Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and oh-so-delicious! With a light vanilla flavor and a sprinkle of sugar on top, they are simple yet fully satisfying.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion. I love making a batch to share with friends, or just enjoying them with a glass of milk. Who can resist that sweet treat? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter works best as it allows better control over the salt in the recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine, but real butter gives a richer flavor that I love.
Vanilla Extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract for the best taste. If you’re out, vanilla flavoring works in a pinch, but it lacks the depth of pure vanilla.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard for these cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, which usually works well for cookies.
Granulated Sugar: The classic choice for sweetness. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor and color, but your cookies will be a bit darker.
How Can I Ensure the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The key to achieving that soft and chewy texture lies in mixing and baking. Here are my top tips:
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This introduces air and gives lift to your cookies.
- Don’t overmix once you add the dry ingredients; this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined!
- Keeping the cookies slightly underbaked helps them stay soft. They continue to bake on the tray once removed from the oven.
- Allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set properly!
Enjoy your baking adventure with these Crumbl-inspired cookies! They’re a fantastic treat for gatherings or just to enjoy at home.
How to Make Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract recommended)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 – 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Sprinkles (multicolor, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 9-11 minutes for baking. After that, you’ll let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets. You might want to allow some extra cooling time for the frosting, too. All together, you’re looking at about 30 minutes before your delicious cookies are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). While that’s heating up, grab a couple of baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will help prevent your cookies from sticking!
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg and the vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is nicely combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Remember, don’t overmix! We want to keep those cookies soft and tender.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Now it’s time to scoop! Use heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Give each cookie a gentle press with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten them a bit. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for an extra touch!
5. Bake the Cookies:
Put the cookies in the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be set, while the centers may look slightly underbaked; that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, let’s make the delicious vanilla frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well on medium speed. After that, pour in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat for about 3 minutes until it’s nice and fluffy. If you need a thinner consistency for spreading, just add a bit more cream or milk until you reach your desired texture!
7. Frost the Cookies:
When the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the vanilla frosting over the top of each cookie. Don’t forget the fun part—sprinkle some colorful sprinkles on top to really make your cookies pop!
8. Serve and Store:
Enjoy your fabulous cookies right away, or you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They make perfect snacks or dessert treats for any occasion!
Enjoy soft, pillowy vanilla sugar cookies topped with creamy vanilla frosting and bright sprinkles, just like Crumbl’s famous treat!
Can I Use Room Temperature Butter Instead of Softened Butter?
Yes, you can! Just be sure the butter is truly softened. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, affecting the cookie’s texture. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds to soften it a bit, but avoid melting it.
Can I Substitute the Granulated Sugar with Brown Sugar?
Absolutely! If you use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, your cookies will be a little chewier and have a deeper flavor. You can use half granulated and half brown sugar as a variation!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid area, refrigeration might be a better option to maintain freshness, but be aware that it may slightly change the texture of the cookies.
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Just scoop the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.