Gingerbread is one of the most loved holiday flavors, bringing back warm memories of festive baking and family gatherings. For retail confectioners, it’s a perfect choice to spice up your chocolates and treats. Here are some simple, creative ways to work gingerbread flavor and decoration into your products:

 

 

Gingerbread Truffles

Truffles are a great canvas for highlighting gingerbread’s warm spices. Mix ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and molasses into a chocolate ganache filling. Coat the truffles in dark or milk chocolate and roll them in crushed gingerbread cookies or spiced sugar. As an example, Charbonnel et Walker makes chocolate truffles infused with real ginger flavor and hand rolled in milk chocolate and gingerbread cookie pieces, before another coating of chocolate for a decadent texture.

 

 

Gingerbread Caramels

Soft, chewy caramels with a gingerbread twist are a welcome treat for the holidays. Add gingerbread spices and molasses to your caramel recipe for a rich, warm flavor. As a limited-time edition, RCI Member Abdallah Candies creates a festive fusion of spicy gingerbread and old-fashioned wrapped caramels for a delicious and nostalgic treat.

 

 

Chocolate-Covered Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a classic holiday treat, but dipping them in chocolate makes them extra special. Dip half of a gingerbread cookie in dark or white chocolate, then decorate with a drizzle of contrasting chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes. This simple upgrade turns a traditional cookie into a gourmet holiday delight.

 

 

Gingerbread Gummies

Run, run as fast as you can to add these Jolly Gingerbread Gummies by Albanese Confectionery to your holiday assortment. These cute gingerbread men and colorful gumdrop friends add some fun and fruity flavor to your holiday season. Package for snacking or as part of gingerbread house decorating kits, they’re a festive addition customers will love this holiday season. Click here for tips on creating your own Gingerbread House Kits.

Chocolate Gingerbread Bark

Chocolate bark is an easy way to get creative. Spread melted dark or milk chocolate, then swirl in some white chocolate. Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies, candied orange peel, or toasted nuts on top. Once it hardens, break it into pieces for a fun, shareable treat that looks great in gift bags or tins. Compartés packages as “Gingerbread Bark Breakable Chocolate” in a luxury gift box containing chocolate bark studded with gingerbread cookies and crystallized ginger.

Holiday Packaging

Make your gingerbread-inspired treats stand out with festive packaging. Use warm, holiday colors like red, gold, and white, or even patterns that mimic gingerbread houses. Labels that describe the cozy spices and flavors inside will help customers feel the holiday spirit.

Adding gingerbread to your gourmet chocolates and confections is a simple way to bring the warmth and joy of the holidays to your customers. With these ideas, you can turn classic holiday flavors into irresistible treats that are perfect for gifting—or just enjoying!

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Photo credit: Flickr, Carrie Stephens

It’s hard to believe Christmas is just over two months away! The closeness of Christmas is why this week’s tip is a holiday idea that’s fun for kids of all ages. Host a gingerbread house making party!

A kit a Marie's Candies includes a pre-made house crafted out of graham crackers, a bag of icing "glue" and a bag of assorted holiday candies.

Create the individual kits ahead of time with graham crackers, icing and the colorful candies to decorate the houses. Then, charge a set fee and invite families and children to come make their own gingerbread house. Be sure to have plates available for them to take their creation home. RCI member, Marie’s Candies, has had great success inviting customers to decorate gingerbread houses during their annual holiday open house. You also could make it a weekly Saturday activity leading up to Christmas. The possibilities and ideas for this activity are endless!