There’s something irresistible about the warm, gooey, bakery-style goodness of a Crumbl cookie recipe made right at home. With their signature oversized shape, soft centers, and rotating gourmet flavors, it’s no wonder Crumbl Cookies have become a nationwide obsession. But here’s the good news—you don’t need to wait in line or break the bank to enjoy them.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make the best Crumbl cookie recipe at home. From the classic chocolate chip to fun flavor variations like Pink Sugar and Cookies & Cream, you’ll learn the secrets to creating thick, soft, and delicious cookies that taste just like they came from the Crumbl bakery—maybe even better.
So grab your mixer and let’s dive into the ultimate homemade Crumbl cookie experience!
What Makes Crumbl Cookies So Special?
Story Behind Crumbl Cookies (Brand Background and Why They Went Viral)
Crumbl Cookies was founded in 2017 by two cousins, Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley, in Logan, Utah. Their mission was simple: to create the perfect chocolate chip cookie. After testing recipes over and over again—with feedback from friends, family, and local taste-testers—they landed on a winning formula that would later define the brand’s identity.
What started as a small bakery quickly grew into a booming business. But Crumbl didn’t just rely on great cookies—they mastered the art of marketing and social media. Their viral success can be credited to a few brilliant moves:
- Rotating Weekly Menu: Instead of offering the same flavors all the time, Crumbl releases four to five new gourmet cookie flavors each week. This created excitement and urgency, encouraging fans to return often just to see what’s new.
- Instagram-Worthy Presentation: The cookies are not only delicious—they’re huge, soft-baked, and beautifully decorated. Perfect for social media sharing. Their signature pink box and giant cookies quickly became a recognizable aesthetic.
- TikTok Takeover: Crumbl embraced TikTok early on, with behind-the-scenes baking videos, flavor reveals, and taste tests going viral. Their TikTok account gained millions of followers, turning cookie lovers into brand ambassadors overnight.
Thanks to this clever blend of quality, innovation, and smart digital marketing, Crumbl evolved from a local bakery to a nationwide cookie phenomenon. Today, there are over 800 Crumbl locations across the U.S., with more opening every month—proof that a great cookie (and a smart strategy) can go a long way.
Signature features of a Crumbl Cookie Recipe: thick, soft-baked, and giant-sized.
Crumbl cookies aren’t your average cookies—they’re in a league of their own. Part of what makes them so irresistible (and so easy to recognize) is their signature look and texture. Whether you’re making them from scratch or picking them up from the shop, here’s what truly sets a Crumbl cookie apart:
1. Thick and Oversized
Unlike standard homemade cookies, Crumbl cookies are massive in size—each one can be as big as the palm of your hand and weigh up to 5 ounces! This oversized style doesn’t just make them look impressive, it also gives each bite a satisfying chew and a bakery-quality feel. If you’re recreating these at home, using a large cookie scoop or even a food scale can help you achieve that iconic size.
2. Soft-Baked Center
Crumbl cookies are known for their super soft, almost gooey center, often described as being somewhere between a cookie and cookie dough. They’re baked just enough to hold their shape, but not so much that they lose that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Getting this perfect softness at home means slightly underbaking and then allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet, where they finish setting without drying out.
3. Crisp Edges, Tender Middle
What makes a Crumbl cookie truly addictive is the contrast in textures. The outer edges develop a slight crisp during baking, while the middle remains tender and chewy. This balance is key to replicating the authentic Crumbl experience, and it all comes down to ingredient ratios and baking time.
4. Beautiful, Bakery-Style Finish
Beyond taste and texture, Crumbl cookies are known for their picture-perfect presentation. Many are topped with swirls of frosting, sprinkles, crushed candy, or drizzles of chocolate. Even the unfrosted ones (like the classic chocolate chip) are baked to have a naturally crinkled top and golden finish that looks just as good as it tastes.
Weekly Rotating Gourmet Flavors (e.g., Pink Sugar, Churro, Birthday Cake)
One of the biggest reasons Crumbl has captured such a devoted fan base is their weekly rotating menu of gourmet cookie flavors. Instead of offering the same cookies year-round, Crumbl releases four to five new flavors every week, creating a constant sense of anticipation and exclusivity. This rotation keeps customers coming back—and it’s the perfect inspiration if you’re baking Crumbl-style cookies at home.
Here are a few of their most iconic and crowd-favorite flavors that you can try to recreate:
1. Pink Sugar
A Crumbl classic! The Pink Sugar cookie features a soft vanilla base topped with a bright pink almond-flavored frosting and a dusting of sugar crystals. It’s simple, pretty, and totally nostalgic. This one’s perfect for baby showers, tea parties, or just when you’re craving something sweet and smooth.
2. Churro
Inspired by the beloved cinnamon-sugar treat, the Churro Crumbl cookie is a cinnamon-spiced dough rolled in sugar, then topped with a luscious swirl of cinnamon buttercream. It tastes like a warm hug and has all the cozy vibes of fall, though it’s delicious any time of year.
