Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe (with Video)

Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe: There’s nothing quite like biting into a thick, buttery Crumbl sugar cookie topped with luscious frosting.

These cookies have taken the dessert world by storm, and for a good reason—they’re soft, rich, and taste like they came straight from a bakery. The best part? You can make them right at home!

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to recreate the famous Crumbl sugar cookie with simple ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and plenty of tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Why Crumbl Sugar Cookies Are So Popular

So, what’s the hype all about? Crumbl cookies became a social media sensation with their rotating menu and giant, bakery-style cookies. But the sugar cookie remains one of their most iconic flavors. What makes them so irresistible is the texture: soft and pillowy on the inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and generously frosted with a creamy, sweet icing.

People also love them because they’re not overly complicated. Unlike some fancy bakery treats, Crumbl sugar cookies rely on simple pantry staples, and the magic lies in how everything comes together. Plus, they’re beautiful to look at—big, round cookies with that smooth swirl of frosting on top, sometimes with a hint of pastel food coloring to match the season.

Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a friend, or just craving something sweet, this recipe brings that bakery experience right into your kitchen.

What Makes These Cookies Unique

What really sets Crumbl sugar cookies apart is their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and thick layer of almond-flavored frosting. Unlike traditional sugar cookies that are often rolled thin and decorated with royal icing, these cookies are thick, cakey, and creamy all at once.

Here are a few things that make them stand out:

• No Rolling Out Dough: No need to roll and cut. You just scoop and flatten!
• Almond Extract: This is the secret flavor weapon. Almond extract gives that iconic taste.
• Thick Frosting: Not just a drizzle—the frosting is rich, creamy, and covers the top generously.
• Soft Bake: These cookies are baked until just set, which keeps them ultra-soft and chewy inside.

Ready to make your own batch? Let’s dive into the ingredient list.

List of Ingredients You’ll Need

To replicate the iconic Crumbl sugar cookie flavor and texture, you’ll need a mix of basic baking ingredients. Let’s break it down:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cookie dough.
• ½ tsp baking powder – Helps give the cookie some rise.
• ¼ tsp baking soda – A touch helps with texture and softness.
• ¼ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Key to that rich, buttery flavor.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Classic sweetness for the base cookie.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar – Adds tenderness and smooth texture.
• 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor depth.
• ½ tsp almond extract – The signature Crumbl flavor.

Frosting Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• ½ tsp almond extract
• Food coloring (optional) – Light pink is a classic!

These ingredients are easy to find and might already be in your pantry. Now let’s grab the tools and get baking!

Recommended Kitchen Tools

While you don’t need fancy equipment, having the right tools makes a huge difference when baking. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie scoop (optional but helpful)
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)

Now that we’ve got everything prepped, it’s time to bake. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crumbl Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before your cookies go in—this helps them bake evenly and hold their shape.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and help with even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dough, which is key for a consistent texture.

Set this bowl aside—you’ll combine it with the wet ingredients shortly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Cream them together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Creaming properly incorporates air into the dough, which gives the cookies that beautiful, soft texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugars are creamed, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully incorporated—scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything gets blended.

This is where the cookie starts to smell really good.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix! You want a soft, thick dough that holds together but isn’t overworked.

The dough should feel soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, chill it for 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Forming and Shaping the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough balls—about 3 tablespoons each for that signature Crumbl size.

Place them on the baking sheet, spaced apart, and gently press them down with your palm or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly.

This helps them bake into that thick, round shape.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 9–11 minutes. They should just be set on top and look slightly underbaked in the center—that’s perfect! They’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Avoid overbaking unless you want crispy cookies (but Crumbl is all about softness!).

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 8: Cooling Properly

Let the cookies cool completely before frosting. If you try to frost them warm, the icing will melt and slide off. A cooled cookie will hold the frosting beautifully and keep that thick, clean swirl on top.

Once they’re cool, it’s time for the best part—the frosting.

How to Make Crumbl-Style Frosting

This creamy, almond-flavored frosting is what takes the cookie from great to unforgettable. It’s thick, rich, and slightly sweet with just the right amount of flavor.

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large bowl, add ½ cup softened unsalted butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for about 2–3 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. This step is important—it creates the perfect base for a light and airy frosting.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once incorporated, increase the speed and mix until smooth. Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and a splash of vanilla extract if you like a flavor combo. These extracts are essential for that classic Crumbl flavor.

