Best 9 Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread Recipes

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Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread: A Festive Holiday Treat

As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread fills the air, evoking memories of family, joy, and warmth. This classic Christmas cookie, with its distinct spicy flavor and chewy texture, has been a beloved treat for generations. In this article, we present a delightful variation on the traditional gingerbread recipe: Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread.

This recipe combines the classic gingerbread flavors with the rich, decadent taste of chocolate, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious cookie. The gingerbread dough is infused with a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, while the addition of molasses adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The dough is then swirled with a rich chocolate ganache, resulting in a beautiful marbled effect.

The Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure perfect results every time. We provide step-by-step instructions, along with helpful tips and tricks, to guide you through the baking process. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

In addition to the main Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread recipe, this article also includes variations and additional recipes to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. For those who prefer a gluten-free option, we offer a delightful Gluten-Free Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread recipe. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, the Reduced-Sugar Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread recipe is a great choice. And for those with egg allergies, the Egg-Free Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread recipe provides a delicious solution.

With its festive appearance, irresistible taste, and versatility, Chocolate Swirl Gingerbread is the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, gifting homemade treats to loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, this recipe is sure to bring joy and cheer to all who indulge in it. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delightful baking adventure together!

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREADS



Chocolate Gingerbreads image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 27m

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Beat 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar and 1 stick butter until fluffy, then beat in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup molasses, 2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger and a large pinch each of ground cinnamon and cloves with the egg. Whisk 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; stir into the butter mixture. Do not chill. Drop by tablespoonfuls, sprinkle with coarse sugar and bake 8 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD HOUSE



Chocolate Gingerbread House image

From the chocolate kiss trim to the nonpareil windows, this house is a cocoa-lover's dream.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 9h10m

Yield one 6-by-7-inch house

Number Of Ingredients 31

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more, for rolling the dough (see Cook's Note)
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 tablespoons (2 ounces) shortening, at room temperature
1/2 cup loosely packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsulphured molasses
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 pound confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
About 75 mini nonpareils
4 gummy candy canes
16 chocolate-covered mints, such as Junior Mints
26 chocolate chips
2 chocolate hearts
4 gummy candy penguins
4 ounces chocolate, melted
Chocolate curls (store-bought or homemade), for the roof
10 brown candy-coated chocolates, such as M&Ms
Candy rocks, for the landscape
9 chocolate-covered raisins
Chocolate puffed rice cereal, for the landscape
Snowflake sprinkles, for the landscape
9 chocolate kisses

Steps:

