A gingerbread latte in a glass mug. Two gingerbread cookies sit next to the mug.

Few things are cozier than a perfectly crafted mug of holiday coffee, and this gingerbread latte certainly does fit the bill. No need to spend the cash at the local coffee shop, because this recipe tastes exactly like a copycat Starbucks gingerbread latte you’re used to!

This latte is spicy, sweet, and pretty much exactly like a gingerbread cookie in a mug! Enjoy it for the month of December or honestly, anytime. Let’s get brewing!

A hand holding a spoon stirs a homemade gingerbread latte.

What does the gingerbread latte taste like?

Itโ€™s a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and so warm and comforting youโ€™ll think youโ€™re in a picture print by Currier and Ives. And if you really want to get the whole Starbucks vibe going at home, you can pick yourself up a red coffee mug and serve it up that way with some indie pop Christmas music playing in the background (I recommend this album or this one or this oneโ€”I can keep going).

What ingredients do I need?

The nice thing about this gingerbread latte is that there is no fussing with making a syrupโ€”you just warm everything up with the coffee or espresso!

For the ultimate in gingerbread flavor, you’ll need:

  • Molasses
  • Maple syrup
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

These are the spices and sweeteners that you’ll see in most gingerbread cookie recipes, so if you want to transfer that flavor to coffee, you’ll need them here too! For the latte part, you’ll need either strongly brewed coffee or espresso, as well as milk of your choice. We prefer whole milk, but oat milk is also an excellent choice if you avoid dairy.

Gingerbread latte with a heavy sprinkle of cinnamon on top in a glass mug.

How do I make a gingerbread latte?

This is super simple! First, stir the molasses, maple syrup, spices, and vanilla into the coffee, and divide it between two mugs.

Then, warm the milk and make it frothy. You can use an electric milk frother, a manual frother, or pour the milk into a jar and shake it up! Pour the milk over the coffee, and serve warm.
A homemade gingerbread latte in a white mug stands on a burlap mat amid holiday decorations.

How can I steam milk at home?

If you don’t have a steam wand at home (which most folks don’t), the best way to fake steamed milk is to warm it either in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. You’re looking to get it to right around 150ยบF for the best frothing!

Can I make a vegan gingerbread latte?

Absolutely! The only non-vegan ingredient in this recipe is the milk, so use the plant-based milk of your choice, and you’ll be in vegan gingerbread latte heaven!

Wholefully Protip

We like oat milk here because it has a similar creaminess to whole dairy and a mild flavor.

Can you make a gingerbread latte for a crowd?

Making gingerbread coffee for a crowd couldn’t be easier. We recommend making the ginger-spiced coffee and stashing it in a carafe, and then filling each cup with the coffee and frothed milk as you go. Top each mug with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for a truly magical treat!

Happy holidays, my friends! Enjoy.

 
A gingerbread latte in a glass mug. Two gingerbread cookies sit next to the mug.

Homemade Gingerbread Latte

Yield: 2 servings
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

The weather outside might be frightful, but you can still have a delicious gingerbread latte right at home. Learn how to create this warming drink in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup strongly-brewed coffee (or two shots of espresso)
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl or measure cup, combine the coffee or espresso, molasses, maple syrup, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Whisk together until well-combined. Pour evenly between two coffee mugs.
  2. Heat the milk until just steaming in a small saucepan (or in a microwave). Froth by either using an electric frother or by placing the milk in a heat-proof jar with a tight-fitting lid and shaking. Pour the milk evenly between the two mugs. Spoon on the frothy milk on top.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1 latte
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 111Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 54mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 3g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

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