Crumbl Sugar Cookies – Soft, Frosted & Easy to Make

Crumbl-style sugar cookies have taken the dessert world by storm, offering thick, soft, and perfectly sweet cookies topped with a smooth, creamy frosting. These cookies are known for their buttery flavor, tender crumb, and signature pink frosting that makes them as visually appealing as they are delicious. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can be thin and crisp, these cookies are soft-baked with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What makes these cookies stand out is their simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate bakery-quality cookies at home without any complicated techniques. The best part? There’s no need to chill the dough, which means you can have warm, freshly baked cookies in less than an hour.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Crumbl-style sugar cookies will quickly become a favorite. The frosting is just as delightful as the cookie itself, offering a smooth and creamy consistency with a hint of vanilla. For those who love a bit of nostalgia, the almond extract in the cookie dough adds a subtle depth of flavor reminiscent of classic bakery sugar cookies.

This recipe is also highly customizable. You can switch up the frosting color, add sprinkles, or even experiment with different flavor extracts to create unique variations. If you love soft sugar cookies with a thick layer of frosting, this recipe is a must-try. By following this guide, you’ll have all the tips, tricks, and techniques to bake the best homemade Crumbl-inspired sugar cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Crumbl sugar cookie recipe, but one of the main ones is its simplicity. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees bakery-quality results every time.

One of the best things about these cookies is their soft and thick texture. Unlike many sugar cookies that turn out too crispy or dry, this recipe ensures that every bite is tender and delicious. The secret? The perfect balance of butter, sugar, and cream, which creates a soft interior while keeping the cookie sturdy enough to hold the frosting.

The frosting is another highlight of this recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Unlike traditional royal icing that hardens completely, this frosting remains soft and smooth, making every bite indulgent. The pink food coloring is optional, but it adds a fun and playful touch that makes these cookies stand out.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is that it requires no chilling time. Many cookie recipes instruct you to refrigerate the dough for hours before baking, but these cookies can go straight into the oven, making them a perfect last-minute dessert option.

This recipe also provides room for creativity. You can easily adjust the flavors by swapping out vanilla for almond, lemon, or even coconut extract. You can also experiment with different frosting colors, decorations, or even mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.

If you’re a fan of bakery-style cookies, this recipe will give you the satisfaction of making them at home while enjoying the freshness and homemade goodness. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a sweet treat, or simply indulging in a personal craving, these Crumbl-style sugar cookies will not disappoint.

Health Benefits

While sugar cookies are undoubtedly a treat, you may be surprised to learn that they do offer some benefits when enjoyed in moderation. The key to incorporating any dessert into a balanced lifestyle is to enjoy it occasionally and in reasonable portions.

One of the primary benefits of homemade cookies is the ability to control the ingredients. Unlike store-bought cookies that often contain preservatives, artificial additives, and excessive sugar, making your own allows you to use high-quality ingredients. You can opt for organic butter, unbleached flour, and natural food coloring to make your cookies as wholesome as possible.

Butter, a key ingredient in this recipe, provides essential fats that help with nutrient absorption and provide energy. While it should be consumed in moderation, real butter contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E. Additionally, butter adds richness and depth to the cookies, making them incredibly satisfying with just one or two pieces.

Eggs, another main ingredient, are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients such as choline, which supports brain health. They also help create the perfect structure in baked goods, giving these cookies their soft and chewy texture.

If you want to make these cookies slightly healthier, you can experiment with substitutions such as whole wheat flour for added fiber, coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar, or a natural sugar alternative like honey or maple syrup. You can also adjust the frosting’s sweetness by reducing the powdered sugar or using a lighter frosting alternative, such as Greek yogurt mixed with honey.

While these cookies are meant to be a sweet indulgence, making them from scratch ensures that you know exactly what’s going into them. When paired with a balanced diet, they can be enjoyed as part of a mindful and enjoyable eating experience.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for mixing the dough
• 10 minutes for baking
• 15 minutes for cooling and frosting

Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Serving Size: This recipe yields about 12 large cookies, similar in size to the ones sold at Crumbl. You can make smaller cookies if you prefer, which will increase the total quantity.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 30g

These values will vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used. If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, consider reducing the sugar, swapping out some of the butter for Greek yogurt, or using a sugar substitute in the frosting.

Ingredients List

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances flavor)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
• Pink food coloring (optional)

These ingredients are simple and easy to find, making this recipe accessible for anyone wanting to try it at home.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy cream, mixing until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape the Cookies
   • Scoop the dough into large balls, about ¼ cup each.
   • Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
   • Slightly flatten each dough ball with your hand or a flat-bottomed cup.
5. Bake the Cookies
   • Bake for 9-11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
   • Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.
6. Prepare the Frosting
   • In a bowl, beat together butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until smooth.
   • Add pink food coloring for the classic Crumbl look.
7. Frost the Cookies
   • Spread or pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie.
   • Let them set for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Crumbl-style sugar cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be served in several creative ways to enhance the experience. These cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, special occasions, or simply as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

One classic way to serve these cookies is slightly chilled. After frosting, let them set in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This firms up the frosting slightly while keeping the cookies soft and chewy. The cool temperature adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

For a fun and elegant presentation, serve these cookies on a decorative dessert platter. Arrange them in a circular pattern and garnish with edible glitter, sprinkles, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. This makes them look bakery-perfect and ready for any celebration.