  • For the gingerbread: Sift together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, salt and cloves into a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Combine the butter, shortening, brown sugar and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the molasses, vanilla and egg and beat on medium until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sifted flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined into a smooth dough, about 1 minute. Form the dough into a flat square, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until just firm, at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • Meanwhile, make templates for the gingerbread house. Gather 3 sheets of stiff paper or 2 manila folders (split at the seam), scissors, a ruler and a pencil. For the side panels, draw and cut out a rectangle that measures 4 by 7 inches. For the front and back panels of a house with a peaked roof, draw and cut out a template that is 6 inches wide at the base, 4 inches to the roofline and 4 1/2 inches slanted to a peak. The template for the roof panels should measure 4 1/2 by 8 inches.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Unwrap the dough and cut into 3 equal pieces (a pizza wheel is handy for this). Working with 1 piece of dough at a time and keeping the other pieces refrigerated, roll the dough into a rectangle 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Using the template, cut out the side panels and remove the scraps around the cutouts. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces of dough, cutting out the front and back panels and 2 roof panels. If the dough gets too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 15 minutes before proceeding. (Discard the dough scraps or reroll to make cookies.) Chill the dough pieces on the prepared baking sheets for 15 minutes.
  • Bake the dough pieces until crisp almost all the way through (the very center will still be a little soft), 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in the pans 10 minutes on a rack, then remove the house pieces to the rack to cool completely.
  • For the royal icing: Combine the confectioners' sugar and meringue powder in a large bowl. Add the vanilla and 5 tablespoons water and beat on medium-high speed with an electric mixer, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary, until the icing forms thick and glossy peaks, about 2 minutes, adding up to 1 tablespoon more water if needed. Divide the icing between the 2 prepared piping bags (one fitted with a small plain tip and the other fitted with a large plain tip).
  • Decorate the side panels: Using the piping bag fitted with a small tip, pipe icing to draw a window on 1 of the side panels; press nonpareils around the edges to line the window frame. Pipe icing onto the backs of 2 of the gummy candy canes and attach them on either side of the window. Attach a row of 8 of the chocolate-covered mints along the bottom by piping pea-size dots of icing onto the backs and pressing them on. Repeat with the second side panel. Let the panels rest until set, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Decorate the front panel: Using the piping bag fitted with a small tip, pipe a double line of icing across the front panel where the roof starts to incline; press on 13 of the chocolate chips. Pipe a large dot of icing onto the back of 1 of the chocolate hearts and attach it to the panel just above the line of chocolate chips; outline the heart with icing. Pipe icing to draw a door; attach a nonpareil with a dot of icing to make a doorknob. Pipe icing to draw 2 windows; line the windows with nonpareils. Pipe icing onto the backs of the gummy penguins and attach 2 on either side of the door. Let the panel rest until set, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Decorate the back panel: Using the piping bag fitted with a small tip, pipe a double line of icing across the back panel where the roof starts to incline; press on the remaining 13 chocolate chips. Pipe a large dot of icing onto the back of the remaining chocolate heart and attach it to the panel just above the line of chocolate chips; outline the heart with icing. Pipe icing to draw 2 windows; line the frames with nonpareils. Let the panel rest until set, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Decorate the roof panels: Pour half of the melted chocolate onto 1 of the roof panels; using an offset spatula, spread it to form a thin, even layer. Sprinkle the chocolate-coated roof panel with the chocolate curls. Repeat with the other roof panel. Refrigerate the panels for 15 minutes to let the chocolate set.
  • Assemble the walls: Using the piping bag fitted with a large tip, pipe a 6-inch line of icing on the foil-wrapped base (this will be for the front of the house). Press the front panel into the icing and pipe a line of icing along the inside of the panel at the base to reinforce it. Prop up the front with a can. Pipe a 7-inch line of icing perpendicular to the front panel. Pipe icing up the edge of 1 of the side panels. Press the side panel into the icing on the base and against the edge of the front panel, creating a corner. Pipe a line of icing along the inside of the panel at the base to reinforce it. Prop up the side with a can. Repeat the process with the second side panel and the back panel. Let the house rest until the icing is firmly set, at least 1 hour.
  • Attach the roof: Gently test the walls to make sure the icing is set. If they give, let the house rest until firm. (If you add the roof too soon, the house will collapse.) Once the walls are set, remove the cans. Using the piping bag fitted with a large tip, pipe icing along the angled roof edges on 1 side of the house. Pipe icing on the unfrosted side of 1 of the roof panels along the 2 short edges (where the roof will attach to the slanted edges of the house). Press the panel onto the house and hold it in place until the icing sets, about 5 minutes. Repeat with the other side and the remaining roof panel. Let the roof rest until completely dry, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Landscape the yard: Using the piping bag fitted with a large tip, pipe a rectangular icing walkway in front of the house; line the edges with the brown candy-coated chocolates and pave the middle with candy rocks. Pipe pea-size dots of icing onto the backs of the chocolate-covered raisins and press them in a row along the bottom of the back panel. Use the piping bag fitted with a large tip to pipe icing snowdrifts around the walkway and the base of the house. While the snowdrifts are still wet, sprinkle them with chocolate puffed cereal and snowflake sprinkles, pressing gently to help them adhere.
  • Using the piping bag fitted with a large tip, pipe icing along the top seam of the house where the roof panels connect; line with a row of the chocolate kisses. Let the house rest until dry.

CHOCOLATE-SWIRL GINGERBREAD



Chocolate-Swirl Gingerbread image

Serve this moist, molasses-rich gingerbread with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Time 45m

Yield Makes 1 cake

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter an 8-inch square pan. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, ginger, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cloves.
  • Melt the butter in the water in a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir mixture into the dry ingredients until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg.
  • Pour half the batter into prepared pan. With a spoon, drizzle half the chocolate over the batter. Pour remaining batter on top, and drizzle the remaining chocolate over the batter in a decorative pattern.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

CHOCOLATE-SWIRL GINGERBREAD



Chocolate-Swirl Gingerbread image

Serve this moist, molasses-rich gingerbread with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. To make the pattern on the top of the cake, Drizzle the chocolate in a zigzag pattern over tha batter, then drag a knife through the lines of chocolate, alternating directions, very pretty!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Dessert

