Are you dreaming of warm, spicy gingerbread cookies this holiday season? Forget those long lines and questionable ingredients! This recipe brings the beloved Crumbl Gingerbread Cookie experience right to your kitchen. Get ready to bake up a batch of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness that will impress your family and friends. It's easier than you think to recreate this amazing taste at home, making it a perfect addition to your easy recipes and quick dinner ideas repertoire, even if you're a beginner in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup molasses
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Gingerbread Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer makes this step a breeze, but you can certainly use a hand mixer or even do it by hand for a great workout!
- Add Eggs & Molasses: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Shape & Bake: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your favorite shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Keep a close eye on them as ovens vary!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat Butter & Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Cookies:
- Don't Overbake: Slightly soft centers are key to a perfectly chewy gingerbread cookie.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your cookies a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust Molasses: If you prefer a less intense molasses flavor, you can reduce the amount slightly.
- Get Creative with Frosting: Try adding different extracts, like peppermint or almond, to your frosting for unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the cookie dough.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted cookies for an extra decadent touch.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on size and frosting amount)
This delicious Crumbl Gingerbread Cookie recipe is perfect for holiday baking, offering a homemade treat that rivals store-bought versions. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, a perfect addition to your collection of delicious dishes and best recipes. Happy baking!