Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves that instantly bring the cozy feeling of the holidays. These cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making each bite satisfying and comforting. The slightly crisp edges with a tender center make them wonderful to enjoy anytime.
I love making Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies when the weather turns chilly because they fill the kitchen with such a delicious aroma. One tip I’ve learned is to chill the dough a little before baking—it helps the cookies keep their shape and get that nice soft texture inside. Plus, making shapes with the dough is half the fun!
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa, especially in the evening when I want to relax. They also make a great treat to share at holiday gatherings or to leave as a sweet surprise for friends and family. There’s something about gingerbread that always feels a little like home, and these cookies really capture that feeling perfectly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Molasses: This is the heart of gingerbread flavor. It adds deep sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, but the taste will be a bit lighter.
Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create the warm holiday flavor. If you want a milder taste, reduce cloves and nutmeg a little — they are quite strong.
Butter and Sugars: Using both brown and granulated sugar gives a nice balance of sweet and rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture, which helps keep the cookies soft.
Frosting: Molasses in the frosting keeps it tied to the cookie’s flavor. If you want a simpler option, cream cheese frosting works great too and complements the spices nicely.
How Do You Get Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies?
Soft gingerbread cookies come from controlling a few key things:
- Don’t overmix: Mix just till ingredients combine to avoid tough cookies.
- Watch baking time: Bake until set but still soft in the middle (10-12 minutes). They firm up as they cool.
- Chill the dough: Chilling helps cookies hold shape and improves texture.
- Use a mix of sugars and molasses: Brown sugar and molasses keep moisture in, giving that chewy bite.
When frosting, make sure cookies are cool to prevent melting. I like to pipe the frosting for a neat look and add sprinkles while it’s still wet for easy sticking. Enjoy making and sharing these cozy treats!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I use a large bowl for mixing the dough and a smaller one for the frosting, making prep easier.
- Electric mixer – helps beat the butter and sugars smoothly; I find it keeps the mixture light.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements ensure perfect spices and moisture balance.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps portion the dough evenly for uniform cookies.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Baking sheet – a sturdy sheet to bake the cookies on, ensuring even heat.
- Piping bag or spoon – for applying frosting neatly on the cookies.
- Cooling rack – cools the cookies evenly and keeps the frosting intact.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- White chocolate chips: Stir into dough or sprinkle on top for extra sweetness and texture.
- Orange zest or extract: Adds a citrus twist that complements the spices beautifully.
- Gingerbread men shape or holiday themed cutters: Make your cookies festive for holidays or special occasions.
- White frosting or cream cheese frosting: Swap molasses frosting for a tangy or milky flavor that’s also delicious.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or cream (to achieve desired consistency)
- Gold or bronze edible sprinkles (for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 10-12 minutes of baking for the cookies. Then you’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare and add the frosting. Total active time is around 40 minutes, plus some cooling time to let the cookies and frosting set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cookie Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to mix the dry spices evenly.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract, then beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined, avoiding overmixing.
2. Baking the Cookies:
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and roll each into a ball. Place them spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
3. Making and Adding the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together powdered sugar, softened butter, molasses, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until you get a smooth, spreadable texture. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost the tops generously using a piping bag or a spoon. For an extra pretty touch, drizzle some frosting over the cookies and sprinkle with edible gold or bronze sprinkles to match the Crumbl style. Let the frosting set a bit before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Dough for These Gingerbread Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. This helps maintain the cookie shape and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If frosted, keep them separate or layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I Substitute the Butter in the Frosting?
Definitely! You can use cream cheese or margarine instead of butter for a tangier flavor and creamier texture. Just adjust the sweetness if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Gingerbread Flavor More Intense?
Increase the ground ginger and cinnamon by 1/2 teaspoon each for a bolder spice profile. Freshly grated ginger can also add a nice kick but use sparingly.