Time 30m

Yield 1 8-inch square cake

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F Butter an 8-inch square pan.
  • In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ginger, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cloves.
  • Melt the butter in the water in a small saucepan over medium heat, and stir mixture into dry ingredients until smooth,. Stir in molasses and egg.
  • Pour half the batter into prepared pan. With a spoon, drizzle half the chocolate over the batter. Pour remaining batter on top, and drizzle the remaining chcocolate over the batter in a decorative pattern.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
  • NOTE: Melt the chocolate in a bowl, over simmering water or in a microwave. Using a squeeze bottle is an easy way to dribble chocolate over the cake batter,.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2486.4, Fat 99.3, SaturatedFat 60.2, Cholesterol 455.5, Sodium 1140, Carbohydrate 379.9, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 200.4, Protein 26.9

CARAMEL CHOCOLATE GINGER SWIRLS



Caramel Chocolate Ginger Swirls image

Provided by Sandra Lee

Categories     dessert

Time 2h

Yield 30 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (14.5-ounce) package gingerbread mix (recommended: Betty Crocker)
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, melted
1 egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, if needed
1 (17-ounce) jar caramel topping, chilled
1 (14.5-ounce) jar dark chocolate ice cream fudge topping

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine the gingerbread mix according to package instructions. Using a tablespoon, roll dough into balls. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie. Bake for 10 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and cool completely.
  • Place a scant 1/2 teaspoon of caramel topping on each cookie center. Top with 1/2 teaspoon chocolate topping. Carefully work chocolate to within 1/4-inch of the edge of the cookies. Place in freezer for 20 to 25 minutes to set. Serve immediately.

GINGERBREAD HOT CHOCOLATE



Gingerbread Hot Chocolate image

Ginger, cinnamon and allspice bring a gingerbread flavor to this hot chocolate. Intense Dutch-process cocoa powder balances the spices, and chopped milk chocolate is mixed in at the end for a creamy, rich texture.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

6 cups milk
1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons molasses
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
7 ounces good quality milk chocolate, chopped
Whipped cream, for serving
Mini marshmallows, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine the milk, cocoa powder, sugar, molasses, ginger, cinnamon nutmeg and allspice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar, cocoa powder and spices are dissolved and the milk is steaming, about 5 minutes. Do not let the mixture come to a boil. Whisk in the chopped chocolate a little at a time until smooth. Divide among 6 to 8 mugs and garnish with whipped cream and mini marshmallows.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE-GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Chewy Chocolate-Gingerbread Cookies image

A combination of fresh and ground ginger, molasses, and chunks of semisweet chocolate makes the cookies sophisticated enough for adults but chocolaty enough for children.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons boiling water
7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Steps:

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and grated ginger until lightened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.
  • In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in boiling water. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in baking-soda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap. Refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or overnight.
  • Heat oven to 325 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/2- inch balls; place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Roll in granulated sugar. Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating halfway through. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool completely. Cookies are best the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD COOKIES



Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies image

My mother Esther created this recipe, and I've been making the cookies in her honor every Christmas since then. People can't get enough of the molasses and chocolate flavor combination.-Karen Sue Garback-Pristera, Albany, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Icing and decorations of your choice

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until easy to handle., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-1/2-in. gingerbread boy cookie cutter; place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough; chill and reroll scraps., Bake 6-8 minutes or until edges are firm. Remove to wire racks to cool. Ice and decorate as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 92 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 95mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD



Chocolate Gingerbread image

Many of the best holiday recipes are family favorites, whose sweet, fresh-baked aromas evoke fond childhood memories. This delicious Cookie of the Week is sure to become an heirloom in your family. A twist on the classic gingerbread, it blends the distinctive flavor of European chocolate with the old-fashioned taste of molasses.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 12

7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
8 teaspoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

Steps:

  • Line two baking sheets with Silpat baking mats, and set aside. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream grated ginger and butter until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.
  • Add the flour mixture in batches until fully incorporated. Mix in chocolate, cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place the sugar in a pie plate. Using a 1-ounce ice-cream scoop, scoop the dough into a bowl filled with sugar. Roll each ball of dough in sugar. Bake until surface cracks slightly, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
  • Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a more tender cake.
  • Gradually add the eggs to the batter, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  • Do not open the oven door during baking. This can cause the cake to fall.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • If you are using a chocolate ganache frosting, make sure that the chocolate is completely melted and smooth before adding it to the heavy cream.

Conclusion:

The chocolate swirl gingerbread cake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With its moist and tender crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy ganache frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a special dessert to serve, give this chocolate swirl gingerbread cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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