Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies: 10 Best Holiday Treats

Introduction: The Magic of Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the warm, spicy aroma of freshly baked **Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies** filling your home during the holiday season. These delightful treats capture the essence of festive cheer, combining chewy perfection with a rich, spiced flavor that’s simply irresistible. Forget waiting in line; now you can recreate that beloved bakery experience right in your own kitchen!

This copycat recipe ensures you’ll achieve that iconic soft texture and delicious gingerbread taste that makes Crumbl’s version so popular. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these homemade holiday masterpieces. Baking these **gingerbread cookies** is a joyous activity everyone will love!

Why These Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are the Best Holiday Treats

These aren’t just any gingerbread cookies; they are designed to emulate the unique qualities of Crumbl’s famous cookies. They are thick, soft-baked, and boast a perfect balance of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Each bite offers a comforting warmth that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland.

What truly sets them apart is the luscious cream cheese frosting, adding a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced cookie beautifully. These **holiday cookies** are not just a dessert, but an experience, making them truly the best holiday treats to share. They are perfect for gifting, parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make these fantastic Crumbl-style gingerbread cookies, you’ll need common pantry staples and a few key spices. Ensure all your cold ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for the best results!

For the Gingerbread Cookies:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup molasses (dark or light)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Pinch of salt

For Decoration (Optional):

Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Cookies

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfectly chewy and spiced Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies. Patience is key, especially with chilling the dough!

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for flavor development and easier handling.

Step 2: Baking the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop generous portions of dough (about ¼ cup each) and roll them into balls. For that signature thick Crumbl look, you can slightly flatten them before baking. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft. Do not overbake! The cookies will continue to set as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is important before frosting.

Step 3: Frosting and Decoration

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each one. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles or edible glitter.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Gingerbread Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality gingerbread cookies is easier with a few expert tips. First, ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter and frosting. A slight chill in the dough is vital; it prevents spreading and deepens the spice flavors. For more baking insights, check out this guide on baking tips and tricks.

Don’t overmix your dough once the flour is added; this develops gluten and can make cookies tough. For consistency, use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. Lastly, avoid overbaking; the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you pull them out, as they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoying Your Holiday Treat

These delightful Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are perfect for a variety of festive occasions. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite holiday tea. They make an excellent addition to any dessert platter for holiday parties or family gatherings.

Consider packaging them beautifully in a decorative box with a ribbon as homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or teachers. Everyone appreciates a thoughtful, delicious treat! You can also enjoy them as a cozy evening snack by the fireplace. For more holiday baking inspiration, Read our in-depth guide here.

Storage Instructions: Keeping Your Cookies Fresh

To keep your homemade Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies tasting their best, store them properly. Frosted cookies should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days due to the cream cheese frosting. Let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal softness.

Unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.

FAQ

Can I make Crumbl gingerbread cookies without molasses?

Molasses is a key ingredient for both the flavor and chewiness of traditional gingerbread cookies. While you could try a substitute like dark corn syrup or maple syrup, the unique deep flavor and texture of these specific **gingerbread cookies** might be altered significantly. For the best Crumbl-like results, molasses is highly recommended.

How can I make my gingerbread cookies extra soft?

To achieve extra soft gingerbread cookies, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added. Also, be careful not to overbake them – pull them from the oven when the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a wonderfully soft, chewy texture. Using brown sugar in the dough also contributes to moisture and softness.

What’s the best way to decorate these holiday treats?

After applying the cream cheese frosting, you have many options for decoration! Holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or a dusting of cinnamon can add a festive touch. For more intricate designs, you could use a piping bag with a small star tip to add extra frosting swirls. You can even use small candy canes or chocolate shavings for an extra special look on these **Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies**.