There’s something about the first bite of a perfectly soft, buttery sugar cookie with a swirl of just‑sweet‑enough frosting that transports you right back to your favorite bakery.
For me, that bakery bliss came from those giant pink sugar cookies I always eyed at Crumbl, the ones that were soft in the middle, gently sweet, and topped with that classic almond‑kissed icing.
When a friend finally shared their copycat version with me, it was love at first bite,e and I knew I had to make it over and over in my own kitchen.
That’s how this crumbl sugar cookie recipe was born: a homemade take that delivers bakery‑style taste, texture, and that iconic pink frosting, without the trip to the store.
In this guide, I’m walking you through every detail: why this recipe works, how it differs from other sugar cookies, expert tips, substitutions for dietary needs, storage instructions, and answers to all the questions you might have. Let’s get baking!
What Is a Crumbl Sugar Cookie?
A Crumbl sugar cookie, especially the classic pink version, is a soft, thick, sweet treat topped with a creamy almond‑flavored frosting.
Unlike traditional thin sugar cookies, this version is generously sized, with a pillowy center, subtle almond notes, and vibrant pink icing that’s become Instagram‑famous.
While standard sugar cookies are often plain or lightly decorated, the Crumbl style pairs buttery, tender dough with a sweet almond frosting that sets it apart.
You’ll notice almond extract in both the cookie and frosting; that’s the signature flavor twist people love. This recipe is inspired by popular copycat versions found online, all crafted to mimic that bakery experience at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this crumbl sugar cookie recipe irresistible:
- Soft, pillowy texture that stays tender even after cooling
- Sweet almond‑forward flavor that’s iconic to Crumbl’s cookies
- Perfect frosting-to-cookie balance every time
- Beginner‑friendly instructions with simple ingredients
- Flexible ingredients and substitutions for dietary needs
- Great for sharing or gifting at parties and holidays
Ingredients Overview
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter: room temperature, gives rich flavor and soft texture
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: for sweetness and structure
- 2 large eggs: room temperature adds moisture and lift
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: classic sweetness enhancer
- ½ tsp almond extract: signature flavor (optional but recommended)
- 3 cups (375 g) all‑purpose flour: base for’ structure
- 2 tsp baking powder: gentle lift for soft cookies
- ½ tsp salt: balances sweetness and boosts flavor
For the Frosting
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened base for a smooth frosting
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar: sweetness and body
- 1 tsp almond extract: ties frosting to cookie flavor
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream: controls consistency
- Pink gel food coloring: for that bakery look (optional)
Substitutions You Can Use
- Gluten‑free: Replace all‑purpose flour with a gluten‑free baking blend (1:1). Add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- Dairy‑free: Swap butter for dairy‑free sticks; use oat or almond milk in frosting.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg). Add a bit more milk if needed for texture.
- Less sweet: Reduce powdered sugar in frosting by ¼ cup, or omit food coloring.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven to 350°F (175°C)
Preheating your oven is the first step to perfect Crumbl sugar cookies. Set it to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking and soft, pillowy centers.
Never skip this step, a hot oven locks in the butter and sugar, giving cookies the signature Crumbl texture.
While the oven heats, gather 1 cup (227 g) of butter, 1 cup (200 g) of sugar, 2 large eggs, 3 cups (375 g) of flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ tsp almond extract.
Preparing ingredients during preheat saves time and prevents overmixing. Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Even a slight temperature difference can make cookies thin or dry. Preheating sets the stage for perfect, bakery-style sugar cookies every time.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Creaming butter and sugar is the foundation of soft, fluffy Crumbl sugar cookies. Use 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, and 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar.
Beat together 3–4 minutes until light, airy, and pale. This traps air, giving cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Scrape the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing. Overbeating can make cookies dense, while underbeating prevents proper lift. This step is critical for that signature bakery-style crumb and buttery flavor.
For maximum flavor, always use room-temperature butter, and sift sugar if clumpy. Perfectly creamed butter and sugar create a dough that’s easy to handle, evenly baked, and irresistibly soft every time.