3. Birthday Cake
What’s a celebration without sprinkles? The Birthday Cake Crumbl cookie is soft, sweet, and loaded with colorful sprinkles, usually topped with a rich vanilla or cream cheese frosting. This one mimics the taste of Funfetti cake and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. More Favorites to Explore
Crumbl’s rotating flavors also include creations like Cookies & Cream Milkshake, Peanut Butter M&M, Molten Lava, and S’mores. Each one is a creative twist on classic desserts, combining flavors and textures that feel indulgent and playful.
Pro Tip: You can easily recreate Crumbl’s weekly magic at home by planning your own “flavor of the week.” Once you master the base cookie dough, try adding different toppings, fillings, or frostings to keep things fresh and fun, just like Crumbl does!
Why Homemade Crumbl Cookies Are Worth Trying
If you’ve ever tasted a warm, gooey Crumbl cookie fresh out of the box, you know just how special they are. But making Crumbl-style cookies at home has its own unique benefits—and might just make you fall in love with them all over again. Here’s why going the homemade route is totally worth it:
1. You Control the Ingredients
Store-bought cookies are delicious, but they can include preservatives, artificial flavors, or high levels of sugar and fat. When you make Crumbl cookies at home, you can choose high-quality ingredients, adjust sweetness levels, and even swap out allergens. Want organic flour? Gluten-free options? Dairy-free frosting? Go for it—your kitchen, your rules.
2. Fresh Out of the Oven (Anytime!)
There’s nothing like a cookie that’s just been pulled from the oven—soft, warm, and perfectly gooey in the center. By making them at home, you get to enjoy that fresh-baked magic whenever the craving hits, without having to drive to the nearest Crumbl store or wait in line.
3. Save Money While Baking More
Let’s face it: Crumbl cookies are a bit of a luxury treat, often costing $4–$5 per cookie. When you bake a batch at home, you can easily get a dozen giant cookies for the price of two store-bought ones. That means more cookies, more flavors, and more fun—for a lot less.
4. Customize Your Crumbl Cookie Recipe to Your Heart’s Content
Want to combine the Pink Sugar base with a chocolate ganache topping? Or turn your favorite birthday cake flavor into a cookie? When you bake at home, you’re not limited to Crumbl’s current menu. You can mix, match, and invent your own flavors, inspired by what you love (or what’s in your pantry).
5. Fun for Family, Kids, or Parties
Baking Crumbl cookies at home can be a fun group activity—whether it’s a weekend project with kids, a themed birthday party, or a girls’ night in. You can even host your own “flavor of the week” challenge and get creative with frostings and toppings.
So whether you’re chasing that iconic Crumbl texture or just want to wow your friends with giant, bakery-style cookies, going homemade gives you all the flavor—and all the freedom. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Crumbl Cookie Recipe
Core ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract
At the heart of every delicious Crumbl cookie is a handful of simple pantry staples. While the flavors may change weekly, the foundation remains the same—rich, buttery, soft-baked cookie dough. Let’s break down these core ingredients and why each one is essential to achieving that thick, gooey Crumbl-style texture at home:
1. Butter
Butter is the base of flavor and richness in any Crumbl cookie recipe. It adds moisture, creates that soft texture, and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
Pro tip: For the best results, use unsalted butter at room temperature. You can even brown the butter for a deeper, nutty flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!
2. Sugar
Crumbl cookies often use a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar.
- Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a bit of crispness on the edges.
- Brown sugar, with its molasses content, gives cookies a soft, chewy center and a rich depth of flavor.
Using a balanced ratio of both helps replicate that iconic Crumbl cookie texture.
3. Eggs
Eggs act as the binding agent and provide structure. They also add moisture, helping to create that tender crumb.
One large egg is usually enough, but some recipes may call for an extra yolk for added richness and chewiness—a Crumbl-style secret trick.
4. Flour
All-purpose flour is the go-to here. It gives the cookies body and structure.
For a thicker cookie, slightly increasing the flour can help the dough hold its shape and give you that signature tall, bakery-style cookie.
You want just enough flour to keep the cookie thick, but not so much that it becomes dry.
5. Baking Soda
This leavening agent helps the cookies rise and spread. It reacts with the acidic components in brown sugar, creating just the right lift and softness.
Note: Don’t substitute baking powder unless your Crumbl Cookie Recipe specifically calls for it—it changes the texture!
6. Vanilla Extract
Though often overlooked, vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances all the other flavors in your dough.
A high-quality pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference, especially in simple flavors like sugar cookies or chocolate chip.
These basic ingredients are the building blocks of your Crumbl copycat creations. Master this core formula, and you’ll be able to mix in add-ins, create custom flavors, or build rich frostings and fillings—all while keeping that classic Crumbl cookie texture we all love.
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Your Crumbl Cookie Recipe: Semi-Sweet vs. Milk Chocolate Chips
One of the most important decisions when baking a Crumbl Cookie Recipe at home, especially the classic chocolate chip variety, is the type of chocolate you use. The flavor, sweetness, and texture of your cookies will vary significantly depending on whether you go with semi-sweet or milk chocolate. Here’s how to decide which one best fits your recipe goals.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the most commonly used in traditional chocolate chip cookies. With a cocoa content of about 50 to 60 percent, they offer a well-balanced chocolate flavor that’s not too bitter and not too sweet.
