Gingerbread House — Restaurant in Payson

A Sweet Stop That Sticks With You

Passing through Pine on a dusty summer afternoon, we stumbled into the Gingerbread House and found ourselves wrapped in nostalgia. This isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s a memory-maker.

We tried the lemon creamcicle and pistachio, and both were perfection. The lemon was bright and creamy, like childhood summers bottled into a scoop. The pistachio had that earthy, mellow richness that makes you slow down and savor.

The place itself feels like a storybook cottage—quirky, welcoming, and full of character. You can tell the owners care deeply about what they do. Every flavor feels handcrafted, and the vibe is pure Arizona charm.

Whether you’re hauling gear up north or just meandering through Rim Country, this is the kind of place that turns a pit stop into a highlight. It’s the kind of spot you tell friends about, the kind you remember years later when the heat hits and you crave something sweet and grounding.

Don’t just pass through—pause here. Let the ice cream melt a little. Let the...

The owner opened up early and took a very large order from us which delayed his ability to quickly serve the customers stacking up behind us on a rainy day. The ice cream is well worth the drive from Phoenix metropolitan to get if you aren't passing through. Taste samples were freely given to determine which flavor your taste buds clamoured for on this particular day and hour. I'm glad that I don't live very close to the Gingerbread house, because my life would clearly revolve around daily if not more often visits. Do yourself a favor and take a weekend drive up to the Gingerbread house to enjoy the cooler weather and a treat...

The owner is wonderful! The ice cream flavors are unique and so incredibly creamy without being overly sweet. How he does it is a mystery. I really think he undersells his ice cream! Typically more Hawaiian-inspired flavors with the classics available. Prices are very reasonable for what you get, especially in this area. We've gone every weekend I come up ever since I finally discovered this place. I'd been curious since I got my house but assumed it was just another run-of-the-mill ice cream shop. It is NOT! Try it, you won't be...