Add Eggs and Extracts
Adding eggs and extracts transforms your Crumbl sugar cookie dough into rich, flavorful perfection. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Eggs provide moisture, structure, and that tender, soft crumb fans love.
Next, mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and ½ tsp almond extract for the signature Crumbl flavor. Almond extract elevates the sweetness with a subtle, nutty aroma that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Always use room-temperature eggs to prevent the dough from curdling. Mix gently but thoroughly to keep the batter airy.
This step locks in flavor, ensures even texture, and sets the stage for cookies that are soft, fluffy, and irresistibly bakery-style.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Combining dry ingredients is crucial for perfectly textured Crumbl sugar cookies. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt until evenly blended.
This ensures a consistent rise, soft centers, and edges that hold shape. Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and distribute baking powder evenly for fa lawless texture.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor, while baking powder adds gentle lift without toughness. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make cookies dense.
Having dry ingredients ready before adding them to the butter mixture guarantees smooth incorporation. This step builds structure, supports flavor, and lays the groundwork for bakery-style, soft, and pillowy sugar cookies every time.
Make the Dough
Making the dough transforms your ingredients into the base of perfect Crumbl sugar cookies. Gradually add the dry mixture: 3 cups (375 g) flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt to the creamed butter and sugar: 1 cup (227 g) butter, 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, ½ tsp almond extract. Mix slowly until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Avoid overmixing; overworked dough leads to dense cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to shape.
Use a spatula to scrape the bowl and ensure even blending. Perfectly made dough is smooth, holds its shape, and sets the stage for cookies with soft, pillowy centers and bakery-style texture.
Shape Cookies
Shaping cookies sets the foundation for soft, bakery-style Crumbl sugar cookies. Scoop ¼ cup portions of dough, about 6 per baking sheet, using a cookie scoop or your hands for uniform size.
Roll each portion into a smooth ball to ensure even baking. Slightly flatten the tops with your palm or the bottom of a glass; thick cookies hold their shape but bake evenly.
Maintain spacing of at least 2 inches between cookies to prevent merging. Consistent shaping ensures uniform texture, soft centers, and bakery-style appearance.
Perfectly shaped dough guarantees cookies that are visually stunning, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth with every bite. This step is simple but essential for flawless results.
Bake
Baking transforms shaped dough into soft, bakery-style Crumbl sugar cookies. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place ¼ cup dough balls on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and tops remain soft and slightly puffy.
Do not overbake cookies; continue to cook slightly on the hot sheet after removing from the oven. For even baking, rotate the pan halfway through.
Once baked, let cookies rest 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper baking ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center, slightly crisp edges, and that classic Crumbl texture everyone loves. Timing is key for perfection every time.
Cool Before Frosting
Cooling cookies is essential for achieving perfect Crumbl sugar cookies. After baking ¼ cup dough portions at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows residual heat to finish baking the centers without overcooking.
Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting:g ½ cup (113 g) butter, 2–3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, 2–3 tbsp milk should only touch fully cooled cookies; otherwise, it will melt and slide off.
Cooling ensures the frosting sets beautifully and preserves the cookie’s soft, pillowy texture. Patience at this stage guarantees bakery-style results, tender centers, and visually flawless pink frosting every time.
Make Frosting
Making frosting brings bakery-style perfection to your Crumbl sugar cookies. In a bowl, beat ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened, until creamy. Gradually add 2–3 cups powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Add 1 tsp almond extract for the signature nutty flavor, then 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency. For the classic Crumbl look, incorporate pink gel food coloring until evenly blended.
Beat frosting at medium speed for 2–3 minutes to create a light, silky texture. Properly made frosting spreads easily, sets beautifully, and complements the soft, buttery cookie base. This step transforms simple cookies into irresistible, bakery-style treats every time.
Frost and Chill
Frosting and chilling perfect your Crumbl sugar cookies. Once cookies are completely cooled, spread 2–3 tbsp of frosting on each ¼ cup cookie using a spatula or piping bag for smooth, even coverage.
