These Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are soft, sweet, and full of cozy spices like ginger and cinnamon. They’re perfect for the holiday season or any chilly day!
With a sprinkle of sugar on top, they look as good as they taste! I love enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa—it’s like a hug in a mug. ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter is essential for the creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, replace it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Molasses: This gives the cookies their deep flavor and color. If you’re out, brown sugar can work as a substitute, though the taste will be a bit different. For a lighter flavor, use honey or maple syrup, but reduce the quantity a little.
Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): These spices are key to that warm gingerbread flavor. If you’re missing one, you can increase the others slightly or use a store-bought gingerbread spice mix, which might already contain a perfect blend.
Cream Cheese: For the frosting, cream cheese adds a rich tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, choose a lactose-free cream cheese or use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Gingerbread Cookies?
Getting the texture just right is crucial for these cookies. Here are some tips to ensure they’re soft and chewy:
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Mix just until combined, so the cookies stay tender.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll; this helps maintain shape while baking.
- Bake them until the edges are set but the middle looks slightly underdone. They will continue to cook while cooling, resulting in a perfect chewy center.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for rolling)
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butterscotch chips or toffee bits for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, and 10-12 minutes of baking time, plus some cooling time. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour to make and frost these scrumptious cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Easy cleanup is always a win!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is super important because it incorporates air, making your cookies nice and soft!
3. Add Egg and Molasses:
Next, beat in the large egg and then the 1/4 cup of molasses until everything looks well combined and smooth. The molasses gives your cookies that beautiful color and rich flavor!
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This helps evenly distribute the spices throughout the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, you’ll want to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined to form a soft dough. Avoid overmixing, as it can make your cookies tough.
6. Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough and roll them into balls in your hands. Don’t forget, these should be nice and round!
7. Coat in Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to coat them. This will give your cookies a delightful sparkle and a crunchy texture on top.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly cracked. The smell in your kitchen will be irresistible!
9. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to let them cool completely. Patience is key; you want them to be ready for frosting!
10. Make the Frosting:
While your cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the frosting! In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth. Then, add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fluffy.
11. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies have completely cooled, you can go ahead and pipe or spread the frosting on top. Be as artistic as you like—it’s your creative moment!
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some butterscotch chips or toffee bits over the frosted cookies for that extra crunch and sweetness. Now it’s time to serve and enjoy these delicious, soft gingerbread cookies!
These cookies have the classic comforting gingerbread flavor with a sweet creamy frosting and a delightful crunchy topping—just like Crumbl’s style. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🎉
Can I Substitute Honey or Maple Syrup for Molasses?
Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for molasses, but keep in mind that the flavor will be lighter and less robust. Use a little less than the amount of molasses to maintain the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper between the cookies, and they’ll last up to 3 months!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure the flour mix contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese for the Frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or even make a simple buttercream with just butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a smoother frosting option!
