As the chill of winter settles in, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the warm embrace of spices. The aroma of cinnamon and ginger wafts through the air, instantly lifting my spirits and bringing back cherished holiday memories. This Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe embodies the essence of that seasonal magic, delivering soft, chewy cookies topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting.
One evening, I found myself craving that delightful crunch of a gingerbread cookie, only to realize I had everything I needed to recreate that beloved bakery treat right at home. With just a handful of pantry staples, these cookies come together effortlessly, making them a perfect solution for those cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Imagine surprising your loved ones with these delightful bites, each adorned with festive sprinkles that are as inviting as they are delicious. Are you ready to indulge in this holiday classic with a twist? Let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe
- You will absolutely love how easy this recipe is to whip up, using simple pantry ingredients that come together in no time.
- The incredible flavor profile, bursting with warm spices, will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to dress them up with festive sprinkles or enjoy them plain.
- Plus, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Butter – Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a rich, caramel flavor that complements the spices.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness; try using a flax egg for a vegan option!
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies; always choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
• Molasses – Key for that classic gingerbread flavor and soft texture; don’t skip this!
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of your dough; make sure to measure it correctly for perfect cookies.
• Cornstarch – Helps achieve a tender, chewy cookie; it’s a secret ingredient for softness!
• Baking Powder – Essential for a light and airy texture; make sure it's fresh for best results.
• Baking Soda – Works with the acidic molasses for that perfect spread during baking.
• Cinnamon – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that screams holiday cheer.
• Ground Ginger – The star of gingerbread; it provides that zesty kick!
• Ground Cloves – Gives a warm and slightly sweet flavor to your cookies.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Delivers a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Butter (for frosting) – Adds creaminess to the frosting; ensure it’s softened for easier mixing.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens your frosting to achieve the right consistency.
• Vanilla (for frosting) – Brings warmth and depth to the frosting; use pure extract for best results.
For Decoration
• Sprinkles – Add a festive touch and color to your cookies; choose your favorites for a personal flair.
Get ready to explore the delightful flavors of this Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe, and enjoy the magic of homemade baking!
How to Make Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze!
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Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the mixture; mix until smooth. This combination creates a rich, flavorful base for your gingerbread cookies with all the cozy flavors we adore.
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Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in another bowl. This step ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients, which is key to consistent flavor and texture throughout your cookies.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix, as you want the dough to remain light and airy for the perfect fluffy cookies.
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Scoop the dough into ¼ cup portions, flatten them slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Give them some space, as they’ll expand while baking, creating that delightful chewy texture we all love.
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Bake for 12 minutes (or 9 minutes for mini cookies) until the edges are set. You want them slightly soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and gives them that tender bite we crave in a good cookie!
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Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth for the frosting. This creates a creamy base that will beautifully blend with the sweetness of your cookies.
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Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. The frosting should be airy and smooth, ready to complement your freshly baked cookies perfectly.
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Pipe or spread the frosting on the cooled cookies for a delightful finish. Don’t be shy—go wild with the frosting to make these cookies even more indulgent!
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Top with sprinkles if desired, creating a festive look. It’s the perfect way to add that extra joy and color, especially for holiday gatherings!
Optional: For a little extra flavor, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top of the frosting.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe?
Indulging in fresh, warm gingerbread cookies creates the perfect opportunity to gather around the table and savor the magic of the season.
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Hot Chocolate: A creamy cup of hot chocolate complements the spices beautifully, adding a delightful warmth with each sip. Picture yourself cozied up by the fire, dipping those cookies into frothy goodness.
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Spiced Apple Cider: This fragrant drink pairs perfectly with the ginger and cinnamon in the cookies, enhancing that welcoming autumn vibe. The sweet and tart notes of the cider bring a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
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Cream Cheese Pumpkin Dip: A luscious dip perfect for slathering on each gingerbread bite, the pumpkin flavors will harmonize with the spices wonderfully. Serve with apple slices or graham crackers for a delightful twist!
