Name: Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 2 shots espresso; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/4 cup whipped cream (optional)

There’s something magical about the smell of spices mingling with hot coffee during the holidays. The **Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe** I’m sharing today tastes just like the cozy café favorite—rich, spicy, and utterly comforting. This little homemade gem is perfect whether you want to warm up on a chilly morning or impress your friends at a holiday brunch.

Two clear glass cups filled with light brown coffee topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with cinnamon are placed on a white marbled surface. Each cup holds one layer of creamy coffee, topped with a thick layer of whipped cream with a swirl shape and dusted with cinnamon powder. Around the cups are brown star-shaped cookies decorated with white icing and brown pine cones, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. A white cloth with a soft texture is partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making this Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe at home quickly became my holiday ritual. It's simple, requires just a handful of ingredients, and fills your kitchen with those quintessential gingerbread spices that scream festive season.

Authentic Flavors: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice captures that warm gingerbread cookie taste perfectly.
Quick and Easy: You can whip it up in under 10 minutes—no fancy equipment required.
Customizable: Whether you’re dairy-free, love things extra sweet, or want it iced, this recipe adapts so well.
Cozy Comfort: It’s like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with a cup that tastes like holiday cheer.

Two clear glass mugs filled with a light brown frothy drink topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. The mugs are on a white marbled surface with cozy white knitted fabric, pinecones, brown star anise, and gingerbread cookies shaped like stars and fish scattered around. Warm fairy lights softly glow in the blurred background, creating a festive and cozy atmosphere. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe plays a special role in balancing warmth and sweetness, mimicking that irresistible Starbucks copycat. Here’s why they’re key to the magic.

Flat lay of a small white bowl filled with unsweetened almond milk, two white ceramic espresso cups with dark espresso shots, a small white bowl containing ground ginger, a small white bowl with ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white bowl of ground allspice, a small white bowl with granulated sugar, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: I prefer unsweetened almond milk for a light creaminess, but whole or oat milk works beautifully too.
Espresso: Freshly brewed espresso brings the essential rich coffee flavor—can’t skip it unless you use instant coffee as a substitute.
Ground Ginger: Adds the spicy zing that sets gingerbread apart from other holiday spices.
Cinnamon: A classic cozy note that pairs perfectly with ginger and coffee.
Nutmeg: Gives deep warmth and a slightly sweet, nutty aroma.
Allspice: Brings layers of clove-like flavors that complete the spice profile.
Sugar: I tweak this to taste—brown sugar or coconut sugar works well for richer undertones.
Whipped Cream (optional): Because what's a latte without that fluffy, creamy top?

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe is. I often switch up the milk based on what I have, and sometimes go heavier on the spices when I’m feeling extra festive. Don’t hesitate to personalize it to your taste.

Dairy-Free Variation: Almond or oat milk makes this latte creamy and safe for most dairy allergies.
Sweetness Level: I usually start with 2 tablespoons of sugar, but if you like it sweeter or more subtle, adjust accordingly.
Iced Gingerbread Latte: Pour this over ice for a refreshing holiday treat on warmer days.
Espresso Substitute: No espresso machine? Use 2 teaspoons instant coffee dissolved in hot water for a quick fix.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Magic Spices and Milk

In a small saucepan, pour in your choice of milk and add the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sugar. Stir it gently to blend everything before you turn on the heat—this helps the sugar start dissolving evenly. Using medium heat, slowly warm the mixture until it just begins to simmer. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil over or scorch at the bottom—that’s a quick way to lose those beautiful flavors.

Step 2: Brew Your Coffee Base

While your milk-spice mixture warms, prepare two shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, don’t worry—dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in ¼ cup of boiling water. This makes a nice strong coffee base that works just as well.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Reduce the heat to low once your milk mixture is simmering and stir regularly for about 2 minutes. This step concentrates the flavors and prevents the milk from forming a skin. Remove it from heat and whisk in the espresso slowly, blending it well.

Step 4: Serve and Top

Pour your fragrant latte into two mugs and crown each with a generous swirl of whipped cream if you’re indulging. The creaminess on top is my favorite part—it softens the spice and adds a little festive fun.

Top Tip

Through trying this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few handy tips that really bring out the best in this Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe.

Gently Warm the Milk: Avoid boiling it hard; a gentle simmer lets the spices infuse without scorching.
Fresh Spices Make a Difference: Using fresh ground spices instead of pre-mixed blends gives a brighter, homemade flavor.
Whisk It Up: Whisking the latte after mixing espresso keeps the texture smooth and slightly frothy.
Don’t Skip the Whipped Cream: I found even a light dollop lifts the drink, balancing the spices wonderfully.

How to Serve Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon. Sometimes I sprinkle a few tiny gingerbread cookie crumbs on top to double down on that festive vibe—you’ll love how it looks and tastes.

Side Dishes

This latte pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of peppermint bark. I recommend serving it alongside your favorite holiday cookies for a full cozy treat experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love using clear glass mugs to show off the latte’s warm, inviting color and creamy topping. Adding a cinnamon stick as a stirrer doubles as decoration—and a subtle flavor booster!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you make extra, keep your spice-infused milk and brewed coffee separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Combine and reheat gently when ready for best flavor.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this latte mixed because dairy separates. However, you can freeze leftover brewed espresso or coffee base to save for later lattes.

Reheating

Reheat your gingerbread latte gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to keep that creamy texture intact. Avoid microwave reheating at high power—it can curdle the milk or scorch the sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! While espresso gives the richest flavor, strong brewed coffee can work in a pinch. Just use a concentrated brew, like a dark roast or cold brew for best results.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Absolutely. Using plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and skipping the whipped cream or using a dairy-free alternative makes this recipe vegan-friendly.

Can I make this latte iced?

Yes! After preparing the hot Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe, pour it over a glass full of ice for a refreshing twist. It’s perfect for warmer holiday days or when you want a cold treat.

What’s the best way to warm up leftovers?

Reheat your leftover latte slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling or burning. This keeps the spices well-infused and the milk creamy.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Christmas Gingerbread Latte Recipe has become my go-to for those moments when I need a little seasonal cheer. It’s easy to make, tastes just like the café version but better because it’s homemade. I’m confident you’ll find as much joy sipping it as I do making it—perfect for sharing warm moments with friends and family during the holidays.