Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and packed with buttery goodness. The classic vanilla flavor makes them a perfect treat for any occasion!
Baking these cookies always fills my kitchen with the best smells. Plus, they are super fun to decorate and share with family and friends—who can resist a warm cookie? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve used it before, and it works great!
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content in the cookies. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt to a pinch. Butter adds richness, so I recommend using real butter instead of margarine.
Granulated Sugar: This is what gives the cookies their sweetness. You can swap half of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor and slightly chewy texture—my favorite choice!
Egg: The egg provides moisture and helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
Buttermilk: This contributes to the cookies’ tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with milk and let it sit for a few minutes. This works perfectly!
How Do You Frost Cookies Like a Pro?
Frosting can elevate your cookies, making them even more delightful. Here are some tips to help you frost them like a pro:
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to keep the frosting from melting.
- Use a spatula or a piping bag for more control—this way, you can get those perfect swirls!
- Feel free to adjust the consistency of your frosting by adding more cream or powdered sugar until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Top with sprinkles right after frosting while it’s still soft, so they stick well.
These steps will not only make your cookies look fantastic but will also make them even more enjoyable to eat!
Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 9-11 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to allow time for the cookies to cool completely, which takes about 30 minutes before frosting. So plan for about 1 hour total to enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will make for easy cookie removal later, so don’t skip this step!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. This helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Remember, fluffy butter and sugar make for light cookies!
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugar are fluffy, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. This adds flavor and moisture to our delicious cookies!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the flour mixture (so, dry, liquid, dry). Mix just until combined; don’t overmix to keep your cookies tender.
6. Scoop the Dough:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping amounts of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. This gives them room to spread as they bake.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. They’re perfect when they still have that soft puffed look in the center!
8. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to keep the frosting from melting!
9. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, make your frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed.
10. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie. You can use a spatula for a smooth finish or a piping bag for a decorative swirl—whatever you prefer!
11. Add Some Toppings:
Finish off your cookies by decorating them with colorful sprinkles while the frosting is still soft. This not only looks pretty but makes them even more fun to eat!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve your delicious Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies! Share them with friends, family, or keep them all to yourself. Either way, enjoy every last bite!
These cookies are a delightful treat with a soft texture and a sweet frosting, perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve a treat!
Can I Use Substitutes for Butter?
Yes! If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1/2 cup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving!
Can I Decorate the Cookies Differently?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your decorations. You can add chocolate chips, drizzle melted chocolate on top, or use different colored sprinkles to match any occasion or theme.
