Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are soft, spiced treats that bring holiday cheer to any meal. With warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying solo!
These cookies are super easy to whip up, and they smell amazing while baking! I love adding a sprinkle of sugar on top, which makes them look as good as they taste. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is essential for structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Molasses: It gives these cookies that rich, deep flavor. If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup can be a substitute, but the taste will be lighter.
Spices (Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor. If you’re out of one, you can skip it or substitute with pumpkin pie spice for a different twist!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter creates a soft cookie texture. You can use margarine or coconut oil if you need a dairy-free option.
Frosting Ingredients: Feel free to switch out heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative to make the frosting more accessible to your dietary needs.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Gingerbread Cookies?
Achieving the right texture involves a few key techniques. First, remember to chill the dough. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading too much when you bake them.
- After mixing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps solidify the fats.
- Don’t overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated for the best texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
These tips help you make perfectly chewy Gingerbread Cookies that everyone will love! Enjoy baking!
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gingerbread Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (more if needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Gold sugar sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 9-11 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to chill the dough for at least 1 hour to get the best cookies! Total time would be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes including cooling and decorating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This mix gives the cookies that wonderful spicy gingerbread flavor. Once combined, set the bowl aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air into the mixture, which makes your cookies soft and delightful!
3. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg to the butter-sugar mix and beat until fully combined. Then add in the molasses and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor to your cookies.
4. Mix the Dough:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies may be tough!
5. Chill the Dough:
Divide the dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill them in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even longer if you can wait! This step helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
6. Preheat the Oven:
When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Form the Cookies:
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the baking sheets, about 2 inches apart, so they have room to spread.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. They’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry; they’ll continue to harden as they cool!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Make the Frosting:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and spreadable, adding more cream if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
11. Decorate the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern on top of each cookie. This gives it that signature Crumbl look!
12. Add a Touch of Sparkle:
Finally, sprinkle some gold sugar sprinkles on top of the frosting for a festive finish!
13. Serve and Enjoy!
Your soft and flavorful Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any time of year!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but your cookies may turn out denser. A good tip is to start with half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to get a nice balance of flavor and texture!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What If I Don’t Have Molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, dark corn syrup or honey can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be different. For a brown sugar flavor, you can also mix some brown sugar with a bit of water to mimic the moisture of molasses.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness. Just remember to let them return to room temperature before serving!
