unexpected, Gingerbread Milkshakes are sure to become a new cold-weather favorite. They’re fun, festive, and endlessly customizable — an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a little whimsy with their dessert. Go ahead, blend up some cheer!

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