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai resonate with the flavors of your cookies, creating a perfect fusion. The warmth of the tea invites comfort, making it a cozy pairing during chilly evenings.
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Pecan Pie Bars: Keep the dessert vibes going with these gooey bars. The nutty crunch offers a delicious contrast to the soft cookies, ensuring each bite is a new adventure.
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Bourbon Milkshake: For a fun adult twist, mix up a creamy concoction that pairs splendidly with the ginger flavors. The hint of caramel in bourbon enhances the richness, making it a true treat.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some homemade caramel over your frosted cookies for a decadent treat. The buttery sweetness enhances the flavors, sending everyone’s tastebuds into a heavenly state of bliss.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your warm cookies elevates the experience, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures. Enjoy them while the ice cream gently melts into the cookies.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe Variations
Feel free to make these cookies your own with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of flavor!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a delightful, chewy treat. You won’t even miss the wheat!
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Vegan Delight: Swap the butter for coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. These cookies will be just as delicious and friendly for all diets.
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Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add ¼ cup of pumpkin puree to the dough for a seasonal twist. The pumpkin adds moisture and makes these cookies irresistible.
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Spiced Up: Enhance the ginger and cinnamon by adding ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or a hint of cardamom for an aromatic explosion. These cookies will burst with flavor!
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Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Mix in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips for a rich and decadent experience. Who could resist a chocolate gingerbread cookie?
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor that compliments the warm spices perfectly. The crunch brings the cookies to another level!
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Maple Frosting: Replace powdered sugar in the frosting with maple syrup for a delightful twist that pairs beautifully with the gingerbread flavor. It will elevate your cookies to gourmet status!
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Heat it Up: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dough. This fiery touch will create a unique and exciting cookie experience.
Step into the kitchen and try one of these variations to surprise your loved ones with new flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy for whenever those cravings hit!
Fridge: If you've frosted your cookies, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 week. This helps maintain the cream cheese frosting's freshness while preventing spoilage.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy!
Reheating: When ready to indulge in your Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping and shaping it into balls, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. For the best texture, remember to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking. The frosting can also be made ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, simply re-whip the frosting to bring it back to life, frost the cooled cookies, and top with sprinkles for a festive touch. Enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making the Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe, using unsalted butter allows you to better control the saltiness for a balanced flavor.
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugars until they are light and fluffy, as this is key to achieving a tender texture.
- Avoid overmixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients; doing so can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy ones you desire.
- Remember to cool your cookies on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to help them maintain their shape and texture.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies?
Absolutely! For the butter, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier creaming. As for sugars, make sure they are fresh and not clumpy. Molasses should be pure and smooth—check for any crystals or dark spots in the jar. Use fresh spices, like ground ginger and cinnamon, for the best flavor.
How should I store my Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies?
For unfrosted cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their softness. If you’ve added frosting, keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in a sealed container to protect that creamy frosting from drying out!
Can I freeze Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—this usually takes about 2 hours. After that, transfer them to a zip-top bag, where they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature and frost as desired!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too hard or dry?
Very commonly, this happens from overmixing or overbaking. Make sure when mixing the wet and dry ingredients, you stir just until combined; this helps keep them fluffy. If you’ve baked them too long, try lowering your oven temperature by 25°F next time. And remember, they will continue to firm up as they cool, so pulling them out when the edges are slightly set and soft in the center is key!
Are Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies suitable for various dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For those watching their sugar intake, consider using sugar alternatives like coconut sugar or stevia, which can work in moderation. If you're gluten-free, you could substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. And for a vegan option, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use non-dairy butter. Always ensure that your spices and other ingredients are free from common allergens if you’re serving others.
Crumbl Gingerbread Cookies Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to the mixture; mix until smooth.
- Whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Scoop the dough into ¼ cup portions, flatten them slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth for the frosting.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread the frosting on the cooled cookies.
- Top with sprinkles if desired.
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