Why use semi-sweet chocolate chips:
- They complement the sweet dough without overwhelming it.
- They provide a richer, more robust chocolate flavor.
- They melt well but still hold their shape, delivering that classic pocket-of-chocolate texture in every bite.
Semi-sweet chips are ideal if you prefer your cookies with a slightly deeper chocolate note or if you’re balancing them with a sweeter base or toppings.
Milk Chocolate Chips
Milk chocolate chips are creamier and sweeter, containing more sugar and milk solids and less cocoa. Crumbl is known for using large milk chocolate chunks in their signature chocolate chip cookies, which adds to their ultra-sweet, indulgent flavor profile.
Why use milk chocolate?
- They deliver a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- They make the cookies taste sweeter and more dessert-like.
- They replicate the signature Crumbl chocolate chip cookie flavor more closely, especially if you use large chunks rather than standard chips.
Using chopped milk chocolate bars or chunk-style chips can create pools of gooey, melted chocolate inside the soft cookie base, just like the original.
Mixing Both for the Best of Both Worlds
If you’re looking to create a more complex flavor profile, consider combining both semi-sweet and milk chocolate in your dough. This gives you a nice balance between sweetness and richness and can enhance the overall taste and texture of your cookies.
A 50/50 blend works well in most recipes and adds variety to every bite. Some bakers also add a few dark chocolate chips for an extra bold contrast.
In the end, the chocolate you choose plays a major role in the final result. Whether you want that bakery-style sweetness or a more balanced flavor, selecting the right type—or combination—can take your homemade Crumbl cookie recipe to the next level.
Optional Mix-Ins and Toppings (Oreos, Peanut Butter Cups, etc.)
One of the most fun and creative parts of making Crumbl-inspired cookies at home is experimenting with optional mix-ins and toppings. These extras not only add flavor and texture, but they also help recreate that signature “gourmet bakery” look and taste. Whether you’re mimicking Crumbl’s weekly flavor drops or creating something entirely your own, mix-ins and toppings let you take your cookies to the next level.
Crushed Oreos
Oreos are a Crumbl fan-favorite and a versatile ingredient. You can fold crushed Oreos directly into the dough to create a cookies-and-cream effect or use them as a topping for frosted cookies.
- For a soft crunch inside the dough, mix in roughly chopped Oreos.
- To mimic the Crumbl Oreo cookie, pair the crushed cookie base with a swirl of vanilla cream cheese frosting and extra Oreo crumbs on top.
Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. Chopped mini Reese’s peanut butter cups are perfect as a mix-in or a decorative topping.
- Fold chopped cups into a chocolate cookie base for an ultra-rich treat.
- Press a halved cup into the top of each baked cookie while still warm for a gooey, melty finish.
Chocolate Chunks or Chopped Bars
Instead of standard chocolate chips, try using chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bars. These give you larger pools of melted chocolate and a more rustic, bakery-style look. You can also mix white, milk, and dark chocolate for variety.
- Use chunk-style chocolate to mimic Crumbl’s iconic gooey texture.
- Add extra chocolate pieces to the top of each dough ball before baking for a visually stunning finish.
Candy Pieces and Cereal
Colorful candies like M&M’s, chopped Twix, Kit Kats, or mini marshmallows can turn a basic cookie into a playful dessert. Crumbl frequently incorporates nostalgic candies into their weekly flavors.
- Try Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or crushed pretzels for texture and fun.
- Candy-based cookies pair well with a simple sugar or peanut butter dough base.
Frostings and Drizzles
Once your cookies are baked and cooled, you can take things further by adding frostings, glazes, or chocolate drizzles.
- Cream cheese, buttercream, or ganache-style frostings are staples in any Crumbl Cookie Recipe, adding that signature rich and indulgent finish.
- Add a drizzle of caramel, white chocolate, or peanut butter for an extra indulgent touch.
- Top with sprinkles, toffee bits, crushed nuts, or sea salt for final texture and flavor.
Frostings and Fillings: Cream Cheese, Buttercream, or Ganache
One of the signature elements that sets Crumbl Cookies apart from the average cookie is their decadent frostings and fillings. These aren’t just decorative—they’re central to the flavor experience. Whether it’s a swirl of tangy cream cheese, a cloud of rich buttercream, or a drizzle of glossy ganache, these toppings elevate each cookie into a gourmet dessert experience. If you’re trying to replicate your favorite Crumbl cookie recipe at home, choosing the right frosting or filling is just as important as nailing the dough.
Cream Cheese Frosting
This frosting is a Crumbl classic, especially for cookies like Pink Sugar, Carrot Cake, or anything with a cinnamon or red velvet base. Cream cheese adds a slightly tangy contrast that balances out sweet cookies and brings a luscious, soft texture.
- Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla.
- Best piped or spread generously once cookies are completely cooled.
