As the sun sets and the warmth of the kitchen envelops me, I can’t help but think about the sweet magic that comes from fresh-baked cookies. One afternoon, while scrolling through yet another fast food delivery app, I realized I craved something homemade, something that tasted like love rather than just convenience. That’s when I decided to recreate those beloved Crumbl Cookies that so many rave about—soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible.
What I discovered was a simple yet delightful recipe that captures the essence of those bakery-style treats. These Crumbl Cookies come adorned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making them not just a dessert, but a canvas for creativity with customizable colors. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a late-night snack, these treats are sure to impress. Ready to dive into the sweet world of homemade cookies that bring joy with each bite? Let’s get baking!
Why are Crumbl Cookies so irresistible?
Homemade Bliss: There’s just something magical about baking your own cookies, bringing warmth and creativity into your kitchen.
Soft and Chewy: These cookies boast the perfect texture that melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
Personalized Fun: With customizable cream cheese frosting colors, you can tailor these treats to fit any occasion!
Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe allows both novice bakers and experienced chefs to whip up these delights in no time.
Gifting Idea: Perfect for sharing, these cookies make delightful gifts, bringing smiles to family and friends alike.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve them at parties or enjoy them as a snack; either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Crumbl Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and sweetness, contributing to a soft cookie texture. Substitution: Can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in achieving a crisp edge. No substitutions needed for sweet flavor.
- Butter (Melted) – Adds richness and moisture, crucial for a soft texture. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels.
- Egg – Acts as a binding agent that helps the cookies rise and stay moist. No substitutions recommended for binding.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; can substitute with almond extract for a different taste.
- Plain Flour – Main structure-forming ingredient for the cookies. No substitutions; should measure correctly for best results.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Softens the cookie texture, contributing to a tender crumb. No substitutions recommended.
- Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the cookies puff up. Ensure it is fresh for proper leavening.
- Baking Powder – Works with baking soda for additional lift. No substitutes; both leavening agents are necessary.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Use sea salt or kosher salt as alternatives.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Butter (Softened) – Makes the frosting creamy and rich. Use unsalted for flavor control.
- Cream Cheese – Provides a tangy flavor and smooth texture for the frosting. Neufchâtel can be substituted for a lower-fat option.
- Icing Sugar – Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve the thick consistency. No substitutes recommended; it sets the frosting.
- Food Coloring – Optional for coloring the frosting; can use natural colors or omit for a classic look.
How to Make Crumbl Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
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Whisk together brown sugar, white sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the foundation of your cookies, providing a rich sweetness and that coveted soft texture.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, whisking until fully combined. This adds flavor and moisture, making your cookies irresistibly chewy.
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Sift together the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; then fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Take care not to overmix, as this ensures your cookies maintain a soft texture.
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Roll 50g balls of dough and place them spaced apart on the baking tray. Give them room to puff up in the oven, preventing them from sticking together.
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Refrigerate the dough balls for 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking. This chilling time helps the cookies hold their beautiful shape.
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Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft. This timing creates that perfect combination of a slightly chewy and lightly crisp cookie.
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Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting them. Patience is key; letting them cool ensures the creamy frosting doesn’t melt away.
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For the frosting: In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, cream cheese, and icing sugar until creamy and smooth. This step creates the rich, tangy delight that pairs wonderfully with your cookies.
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Mix in the vanilla extract and food coloring (if using) until well combined and smooth. Here’s where you can get creative with colors for any special occasion!
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Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired for that extra touch of fun.
Optional: Garnish with colorful sprinkles for a festive finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: Frosted cookies can be refrigerated for up to 7 days, keeping them fresh and delicious while preserving the cream cheese frosting.
Freezer: To freeze cookie dough, wrap individual dough balls in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave cookies for about 10-15 seconds to revive their soft, chewy texture before serving.
Crumbl Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful cookies with fun twists and substitutions!
- Flavor Boost: Add vanilla bean or almond extract to the dough for a rich, aromatic flavor that dances on your palate.
- Chocolate Lover: Fold in chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) to the dough for a decadent upgrade that satisfies those sweet cravings.
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that elevates each bite.
- Fruit Infusion: Add dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots to the dough for a chewy texture and a burst of fruity sweetness.
- Vegan Version: Replace egg with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), and use vegan butter along with a dairy-free cream cheese for a delightful vegan treat.
- Spice it Up: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that brings a cozy vibe to your cookies.
- Colorful Fun: Use natural food colorings made from beet juice or spirulina to tint your frosting, adding healthy ingredients and a pop of color.