Step 3: Add Milk for Texture

Now, slowly add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency. The goal is a spreadable but thick texture—not runny. Beat the frosting on high speed for another minute to get it extra fluffy.

Step 4: Tint with Food Coloring (Optional)

Crumbl often tints their sugar cookie frosting light pink. To recreate the signature look, add a drop or two of red food coloring and mix well. Start small—you can always add more.

Now your frosting is ready. It’s time to decorate those beautiful cookies!

How to Frost the Cookies

Frosting these cookies is just as satisfying as eating them! Here’s how to get that bakery-perfect look:

1. Wait Until Cookies Are Completely Cool – If they’re even a little warm, your frosting will melt.
2. Use an Offset Spatula or Butter Knife – Scoop a generous amount of frosting and swirl it on top of each cookie. Start in the center and work your way outward in a spiral.
3. Get Creative – Want to get fancy? You can pipe the frosting using a piping bag with a round or star tip for a professional finish.
4. Let the Frosting Set – Leave the cookies out for 15–30 minutes so the frosting sets slightly on top.

You now have the full Crumbl experience—without leaving your kitchen.

Tips for the Perfect Crumbl Sugar Cookie

Want next-level cookies every time? Keep these pro tips in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them mix evenly and gives a better texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing makes the cookies tough.
• Chill the Dough If Needed: If your dough feels sticky, chill it for 15–30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking.
• Flatten Before Baking: These cookies don’t spread a lot on their own, so press them down slightly before putting them in the oven.
• Let Cookies Cool Fully Before Frosting: Warm cookies will melt the frosting, and you’ll lose that iconic swirl.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Watch out for these common errors:

• Using Salted Butter: This can throw off the flavor balance. Always use unsalted and control the salt yourself.
• Skipping the Almond Extract: That signature Crumbl taste depends on almond extract. Don’t leave it out unless you absolutely have to.
• Overbaking: These cookies are meant to be soft! Take them out when they look just set on top—they’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet.
• Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can make cookies dry and crumbly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Frosting Hot Cookies: Again, don’t do it. Be patient. Let them cool completely.

How to Store Crumbl Sugar Cookies

You’ve baked and frosted these beauties—now how do you keep them fresh?

• Room Temperature: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking.
• Refrigerator: Want them to last longer? Store them in the fridge for up to 7 days. They’ll be firmer, so let them sit at room temp before eating for the best texture.
• Keep Frosting Intact: If storing after frosting, let the frosting set completely before stacking to prevent smudging.

These cookies are great for making ahead, especially if you’re planning for a party or holiday.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely! Crumbl sugar cookies freeze really well—both the cookie dough and the baked cookies.

Freezing Cookie Dough:

• Scoop the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• When ready to bake, place on a tray and bake straight from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes.

Freezing Baked Cookies:

• Let cookies cool completely (without frosting).
• Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temp and frost fresh before serving.

Sugar Cookie Variations You Can Try

Want to switch it up? Here are some fun ideas to customize your Crumbl sugar cookies:

• Lemon Crumbl Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the frosting.
• Funfetti Cookies: Mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a party vibe.
• Chocolate Frosting: Swap almond frosting for chocolate buttercream.
• Holiday Themed: Tint the frosting red and green for Christmas, or use themed sprinkles.
• Mini Versions: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized cookies for gifting or snacking.

The base recipe is flexible—so have fun with it!

FAQs about Crumbl Sugar Cookie Recipe

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s not recommended. Butter gives the cookies a rich flavor and better texture. Margarine can make them oily or too soft.

2. How do I make the cookies soft and chewy?

Don’t overbake them. Pull them out when they’re just set on top. Also, measure flour correctly and avoid overmixing.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your mixer is big enough to handle the volume. You can also freeze extras for later.

4. What food coloring does Crumbl use?

They typically use gel food coloring for vibrant yet soft hues. A tiny bit of pink or red does the trick!

5. Are these cookies better fresh or the next day?

They’re amazing both ways! Fresh cookies are super soft, while next-day cookies have deeper flavor and firmer texture.

Conclusion

There you have it—a complete step-by-step guide to making bakery-style Crumbl sugar cookies right in your own kitchen. With their soft, buttery base and rich almond frosting, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re recreating a favorite or just trying something new, this recipe brings the magic of Crumbl straight to your home.

Happy baking!