- You can also flavor it with lemon zest, cinnamon, or crushed Oreos to match specific cookie variations.
Why it works: Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with dense, moist cookies and offers a bakery-style finish with a hint of tartness.
Buttercream Frosting
For a lighter, sweeter touch, buttercream is the go-to. Crumbl uses it for cookies like Birthday Cake, Sugar Cookie, and Funfetti Milkshake. Its smooth, fluffy texture makes it perfect for vibrant cookie decorations and themed weekly flavors.
- Classic American buttercream is made with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add food coloring or flavor extracts (almond, peppermint, coconut) to customize your copycat Crumbl cookies.
- Easily pipe into tall swirls for a picture-perfect presentation.
Why it works: Buttercream adds height, sweetness, and visual appeal, especially when you’re recreating celebration-style Crumbl cookies.
Chocolate Ganache
For those ultra-rich chocolate Crumbl flavors like Chocolate Cake, Brownie Batter, or Peanut Butter Brownie, ganache is the key. It’s silky, glossy, and slightly more refined than a traditional frosting.
- Made by gently heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate (semi-sweet or milk).
- Once mixed, it can be poured as a glaze, whipped into a frosting, or cooled into a spreadable consistency.
- You can even make white chocolate or peanut butter ganache for more adventurous cookie flavors.
Why it works: Ganache delivers intense chocolate flavor and a professional finish, making your homemade Crumbl cookies taste like they came straight from the bakery.
Whether you’re layering a swirl of buttercream or stuffing a cookie with rich ganache, frostings and fillings are essential for mimicking Crumbl’s indulgent, over-the-top style. They’re also an easy way to customize your copycat Crumbl cookies with seasonal twists, flavor infusions, or unique textures.
Want to elevate your cookies even more? Try combining fillings and frostings—like stuffing the cookie with ganache and topping it with buttercream—for the ultimate bakery-style treat.
Step-by-Step Crumbl Cookie Recipe: How to Make Crumbl Cookies at Home
Tools You’ll Need: Cookie Scoop, Stand Mixer (e.g., KitchenAid), Baking Tray
To achieve perfect Crumbl-style cookies at home, having the right tools is essential. While the ingredients are key, the equipment you use can make all the difference when it comes to achieving that signature thick, soft-baked texture. Here are the essential tools you’ll need to recreate your favorite Crumbl cookie recipe with ease and precision.
Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop is one of the most important tools when making Crumbl-style cookies, especially if you want to recreate their signature giant cookie size. This tool ensures that each cookie is uniform in size, giving you perfectly even baking and a consistent texture.
- Why it’s necessary: Crumbl cookies are known for their large, thick shape, and a cookie scoop helps achieve that iconic size every time.
- Pro tip: Use a medium or large-sized scoop (around 2 tablespoons) to get that perfect round shape. This also helps ensure even cooking, as all the cookies will be the same size.
- If you don’t have a scoop, you can use a spoon, but a scoop makes it much easier to portion dough accurately, and it keeps your hands mess-free.
Stand Mixer (e.g., KitchenAid)
While you can mix your cookie dough by hand, a stand mixer like a KitchenAid makes the process much faster and more efficient. Crumbl cookies require a well-mixed dough to create that soft, chewy texture, and a stand mixer ensures everything is blended evenly without over-mixing.
- Why it’s necessary: A stand mixer gives your dough the perfect consistency—soft and slightly sticky, which is key to creating thick cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.
- Pro tip: Use the paddle attachment for mixing cookie dough, as it ensures a smooth, uniform mixture without over-beating the butter. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so it’s important to mix only until everything is incorporated.
- If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer can work as an alternative, though it requires more effort. For smaller batches, mixing by hand is also a viable option.
Baking Tray
A baking tray (or sheet pan) is another key tool for your Crumbl cookie recipe. Crumbl cookies are thick and large, so you’ll want a tray that can accommodate the size of your cookies while allowing for proper heat circulation.
- Why it’s necessary: A high-quality baking tray ensures even heat distribution, so your cookies bake uniformly. Opt for a light-colored, heavy-duty baking sheet, which helps prevent the bottoms from over-browning while maintaining a soft, chewy center.
- Pro tip: Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Parchment paper also helps maintain the integrity of your cookie shape.
- Avoid dark pans, as they tend to absorb heat and can lead to cookies that are too dark on the bottom before the center is properly baked.
Other Helpful Tools
While the cookie scoop, stand mixer, and baking tray are the essentials, there are a few other tools that can make your cookie-making experience smoother:
- Cooling racks: To allow your cookies to cool evenly, a wire cooling rack is essential. This prevents condensation from forming on the bottom of your cookies and keeps them from becoming soggy.
- Offset spatula: For easy frosting application or handling delicate cookies after they’re baked.
- Rolling pin (optional): If you’re planning on rolling out your dough for shaped cookies or adding layers of filling, a rolling pin can help flatten your dough to the desired thickness.
Having the right equipment ensures your homemade Crumbl-style cookies not only look like they came from a bakery, but also bake evenly and have that perfect texture. These tools aren’t just for convenience—they help you master every step, from mixing to baking to decorating, with ease.