- Frosting Swaps: Try a whipped cream frosting instead of cream cheese for a lighter, airy texture that pairs beautifully with the cookies.
Each of these variations allows you to create something uniquely yours while enjoying the soulful experience of homemade Crumbl Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Crumbl Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by rolling it into balls and refrigerating; this helps the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the cookies soft and chewy. If you want to take it a step further, you can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake directly from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For the cream cheese frosting, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 days; just give it a stir before spreading to ensure it’s creamy. This way, you’ll have fresh-baked cookies with minimal effort on your busy weeknights!
Helpful Tricks for Crumbl Cookies
- Mix with Care: Avoid overmixing the cookie dough; gently blend until just combined to ensure a soft and chewy texture.
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough balls are chilled for at least an hour before baking to prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake Smartly: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; remove them when the edges turn golden but the centers stay soft for a perfect finish.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For consistent sizes, use a cookie scoop to portion out your dough—this helps the cookies bake evenly.
- Frosting Fun: Get creative with your cream cheese frosting by adding different colors or sprinkles to make each cookie uniquely beautiful!
- Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh baking soda and powder for the best results; this ensures your Crumbl Cookies rise beautifully.
What to Serve with Crumbl Cookies?
Indulging in these delightful cookies opens up a world of complementary flavors and textures that will elevate your snack time into an experience.
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Fresh Milk: A classic pairing, the creamy sweetness of milk perfectly balances the rich flavor of the cookies and enhances their softness. It’s a timeless combination that never fails to satisfy.
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Rich Coffee: The deep flavors of a freshly brewed cup of coffee bring out the sweetness of the cookies, creating a lovely contrast that delights the senses. Enjoy sipping your coffee while savoring these soft and chewy treats.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that fuses creamy with chewy. The cold creaminess against the warm cookie is pure bliss.
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Fruity Milkshake: Blend fruits like strawberries or bananas with milk for a refreshing milkshake that adds a fruity twist to your cookie experience. The lightness of the shake complements the richness of the cookies wonderfully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by drizzling melted chocolate on top of the cream cheese frosting. The extra layer of sweetness and richness makes each bite even more decadent!
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Decorative Sprinkles: Add a splash of color and fun by tossing sprinkles onto your frosted cookies. It creates a festive look and pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the frosting, making them perfect for parties!
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can balance the indulgence of the cookies, offering a refreshing and healthful counterpoint. The natural sweetness of the fruit enhances the overall flavor experience.
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Homemade Lemonade: A tall glass of sweet and tangy lemonade creates a bright, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the Crumbl Cookies. The citrusy zing pairs beautifully with the sweetness for a delightful treat.
These pairings not only enhance the experience but also cater to various occasions, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends and family. Enjoy!
Crumbl Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ingredients for my Crumbl Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best cookies, choose fresh ingredients. When selecting brown sugar, look for a soft and moist texture—avoid any with hard clumps. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, as these leavening agents need to be active for the cookies to rise properly. You can also experiment with flavor by using pure extracts, like vanilla or almond, while choosing high-quality butter makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
How should I store my Crumbl Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their delightful soft and chewy texture. If you’ve frosted your cookies, it’s best to refrigerate them, where they can last for up to 7 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely to prevent the frosting from melting away!
Can I freeze Crumbl Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze unbaked dough, wrap individual dough balls in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to your baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to a few factors. First, make sure your dough was sufficiently chilled before baking—this is crucial! If the dough was warm, it tends to spread more. Additionally, be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can develop too much gluten, leading to flatter cookies. Lastly, ensure your oven temperature is accurate. Using an oven thermometer can be helpful if you’re unsure.
Are Crumbl Cookies suitable for specific dietary needs?
Yes, you can make these cookies more inclusive! For those with allergies, consider using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute suited for baking, while still keeping an eye on texture and taste. Also, make sure to check the labels of all ingredients to avoid cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Can I customize the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! Get creative with your frosting! You can add food coloring to match festive occasions or mix in different flavor extracts like lemon or almond to beautifully enhance the frosting’s taste. If you want to change the texture, consider adding a bit of milk to make it smoother or including a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness—options are endless, so have fun!
Homemade Crumbl Cookies: Soft, Chewy Bliss with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Whisk together brown sugar, white sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift together the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl; then fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Roll 50g balls of dough and place them spaced apart on the baking tray.
- Refrigerate the dough balls for 1 hour to prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting them.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter, cream cheese, and icing sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and food coloring (if using) until well combined.
- Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies and add sprinkles if desired.