These Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and oh-so-delicious. Each bite melts in your mouth with a sweet vanilla flavor that makes them hard to resist!
Who can say no to a fresh batch of cookies? I like to enjoy them with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea. Trust me, they’re a real treat to share—or keep all to yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This gives your cookies a rich flavor and helps keep them soft. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter, but just skip the added salt in the recipe!
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect here, but for a slight change in flavor, you could try using brown sugar for a caramel touch. It may make your cookies a bit chewier.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla enhances flavor beautifully, but if you don’t have it, you can use imitation vanilla. Just note that it might not be as fragrant.
All-Purpose Flour: This is key for texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum.
Powdered Sugar: Perfect for frosting! If you want to make it healthier, you can use coconut sugar, but be aware it may give a slightly different taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The texture of these cookies can be tricky, but it’s all about technique. Here’s how to get them just right:
- **Cream Butter and Sugar Well:** Make sure to beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This introduces air, resulting in a soft cookie.
- **Do Not Overmix:** When adding dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- **Watch the Bake Time:** Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should look slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- **Cool Properly:** Let them cool on the baking sheet for a bit before transferring, as they will continue to firm up.
Following these tips will help you achieve that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies such a hit!
How to Make Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
For Decoration:
- Vanilla sanding sugar or colored sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for a bit before frosting, which takes another 10 minutes. In total, plan for about an hour for the whole process, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This helps make your cookies soft and tender!
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined, creating a creamy texture.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Start on a low speed to avoid a flour cloud in your kitchen! Mix until everything is just combined — it’s important not to overmix, so stop when there are no visible dry spots.
6. Form the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass. This helps them spread a bit during baking.
7. Bake:
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake them for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers still look soft. Be careful not to overbake them!
8. Cool:
Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Make the Frosting:
Now for the fun part! In a bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing until it’s well combined. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of milk at a time until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
10. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the vanilla frosting on top of each cookie. You can use a knife or a spatula for this part.
11. Decorate:
While the frosting is still a bit soft, sprinkle some vanilla sanding sugar or colorful sprinkles on top to give your cookies that festive look!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the frosting set slightly before you dig in! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your soft, fluffy, and delicious vanilla sugar cookies that taste just like Crumbl’s!
Can I Use Softened Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute softened margarine for unsalted butter. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe!
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your cookie dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape into balls.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month!
Can I Use Different Flavor Extracts for the Frosting?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can experiment with almond, lemon, or even peppermint extracts for a fun twist. Just be sure to use them sparingly, as they can be quite potent.