Press lightly for bakery-style edges, or swirl for a decorative touch. The signature flavor comes from ½ cup (113 g) butter, 2–3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, 2–3 tbsp milk, blended until silky. Add pink gel food coloring for that iconic Crumbl look.
After frosting, chill cookies 30 minutes to set the topping. This step ensures frosting holds shape, prevents sliding, and delivers soft, pillowy centers with vibrant, professional-quality frosting every time.
Expert Tips for Best Results
For perfect Crumbl sugar cookies, start with room-temperature ingredients: 1 cup (227 g) butter, 2 large eggs. This ensures smooth, creamy dough and even baking.
Do not overmix when adding 3 cups (375 g) of flour, 2 tspof baking powder, and ½ tsp of salt; overworked dough makes cookies dense. Use a ¼ cup scoop for uniform size, and flatten slightly for consistent baking.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes; edges should set, centers soft. Cool completely before frosting with ½ cup (113 g) butter, 2–3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, and 2–3 tbsp milk. Chill 30 minutes for set, bakery-style results.
Use gel coloring for vibrant frosting, and rotate pans for even browning. These tips guarantee soft, tender, irresistible cookies every time.
- Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly, especially butter and eggs.
- Don’t overmix once you add flour; overworking dough can make cookies tough.
- Don’t overbake. Cookies should look just set, not browned. They’ll stay soft as they cool.
- Use gel colors instead of liquid dyes for vibrant frosting without changing consistency.
- Chill cookies after frosting for that classic Crumbl chilled sugar cookie experience.
Variations & Substitutions
Elevate your Crumbl sugar cookies with easy variations and substitutions. For a gluten-free version, replace 3 cups (375 g) of all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend; add 1 tsp xanthan gum if needed.
For dairy-free, swap 1 cup (227 g) of butter and ½ cup (113 g) of plant-based alternatives, and use almond or oat milk. Vegan adaptation works with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).
Flavor twists: add 1 tbsp lemon zest for bright lemon sugar cookies or swap pink frosting for chocolate ganache. Sprinkle toppings or mini chocolate chips for festive, custom cookies. These options keep every batch fresh, fun, and irresistible.
Want to shake things up?
- Lemon twist: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp juice to the dough; vanilla stays.
- Chocolate glaze: Swap almond frosting for a simple chocolate ganache.
- Mini cookies: Use a 2 tbsp scoop, bake 8–10 minutes, and get more bite‑sized treats.
- Festive sprinkles: Press sprinkles into frosting before chilling.
Storage & Make‑Ahead Instructions
- Room temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Frosted cookies will keep 5–7 days chilled in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted dough balls up to 2 months. Thaw and bake when ready. Frosted cookies can also freeze for 2–3 months, just thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Crumbl sugar cookies different from regular sugar cookies?
Crumbl’s version is thick, soft, and topped with almond‑flavored frosting, unlike thinner traditional sugar cookies that might not be frosted.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, you’ll still have a delicious sugar cookie, but the classic Crumbl flavor comes from that subtle almond note.
How do I get soft cookies every time?
Avoid overbaking and use room‑temperature ingredients. Cookies should look set but tender. Let them cool fully before frosting.
Do these cookies need to be chilled after baking?
They don’t need chilling to taste great, but chilling after frosting gives that bakery‑chilled texture fans love.
Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend and add xanthan gum if needed. The texture will be soft and delicious. (See ingredient substitutions above)
Why are my cookies spreading too thin?
Make sure your dough isn’t too warm. Chill briefly in the fridge before baking if needed. Don’t flatten too much before baking.
How do I keep frosting from sliding off?
Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting and chill after frosting to set.
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
This crumbl sugar cookie recipe is one of my go‑to treats when I want something that feels special without requiring bakery prices.
Serve them chilled on a dessert board, warm with ice cream, or boxed up as a handmade gift. Pair with cold milk or a cup of coffee, it’s a combination that never disappoints.
Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend bake or prepping for a big celebration, these cookies hit every note: soft, sweet, customizable, and truly comforting. Happy baking!
