These soft, buttery cookies topped with sweet almond icing are a delicious homemade alternative to the famous Crumbl treat. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just indulging your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened to room temperature
- (Unsalted butter works too; just add 1/4 tsp salt to the dough.)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- (Room temperature eggs help the dough mix evenly.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- (Gives the cookies a signature flavor—adjust to taste.)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- (Sifting ensures a soft and tender texture.)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- (For a light, fluffy cookie.)
For the Sweet Almond Icing:
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- (Sifting prevents lumps in the icing.)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1–3 tbsp milk
- (Adjust based on how thick or spreadable you want the icing.)
- Neon pink food coloring (optional)
- (Just a few drops for that iconic color!)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, ensuring everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Roll the dough into balls using about 1½ tablespoons of dough for smaller cookies or 2 tablespoons for larger ones.
- Tip: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly press each dough ball down to flatten slightly. For a more uniform shape, press with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9–12 minutes (for smaller cookies) or 12–14 minutes (for larger cookies), until the edges are just barely golden.
- Pro Tip: The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center—they will set as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Almond Icing
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the almond extract.
- Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the icing reaches your desired consistency.
- For thick icing, use less milk; for spreadable icing, use more.
- If desired, mix in a few drops of neon pink food coloring until the icing reaches your preferred shade of pink.
Step 4: Frost and Decorate the Cookies
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of icing on each one using a butter knife or offset spatula.
- For a polished look, use a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.
- Optional: Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar pearls.
- Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is fully softened to prevent clumpy dough.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the dough mix evenly and creates a smoother texture.
- Chilling (Optional): If the dough is sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for consistent baking.
- Taste Test: Adjust the amount of almond extract to your preference—it’s strong and a little goes a long way!
These cookies are not only a close match to the Crumbl Pink Sugar Cookie but also an easy, affordable, and customizable treat. Have fun baking! 💕