Gingerbread Milkshakes Recipe

There’s nothing quite as magical as sipping creamy, spiced Gingerbread Milkshakes when the holidays roll around, but honestly, I could indulge in these any time of year! This blissful blend boasts the cozy flavors of gingersnaps and eggnog, all whirled up with classic vanilla ice cream for a dessert that hits every nostalgic note. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself, Gingerbread Milkshakes are festive, utterly delicious, and guaranteed to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staples, you can create these Gingerbread Milkshakes in a snap. Each ingredient adds its own special touch, giving you an ultra-creamy texture with all the warm, spiced flavors of the season!

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy backbone of your milkshake, giving it that smooth and luscious consistency everyone loves.
• Eggnog: Adds rich, custardy flavor with a touch of spice, making every sip taste like the holidays.
• Gingersnap Cookies: Crumbly, spiced cookies that infuse the shake with warm ginger and molasses notes—plus a fantastic crunchy texture once blended.
• Whipped Cream: The perfect fluffy crown on top, adding extra indulgence to each glass.
• Crumbled Gingersnap Cookies (for topping): A little extra crunch and a pretty, festive finish to each shake.

How to Make Gingerbread Milkshakes

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Your Blender

Begin by adding the eggnog, vanilla ice cream, and gingersnap cookies to the bowl of a high-powered blender. Pouring the eggnog in first helps everything blend smoothly, and starting with the ice cream while it’s just slightly softened keeps the milkshake nice and creamy.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Pop the lid on and blend everything together until you get a velvety, thick, and tempting milkshake. You’re looking for all the cookie bits to disappear into the mix, with just a few flecks for texture. If things seem a bit too thick, add a splash more eggnog and blend again until you reach your perfect consistency.

Step 3: Pour and Top

Divide the milkshake equally between two tall glasses. Then, it’s time for the fun part: pile each with a generous swirl of whipped cream and finish with a hearty sprinkle of crumbled gingersnap cookies. This step adds visual flair and just a touch of crunch to every sip!

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Slip in a festive straw, call your favorite people to the table, and serve up your freshly made Gingerbread Milkshakes right away. The texture and flavor are absolute perfection when enjoyed immediately after blending.

How to Serve Gingerbread Milkshakes

Garnishes

The crowning glory of Gingerbread Milkshakes is all in the finishing touches. Swirl on a big dollop of whipped cream, cascade some extra gingersnap crumbs, and maybe even add a drizzle of caramel if you’re feeling decadent. Don’t forget a cinnamon stick or festive straw—they make every glass even more inviting!

Side Dishes

While these milkshakes are a show-stopping dessert all by themselves, they pair beautifully with a plate of fresh gingerbread cookies, buttery shortbread, or even simple biscotti for dunking. Serve alongside a platter of spiced nuts or candied pecans for a fun, crowd-pleasing treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making these Gingerbread Milkshakes for a gathering, try serving them in cute mason jars, mini glasses for “milkshake shots,” or even hollowed-out gingerbread men mugs. Top each one differently—for example, with a dash of ground nutmeg, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or little sugar sprinkles—to make every serving unique and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with a little extra, pop it in a mason jar in the refrigerator for a few hours. Keep in mind the texture will melt and become more like a sweet, creamy drink than a thick shake, so try to finish them soon after blending.

Freezing

If you need to prepare ahead, blend the Gingerbread Milkshakes as directed and pour them into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to one week. Defrost slightly in the fridge before serving, then re-blend to revive that creamy consistency.

Reheating

While reheating doesn’t really apply to milkshakes, letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes after freezing or refrigerating helps soften them up. Give them a good stir or a re-blend in the blender for the best, smoothest texture.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Milkshakes without eggnog?

Absolutely! Substitute whole milk or a milk alternative mixed with a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. It won’t be quite as rich, but you’ll still get that delicious gingerbread flavor shining through.

How can I turn this into an adult-friendly dessert?

For a grown-up twist, try adding a splash of spiced rum or bourbon before blending. The spirits complement the eggnog and gingerbread flavors beautifully, making Gingerbread Milkshakes even more festive.

What should I do if my milkshake is too thick?

If your blender is struggling or the milkshake is more like soft serve, drizzle in a bit more eggnog or milk and blend again until you reach your ideal sippable texture.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream, or should I make my own?

Either works! Store-bought is super convenient and adorable with its little peaks, but if you want extra-rich flavor, freshly whipped cream from heavy cream and a touch of sugar is a fantastic upgrade.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure your blender can handle the volume. You can easily scale up the ingredients to serve a crowd, blending in batches if needed to keep everything creamy and evenly mixed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet new tradition or simply want to treat yourself to something magical, Gingerbread Milkshakes are sure to make every moment feel special. Give them a whirl and let your taste buds celebrate—you’ll fall in love with this cozy, spiced treat from the very first sip!

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