Crumbl Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Copycat Recipe
Do you crave those thick, soft Crumbl sugar cookies with the velvety pink frosting? With this recipe, you can bake up a tempting batch right in your own kitchen—no trip to the bakery needed. From the bakery-soft crumb to that signature almond-vanilla flavor, this guide walks you through every step, from mixing ingredients to garnishing with the perfect swirl.
Whether celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies bring instant comfort and joy. Here, you’ll find thorough ingredient insights, detailed instructions, pro tips, and storage strategies—everything required for a flawless batch of Crumbl sugar cookies.
Why Crumbl Sugar Cookies Stand Out
Crumbl cookies are renowned for their size, flavor, and soft texture. What makes their sugar cookies unique? It’s a combination of the right butter-to-sugar ratio, a blend of almond and vanilla extracts, and their thick, tender crumb. Plus, that cloud-like frosting sets them apart.
- Generous size: Baked large, these cookies offer a bakery-like experience at home.
- Soft and tender crumb: The dough is engineered for an ultra-soft texture, never dry.
- Almond-vanilla flavor: A hint of almond deepens the sweetness, avoiding simple blandness.
- Luscious frosting: The topping is smooth, not overly sweet, and tinted a delicate blush pink.
- Make-ahead friendly: The recipe adapts to weeknight cravings or special events.
Ingredient Deep Dive
Creating authentic Crumbl sugar cookies means paying attention to your ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need, with insights on how to select and use each component.
For the Cookies
| Ingredient | Function & Notes |
|---|---|
| Salted Butter | Lends richness; provides structure |
| Granulated Sugar | Sweetens; assists browning |
| Large Eggs | Adds moisture, binds dough |
| Almond Extract | Signature flavor boost |
| Vanilla Extract | Balances and warms the taste |
| All-Purpose Flour | Key to a soft, thick crumb |
| Baking Powder | Ensures a subtle lift and puffiness |
Ingredient Tips
- Use room-temperature butter for easy creaming. It should yield slightly to your finger but not feel oily or melted.
- For optimal flavor, pick pure extracts, not artificial imitations.
For the Pink Frosting
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Salted Butter | Silky base for creamy texture |
| Powdered Sugar | Sweetens and thickens the frosting |
| Almond Extract | Essential for classic Crumbl flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | Adds warmth |
| Milk or Cream | Controls spreadability |
| Pink Gel Coloring | Gives the iconic look |
Frosting Tips
- Gel food coloring is best. It yields intense color with only a tiny amount, and doesn’t thin your frosting.
- Adjust milk or cream to reach your preferred consistency—thicker for a decorative swirl, thinner for a gentle spread.
Step-by-Step: Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe
Let’s walk through this recipe, breaking down each stage for maximum success. This process covers every critical detail, from dough mixing to final assembly.
1. Prep Your Kitchen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together salted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Scrape down the bowl as needed. This ensures the sugar aerates the butter evenly.
3. Blend in Eggs and Extracts
- Add eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Beat until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture should turn pale and glossy.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Whisk briefly.
- Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture on low speed, blending just until a soft dough forms.
- Avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough develops gluten and toughens the cookies.
5. Shape and Flatten Dough
- Scoop dough using a 1/4 cup measure or large cookie scoop for true Crumbl size.
- Roll gently into balls and space them 3 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Flatten each with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to 1/2-inch thick. This yields the signature thick-but-flat shape.
6. Bake and Cool
- Bake for 9–11 minutes. Edges should look just set while centers remain soft and puffy.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Cool completely before frosting to keep the icing stable.
7. Make the Frosting
- Beat softened butter until creamy (about 1 minute).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low to avoid “sugar clouds.”
- Add almond and vanilla extracts, then 1 tablespoon of milk or cream to start.
- Beat on medium-high until fluffy, adjusting milk or cream for spreadability.
- Mix in a drop or two of pink gel coloring until evenly tinted.
8. Frost and Chill
- Once cookies are cool, frost generously with an offset spatula or butter knife.
- Swirl for a classic finish.
- Refrigerate until frosting is set. Chilling boosts flavor and enhances texture.
Pro Baker Tips for Success
Keeping a few expert tricks in your back pocket can turn good cookies into great ones.
- Proper butter texture: Soft, not melty butter incorporates air better than cold or melted.
- Don’t overmix: Once flour is added, mix only until you no longer see dry bits.
- Cool before frosting: Warm cookies cause melted, slipping icing.
- Customize colors: Personalize the frosting tint for birthdays or holidays with different gel colors.
- Sprinkle magic: Add colored sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible pearls right after frosting for a festive touch.
Size Variations and Baking Notes
Crumbl cookies are known for their impressive size, but you can easily adjust:
- For mini cookies: Scoop 2-3 tablespoon portions instead of 1/4 cup. Bake 7-9 minutes.
- For jumbo cookies: Stick to 1/4 cup or larger, and always account for extra cooling time due to retained heat.
Baking times may vary by oven, humidity, or pan color. Check the first batch early—you want edges set but no golden crust.
Storing and Freezing Crumbl Sugar Cookies
Freshly baked or leftover, these cookies store well and freeze easily.
Short-Term Storage
- Unfrosted cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Frosted cookies: Place in a single layer in a lidded container and refrigerate for up to a week. Chilling keeps the icing firm and prevents sticky messes.
Freezing for Later
- Cookie dough balls: Freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Dough keeps for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with a 1-2 minute increase in bake time.
- Baked cookies: Cool completely, then freeze in single layers. Thaw at room temp before frosting.
Ingredient Swaps and Troubleshooting
You can tweak this recipe slightly without losing that classic Crumbl vibe.
- Flavor extracts: Sub in orange, lemon, or coconut for a fun twist.
- Gluten-free? Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter and a splash of almond or oat milk.
- No almond extract: If nut allergies are a concern, use only vanilla. The texture and sweetness still shine.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cookies spreading too much | Chill dough before baking |
| Icing too runny | Beat in more powdered sugar |
| Icing too thick | Add extra milk or cream, 1 tsp at a time |
| Dry cookies | Reduce baking time; check oven temp accuracy |
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies at room temperature or directly from the fridge, just as Crumbl does. They’re crowd-pleasers at birthday parties, baby showers, and family gatherings— or as a sweet treat after a long day.
Pair with cold milk, your favorite tea blend, or a freshly brewed coffee for the perfect finish.
With each bite, enjoy the nostalgia and luxury of bakery-fresh Crumbl sugar cookies—soft, sweet, and perfectly frosted—made with your own hands.
Crumbl Sugar Cookies
This copycat Crumbl sugar cookie recipe is even better than the original. The cookies are soft and buttery. They’re topped with a silky pink frosting. Enjoy all of this at a fraction of the cost.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pink gel food coloring
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookies: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour and baking powder and gradually mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Portion the dough into 1/4 cup scoops. Roll them into balls and arrange them on the cookie sheets with 3 inches between them.
- Flatten the cookie dough with the bottom of a drinking glass or measuring cup until each cookie is about 1/2 inch thick.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers have puffed up a bit. The tops should no longer appear glossy.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl and gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Stir in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add additional cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency. Mix in the pink gel food coloring, a little at a time, until the frosting is evenly colored.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie. Start in the middle, leaving the lip unfrosted.
- Chill the frosted cookies until the frosting is set. Serve chilled for the signature Crumbl experience. Enjoy!