Dough Prep: Mixing Techniques for Soft, Bakery-Style Texture
Achieving the perfect soft, thick, bakery-style texture is one of the hallmarks of a Crumbl cookie. The right mixing technique is critical to achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth softness while ensuring your cookies hold their shape and don’t flatten out during baking. Whether you’re following a classic chocolate chip Crumbl cookie recipe or experimenting with a new flavor, here’s how to mix your dough for optimal texture and consistency.
1. Creaming Butter and Sugar
The first step in most cookie recipes, including any Crumbl Cookie Recipe, is creaming the butter and sugar. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light, soft texture. It’s important not to skip this step or rush it, as it sets the foundation for the cookie’s structure.
- How to do it: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat your softened butter (room temperature) with your sugar (granulated or brown, depending on the recipe). Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—usually around 3 to 4 minutes. The longer you cream the butter and sugar, the more air will be incorporated, which contributes to the soft texture.
- Pro tip: For an even richer flavor and texture, combine both granulated sugar and brown sugar in your dough. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar contributes to a slightly crispier edge.
2. Properly Adding Eggs and Vanilla
After creaming the butter and sugar, it’s time to add the eggs and vanilla extract. Eggs help bind the dough together and provide structure, while vanilla adds the necessary flavor complexity. Crumbl cookies often have a rich, buttery flavor, which is achieved through this step.
- How to do it: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which is crucial for consistency.
- Pro tip: Don’t overmix the eggs into the dough. Once they are incorporated, stop mixing to avoid developing too much gluten, which could result in dense or tough cookies.
3. Gradual Addition of Dry Ingredients
When it’s time to add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt), it’s important to mix them in gradually. Overworking the dough at this stage can lead to cookies that are tough or too dense, which is the opposite of the soft, chewy texture Crumbl is known for.
- How to do it: Sift together your dry ingredients first to ensure they’re evenly distributed, then slowly add them to the wet ingredients in stages. This will prevent clumps of flour from forming and help the dough come together smoothly.
- Pro tip: Mix only until combined—do not overmix! The more you stir, the more gluten develops, which can result in cookies that spread too much and lose that soft, thick texture. You want your dough to be slightly sticky and pliable, not too stiff.
4. Resting the Dough for Optimal Texture
While it might be tempting to dive straight into baking, letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes (and up to overnight) in the refrigerator can make a huge difference in the final texture of your cookies.
- Why it works: Resting allows the flour to fully hydrate, which helps create a dough that holds its shape better when baked. Chilling also solidifies the butter, which will help your cookies keep their thick, bakery-style texture.
- Pro tip: Chilling the dough can also enhance the flavor, as it gives time for the sugars to absorb moisture and meld with the other ingredients. For even better results, scoop the dough into individual cookie portions before chilling, so they bake evenly.
5. Handling the Dough Gently
How you handle the dough during the scooping and shaping process is just as important as how you mix it. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage, as it can cause the cookies to become dense or tough.
- How to do it: Use a cookie scoop (or your hands) to portion out even amounts of dough. If you want to make your cookies extra thick, slightly press down on the dough balls to help them bake into thick discs rather than thin, spread-out cookies.
- Pro tip: For extra-large cookies, consider chilling the dough balls before baking. The chilled dough will hold its shape and produce that tall, thick Crumbl-style cookie.
The Secret to Soft, Thick Cookies
By following these steps—creaming the butter and sugar, adding the dry ingredients carefully, resting the dough, and handling it gently—you can create a dough that produces cookies with that signature Crumbl-style texture. The result will be soft, chewy, thick cookies that have a perfect balance of sweetness and structure.
By getting the dough prep just right, you’re setting the stage for cookies that are as close as possible to the best Crumbl cookie recipe—soft, thick, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Baking Tips: Oven Temperature, Chilling or No-Chill Method, Spacing
When it comes to baking Crumbl-style cookies, the right oven temperature, chilling technique, and dough spacing are all essential factors that affect the final texture, size, and appearance. Achieving that perfect soft and thick cookie that Crumbl is known for requires precision and attention to detail during the baking process. Here are the key tips for baking your homemade Crumbl cookies to perfection.
For even more expert baking advice, check out Sally’s Baking Basics from Sally’s Baking Addiction.
1. Oven Temperature: Preheat for Consistent Results
The right oven temperature is crucial for getting your cookies to bake evenly. Crumbl cookies are known for being thick and soft on the inside, with slightly crisp edges. To achieve this, you’ll want to make sure your oven is at the right temperature before you even put the dough in.
- Recommended temperature: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) for perfectly baked cookies. This temperature is ideal for cooking the cookies evenly without burning the edges.
- Why it works: Baking at 350°F allows the dough to rise and spread at the right pace, giving the cookies a soft, chewy center while allowing the outside to get slightly golden.
- Pro tip: Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the cookies inside. A cold oven can cause uneven baking, resulting in cookies that are too soft or that spread too much.
