Name: Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 cup water; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean; pinch of salt

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When the crisp air rolls in and the leaves start to turn, there’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced drink to bring that cozy feeling home. One of my favorite ways to capture that seasonal magic is with homemade gingerbread simple syrup. This sweet, spiced syrup transforms everything from coffee and lattes to milk into a festive treat that tastes just like holiday gingerbread in a cup.

Making gingerbread syrup at home is surprisingly easy, and the results are far better than store-bought versions. You can control the sweetness, spice level, and freshness, and it’s a small batch recipe that keeps well in the fridge for weeks. Plus, it makes a beautiful gift for friends and family if you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer.

Why you’ll love this Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
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What ingredients do I need to make Homemade Gingerbread Syrup?
Make your Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Tips for the best Homemade Gingerbread Syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Homemade Gingerbread Syrup Is Worth It

Sure, you can buy gingerbread-flavored syrups in stores, but homemade syrup has a few unbeatable advantages:

Freshness: You’ll taste the difference when you make it yourself. The flavors of fresh ginger, warm cinnamon, and rich molasses come through beautifully.
Customizable Sweetness & Spice: Like it extra gingery or a little less sweet? You can adjust it to your liking.
Versatility: Use it in coffee, lattes, hot chocolate, oatmeal, pancakes, and even drizzle it over roasted nuts or baked goods.
Impressively Simple: It only takes a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time.

Ingredients for Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

Here’s what you’ll need for a small batch that makes about 1 cup of syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light or dark molasses
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger for extra kick)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
Pinch of salt

How to Make Gingerbread Syrup at Home

water, sugar, and molasses mixed in a saucepan

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, and molasses. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Stir well to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer; this helps the flavors bloom and meld together.

Step 3: Simmer & Thicken

Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the syrup from sticking or burning. You want it slightly thickened, but it will thicken more as it cools.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, or add a split vanilla bean. This step brightens and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Cool & Store

Let the syrup cool completely, then transfer it to a glass jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Shake before each use to recombine the spices.

Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread Syrup

Fresh spices matter: Ground spices work great, but if you can, use freshly grated nutmeg and ginger — the flavor is unbeatable.
Molasses makes a difference: Don’t skip it! Molasses gives the syrup that true gingerbread warmth and depth.
Adjust sweetness: If you like a sweeter syrup, add another 1–2 tablespoons of sugar. For less sweet, reduce sugar slightly.
Experiment with flavors: A dash of allspice or cardamom can take your syrup to the next level.

How to Use Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

Once your syrup is ready, the possibilities are endless:

1. Coffee & Lattes

Add 1–2 tablespoons to your morning coffee or latte. Pair it with steamed milk for a homemade gingerbread latte that rivals your favorite coffee shop.

2. Hot Chocolate

Stir in a tablespoon or two into your hot cocoa for a cozy, spiced twist. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for the ultimate treat.

3. Pancakes & Waffles

Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or French toast instead of regular maple syrup. The warm spices instantly make breakfast feel like a holiday morning.

4. Oatmeal or Yogurt

A spoonful in your morning oatmeal or yogurt adds sweetness and spice, making a simple breakfast feel special.

syrup in a jar surrounded by cinnamon sticks

FAQ About Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

FAQs

Stored in an airtight jar in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks. Always shake before using, as spices may settle.

Absolutely! This syrup is naturally vegan — just make sure any additional add-ins (like milk for lattes) are plant-based if you’re keeping it vegan.

Yes, doubling is easy. Just maintain the same proportions and use a larger saucepan. Simmering time may need an extra minute or two.

You can, but molasses is what gives gingerbread syrup its deep, warm flavor. If you skip it, consider adding a 1/4 cup brown sugar instead.

Definitely! Use about 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger instead of ground. It will give the syrup a brighter, fresher spice.

Pro Tips for Seasonal Presentation

If you’re gifting or serving your syrup this holiday season, presentation is key:

Jar it Up: Use a small glass jar or bottle with a festive ribbon.
Label It: Write “Homemade Gingerbread Syrup” on a tag and add the date.
Pair It: Include a small wooden spoon or a mini recipe card with your favorite ways to use the syrup.

Print this Recipe, and make it over & over!

Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

Yield: 1 cup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Steep Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This Homemade Gingerbread Syrup is rich, spiced, and perfectly sweet—made with molasses, sugar, and cozy holiday spices.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
pinch of salt

Instructions

Combine water, sugar, and molasses in a small saucepan.
Add spices and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Cool and store in a jar in the fridge up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 2 Tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 132Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 22mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 0gSugar: 33gProtein: 0g

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A Simple Seasonal Treat

Homemade gingerbread syrup is one of those recipes that makes a regular cup of coffee feel like a special holiday treat. It’s fast, flavorful, and brings the warmth of gingerbread cookies into your everyday routine without baking a single batch of cookies.

Whether you’re sipping a homemade latte, drizzling over pancakes, or gifting a jar to a friend, this syrup brings cozy, festive flavors into your home in just a few simple steps.