These iconic Crumbl sugar cookies are known for their thick, buttery softness and sweet pink almond frosting. With detailed steps and tips, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies at home!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Sugar: 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- Egg: 1 large, at room temperature
- Flavoring: 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for signature flavor)
- Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- Sugar: 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- Flavoring: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Cream/Milk: 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk (adjust to consistency)
- Food Coloring: Pink gel or liquid food coloring
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Soften Butter: If your butter isn’t softened, microwave it in 5-second intervals until just pliable (but not melted).
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light, pale, and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Pro Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until workable.
Step 3: Form and Bake Cookies
- Portion Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons per cookie) or roll the dough into 2-inch balls.
- Flatten Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm to create a thick, round disc.
- Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes. The edges should be set, but the tops should remain pale and soft.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Flavor and Adjust: Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time.
- Color: Add pink food coloring to achieve your desired shade, mixing thoroughly.
Step 5: Frost and Chill
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a thick layer of frosting on each cookie using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Optional Chill: For the signature Crumbl texture and flavor, refrigerate the frosted cookies for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing and a soft, pliable dough.
- Thicker Cookies: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- Storage:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to a week for extended freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing for best results.
These Crumbl-inspired sugar cookies are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want a bakery-style treat at home! Enjoy their soft texture, buttery flavor, and creamy frosting with every bite.