2. Chilling vs. No-Chill Method: Know When to Rest the Dough
When it comes to chilling the dough, this step can have a significant impact on the texture of your cookies. You have two options: the chill method and the no-chill method. Here’s when and why you might choose each approach:
- Chilling the dough (recommended): Resting the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before baking is highly recommended for Crumbl-style cookies. Chilled dough will produce cookies with thicker centers and less spreading, which is what you want for that signature, bakery-style thickness. The colder dough helps maintain the shape of the cookie as it bakes.
- Pro tip: After chilling, you can portion the dough into balls and place them back in the fridge if you plan to bake them later, ensuring they stay firm.
- No-chill method: If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to chill the dough, you can skip this step. However, keep in mind that no-chill dough may result in cookies that spread more during baking, leading to thinner cookies with a less chewy texture.
- Pro tip: If you’re opting for the no-chill method, use a cookie scoop to ensure the dough portions are consistent and on the larger side, helping the cookies hold their shape during baking.
3. Dough Spacing: Give Your Cookies Room to Spread
Proper cookie spacing on your baking tray is crucial to achieving the right texture and preventing your cookies from merging into one giant cookie. Since Crumbl cookies are large and thick, they need adequate space to bake properly.
- Spacing the dough: Be sure to space your cookie dough portions about 2 inches apart on the baking tray. This allows the cookies to spread slightly while keeping their thick, round shape.
- Why it works: Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate around each cookie, which helps them bake evenly. If the cookies are too close together, they may bake into one another and lose their distinct shape. For Crumbl-style cookies, you want them to stay thick and chewy, not flat and spread out.
- Pro tip: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies at once, try rotating the trays halfway through baking to ensure even baking, especially if you’re using a conventional oven without a fan.
4. Baking Time: Timing is Key
The baking time for Crumbl-style cookies can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your dough balls, your oven, and whether or not the dough has been chilled. Typically, Crumbl cookies bake in 10 to 12 minutes.
- When to take them out: You’ll want to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are slightly golden but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook and set as they cool on the baking tray.
- Pro tip: For cookies that are slightly underdone in the center, let them sit on the baking tray for 3–5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This allows the residual heat to finish cooking the centers while keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
5. Oven Placement: Top Rack vs. Bottom Rack
The placement of your baking tray inside the oven also plays a role in how evenly your cookies bake. For best results, place your baking tray in the center of the oven.
- Why it works: The middle rack provides the most even heat distribution, ensuring that your cookies bake uniformly. If the tray is too close to the top or bottom, the cookies may bake unevenly, causing the edges to burn or the centers to remain raw.
- Pro tip: If you’re baking multiple trays of cookies, try placing one tray on the top rack and one on the bottom rack, rotating them halfway through to ensure even baking.
Achieving Perfect Crumbl Cookies: The Bottom Line
By following these baking tips—choosing the right oven temperature, knowing when to chill the dough, giving your cookies proper spacing, and timing your bake correctly—you’ll be well on your way to creating Crumbl-style cookies that are thick, soft, and absolutely delicious. With these methods, you’ll recreate the best Crumbl cookie recipe in your own kitchen, impressing your friends and family with every bite!
Final Touch: How to Frost, Drizzle, or Stuff Your Crumbl-Style Cookies
One of the signature elements that make Crumbl cookies so irresistible is their final touch—whether it’s a layer of frosting, a drizzle of glaze, or an indulgent stuffed filling. These finishing touches elevate the cookies, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Here’s how you can recreate these sweet, eye-catching touches in your own kitchen, ensuring your homemade Crumbl-style cookies stand out.
1. Frosting Your Cookies: A Smooth and Creamy Finish
Frosting is a great way to add richness and a creamy texture to your Crumbl cookies. Whether you’re going for a classic buttercream or a tangy cream cheese frosting, the key is to keep it smooth and spreadable, without overpowering the flavor of the cookie itself.
- Buttercream frosting: This is a popular choice for many Crumbl-style cookies. It’s easy to make with just butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency. You can choose to add a little food coloring for fun, or flavor it with things like cocoa powder, vanilla, or almond extract.
- Pro tip: Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to pipe beautiful swirls on top of your cookies for a professional touch.
- Cream cheese frosting: This is a tangy and creamy option that pairs well with many cookie flavors like carrot cake, cinnamon roll, or red velvet. To make it, mix softened cream cheese with butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream cheese frosting is especially great if you want to balance out a particularly sweet cookie with some tanginess.
- Pro tip: For a thicker frosting, refrigerate it for a while before piping to help it firm up.
2. Drizzling with Glaze: Adding a Sweet Touch of Elegance
If you want a lighter, more delicate finish, a glaze drizzle is a fantastic way to add sweetness and a glossy sheen to your cookies. A drizzle is often used on cookies like Crumbl’s Pink Sugar or Birthday Cake varieties to give them that extra pop of flavor and look.
- Simple glaze: To make a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a bit of vanilla or other flavorings. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Pro tip: Drizzle the glaze over the cookies after they’ve cooled slightly but are still warm enough to set the glaze. Use a spoon, fork, or piping bag to create a pretty drizzle pattern across the top of each cookie.