If you want to get creative, turn these sugar cookies into a dessert sandwich. Simply spread a layer of frosting between two cookies for a double-layered treat. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible ice cream sandwich.

These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot chocolate, coffee, or flavored teas. The sweetness of the cookie complements the bitterness of coffee or the richness of a creamy latte. For kids, serving them with a cold glass of milk is always a classic choice.

When serving at parties, you can personalize the frosting to match the theme. Use different colors or top the cookies with crushed candy, chocolate shavings, or festive decorations. If making them for a baby shower or holiday event, color the frosting to match the occasion.

For an extra touch, serve these cookies alongside other small treats like chocolate-covered strawberries, mini brownies, or fruit platters. This variety balances out the sweetness and offers guests multiple flavors to enjoy.

Pairing Suggestions

While these cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary flavors enhances the overall experience. Whether you’re enjoying them with a drink or another dessert, here are some pairing suggestions to make the most of your Crumbl-style sugar cookies.

Beverage Pairings:

• Milk: The classic choice. The creaminess of milk balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Coffee: A bold espresso or latte pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot cocoa enhances the indulgence.
• Flavored Tea: Herbal or fruit teas like chamomile, peppermint, or raspberry add a refreshing contrast.
• Milkshakes: A vanilla or strawberry milkshake makes an extra-decadent combination.

Dessert Pairings:

• Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with vanilla, strawberry, or cookies and cream ice cream creates a delicious contrast in texture.
• Fruit: Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a natural tartness to balance the sweetness.
• Cheesecake: Serve a mini slice of cheesecake alongside the cookies for a luxurious dessert pairing.
• Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for a fun, interactive treat.

If you’re making a dessert board, include different types of cookies, candies, and small pastries to create an assortment of textures and flavors. The combination of buttery sugar cookies with chocolates, caramels, and nuts makes for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Proper storage ensures that these cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Since they contain frosting, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their texture and flavor.

Room Temperature Storage:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If stacking cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from smudging.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat.

Refrigeration:

• If you want them to last longer, store the cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Refrigeration will slightly firm up the cookies, so let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Freezing:

• These cookies freeze well, both with and without frosting.
• To freeze unfrosted cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer them to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
• For frosted cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet first before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. This prevents the frosting from getting smushed.

Reheating & Thawing:

• If frozen, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a freshly baked texture, warm them in a microwave for 10 seconds before eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, there are a few mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure your cookies turn out soft, flavorful, and picture-perfect.

1. Overmixing the Dough:
Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to dense, tough cookies. Once the flour is added, mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture.

2. Overbaking the Cookies:
These cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry and crumbly cookies.

3. Using Too Much Flour:
Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to excess flour, making the cookies dry. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurement.

4. Not Allowing the Cookies to Cool Before Frosting:
Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and become runny. Always let the cookies cool completely before applying the frosting.

5. Skipping the Almond Extract:
While optional, almond extract enhances the bakery-style flavor. Omitting it won’t ruin the recipe, but including it makes a noticeable difference in taste.

Pro Tips

To take your cookies to the next level, try these expert tips:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
Softened butter and room-temperature eggs mix more evenly into the dough, creating a smoother texture.

2. Chill the Frosted Cookies for a Bakery-Style Finish:
Placing the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for 15 minutes gives them a slightly firmer frosting, just like the ones from Crumbl.

3. Adjust Frosting Consistency:
If the frosting is too thick, add a few drops of milk or heavy cream. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

4. Experiment with Flavors:
Try swapping the vanilla for lemon, coconut, or maple extract for a unique twist.

5. Use a Piping Bag for Professional Frosting:
For a cleaner, more decorative look, pipe the frosting onto the cookies instead of spreading it with a knife.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.

2. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the dough by ¼ cup and use less powdered sugar in the frosting.

3. Can I use food coloring gel instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring is more concentrated and won’t thin out the frosting.

4. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft and measure your flour correctly. Too little flour or overly soft butter can cause excessive spreading.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Crumbl-style sugar cookies are a delightful treat that combines soft, thick sugar cookies with creamy, sweet frosting. With a simple preparation process and a few pro tips, you can recreate bakery-style cookies in your own kitchen.

Now that you have the perfect recipe, it’s time to start baking. Try them out and experiment with different flavors and decorations. If you love this recipe, share it with friends and family or save it for your next baking session.

Do you have a favorite Crumbl cookie flavor? Let us know in the comments! And if you bake these, take a picture and share your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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