- Chocolate drizzle: For a richer finish, consider drizzling a melted chocolate glaze on top. Melt semi-sweet or milk chocolate, and add a small amount of vegetable oil or heavy cream to smooth it out. Drizzle it across the cookies for a beautiful contrast.
- Pro tip: You can create a fun pattern by drizzling in zig-zags or swirls using a piping bag or a spoon.
3. Stuffing Cookies: A Gooey Center for Extra Decadence
Stuffing your Crumbl-style cookies with rich fillings is another way to create a memorable treat. This method adds surprise and indulgence with every bite, as your cookies reveal a gooey, mouthwatering center.
- Stuffed with chocolate chips or peanut butter cups: After forming the dough balls, flatten them slightly and place a piece of your favorite filling (like a mini peanut butter cup, a piece of chocolate bar, or even caramel) in the center. Fold the dough around the filling to seal it in, then bake as usual.
- Pro tip: Ensure the dough is sealed tightly around the filling to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
- Stuffed with frosting: For a truly decadent treat, you can stuff your cookies with frosting. After baking and cooling the cookies, create a small hole in the center and fill it with your favorite frosting. This works well with cookies like Churro Crumbl or Cinnamon Roll Crumbl, where a cream cheese or buttercream frosting stuffed inside can provide a delightful surprise.
4. Toppings and Garnishes: Adding Crunch or Extra Flavor
To add a little more texture or enhance the flavor of your Crumbl-style cookies, you can top them with a variety of garnishes or mix-ins. These additions can provide crunch, contrast, or an extra burst of flavor, and make your cookies look more appealing.
- Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can brighten up any cookie, especially those with a frosting finish. Think Birthday Cake Crumbl cookies, where sprinkles are not only visually pleasing but add a sweet crunch.
- Pro tip: Sprinkle them immediately after frosting while the frosting is still slightly soft to help them stick.
- Crushed candies or cookies: You can top your cookies with crushed candy, cookies, or even Oreos to add extra texture and flavor. Crushed Peanut Butter Cups, M&Ms, or even toffee bits can be sprinkled on top of your cookies for a decadent and flavorful finish.
- Pro tip: For an added crunch, sprinkle the toppings right before baking so they get lightly baked into the cookies. Alternatively, sprinkle them on top after the cookies are done baking for a more visible and impactful garnish.
- Sea salt or cinnamon sugar: For a contrasting finish, lightly dust your cookies with a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon sugar just before serving. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor, making it a little sweet and salty.
- Pro tip: Use a fine mesh sieve to evenly dust the sea salt or cinnamon sugar over the top for a polished finish.
Putting it All Together: A Beautiful and Delicious Cookie
The final touch is where you get to personalize and make your Crumbl-style cookies your own. Whether you’re frosting, drizzling, stuffing, or garnishing your cookies, these finishing touches are what truly elevate them from simple homemade treats to show-stopping desserts that taste as good as they look. Experiment with different combinations of frosting, fillings, and toppings to create your perfect Crumbl cookie recipe that everyone will love.
Flavor Variations to Try from the Crumbl Cookie Recipe Collection
One of the best things about making Crumbl-style cookies at home is that you can get creative with flavor variations! While the classic chocolate chip is a fan favorite, there’s an endless world of flavor combinations to explore. From rich peanut butter to fun seasonal and viral flavors, these variations will add excitement to your cookie-baking adventures. Here are a few must-try Crumbl Cookie recipes to take your homemade cookies to the next level.
Pink Sugar Crumbl Cookie Recipe with Almond-Flavored Frosting
The Pink Sugar Crumbl cookie is known for its soft, thick texture and delightful almond-flavored frosting. This version of the iconic cookie features a base that’s slightly sweet with a buttery, rich flavor, topped off with a smooth almond frosting and a sprinkle of sugar. If you’re looking to recreate a bakery-style treat at home, this Crumbl Cookie Recipe is a must-try.
- Why it’s special: The almond-flavored frosting gives the cookie an extra layer of sweetness and depth that perfectly complements the soft sugar cookie dough.
- How to make it: Start by making your dough with a simple sugar cookie base, and then bake to a soft, thick texture. For the frosting, combine butter, powdered sugar, almond extract, and a little milk to achieve a creamy consistency. Once the cookies are cooled, spread the frosting generously and sprinkle with sugar for that signature Crumbl look.
- Pro tip: If you want an even more decadent touch, add a little almond slivers on top of the frosting to enhance the nutty flavor.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Crumbl Cookie Recipe
Peanut butter and chocolate is a combination that’s impossible to resist. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Crumbl cookie is a rich, decadent treat with the perfect balance of salty and sweet. The peanut butter base is soft and chewy, with generous chocolate chips mixed throughout.
- Why it’s special: The pairing of creamy peanut butter with smooth milk or semi-sweet chocolate creates a comforting, indulgent cookie that satisfies both chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
- How to make it: For the dough, combine peanut butter with butter, sugar, eggs, and a little flour to make the base. Then, fold in chocolate chips (or chunks for extra decadence). After baking, you can top the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or even crushed peanuts for a crunchy finish.
- Pro tip: Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet flavor explosion.
Cookies and Cream Crumbl Cookie Recipe (with crushed Oreos and cream cheese frosting)
The Cookies and Cream Crumbl cookie brings the classic cookies and cream flavor to life with crushed Oreos mixed into the dough and a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting on top. The result is a cookie that’s chewy, crispy, and completely irresistible.
- Why it’s special: Combining Oreos into the dough and frosting gives this cookie the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, making each bite full of texture and flavor.
- How to make it: Make your dough by folding in crushed Oreos—both the cookie part and the cream filling. After baking, frost the cookie with a sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting and top with more crushed Oreos for that extra crunch.
- Pro tip: You can even sandwich a dollop of frosting between two cookies for an added treat, making them even more indulgent.
Seasonal Crumbl Cookie Recipe Variations (Based on TikTok Trends)
Crumbl is constantly introducing new, seasonal, and viral flavors that often gain traction on platforms like TikTok. From Churro Crumbl cookies to Cinnamon Roll and beyond, these flavors are influenced by seasonal ingredients, viral food trends, and even pop culture.
- Why it’s special: These limited-edition flavors keep things exciting and fresh, offering something new and unique to try each season. They’re also perfect for following food trends and offering Instagram-worthy cookies.
- How to make it: To create a seasonal or viral Crumbl Cookie Recipe, think about incorporating popular ingredients like pumpkin spice in the fall, peppermint during the holidays, or strawberry shortcake in the summer. You can also draw inspiration from trending TikTok recipes, adapting them into a Crumbl-style cookie by ensuring the base remains thick and soft while the flavors shine.
- Pro tip: Follow Crumbl on social media for the latest viral flavor updates, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own combinations.
Cookie Monster Ice Cream-Inspired Crumbl Cookies
If you’re a fan of Cookie Monster Ice Cream, try combining cookie chunks and blue frosting for a fun twist on your Crumbl cookie. Check out our Cookie Monster Ice Cream article for more inspiration!
Storage, Serving & Bonus Tips
To make sure your Crumbl-style cookies stay as delicious as when they came out of the oven, it’s essential to know the best ways to store and serve them. Whether you’re saving some for later or preparing a cookie platter for a special event, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your cookies stay fresh and enjoyable.
How to Store Crumbl Cookies for Maximum Freshness
To keep your Crumbl cookies soft, chewy, and fresh for as long as possible, proper storage is key.
- At room temperature: For cookies you plan to eat within a few days, store them in an airtight container or cookie jar at room temperature. This helps retain moisture and keeps the cookies from becoming dry.
- For longer storage: If you have extra cookies or want to make them in advance, store them in the freezer. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Pro tip: For best results, let cookies cool completely before storing them to avoid condensation that could make them soggy.
Reheating Tips for That Just-Baked Texture
There’s nothing like enjoying a Crumbl-style cookie when it’s warm and freshly baked. If your cookies have cooled down, here’s how to reheat them so they taste just like they just came out of the oven.
- In the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on a baking tray. Heat them for about 3–5 minutes, or until they’re warm and soft again.
- In the microwave: For a quick reheat, place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it for 10-15 seconds to revive its softness without drying it out.
- Pro tip: If you’re reheating a large batch, don’t stack the cookies; spread them out to ensure even heating.
Best Ways to Serve: With Milk, Coffee, or as a Dessert Platter
To take your Crumbl cookies to the next level, pair them with a drink or serve them as part of a dessert platter.
- With milk: There’s a reason milk and cookies go hand in hand. The creaminess of the milk perfectly balances out the sweetness and richness of the cookies.
- With coffee: For a more sophisticated pairing, serve your cookies with a hot cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, especially with flavors like Peanut Butter Chocolate or Cookies and Cream.
- As a dessert platter: If you’re serving cookies for a party or special occasion, arrange a variety of Crumbl-style cookies on a large platter, along with other treats like cupcakes, brownies, or mini pastries.
- Pro tip: Add some fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to your Crumbl Cookie recipe for an even more indulgent dessert experience.
Pro Baking Tips for Getting the Crumbl Look and Feel Every Time
To consistently bake cookies that have the perfect Crumbl texture—thick, soft, and chewy—follow these expert tips:
- Use the right ratio of butter to sugar: Crumbl cookies are known for their rich, buttery flavor. Don’t skimp on the butter or sugar; they help create that perfect texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
- Chill the dough (even for a short time): While not always necessary, chilling the dough helps control the spread and results in thicker, softer cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures your dough balls are uniform in size, which helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve that signature Crumbl thickness.
- Watch your baking time carefully: For that soft center, keep an eye on the baking time and remove the cookies when the edges are just golden but the centers are still slightly underbaked.
With these flavor variations, storage tips, and pro baking secrets, you’ll be able to make Crumbl-style cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning every time. Whether you’re creating a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies or experimenting with viral flavors, you now have all the tools to bake the best cookies at home.