These Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and have a delightful vanilla flavor. Topped with a smooth frosting, they look as great as they taste!
Who can resist a cookie that’s fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? I love serving them warm with a glass of milk. They always disappear fast at my house! 🍪🥛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softening butter makes it easier to cream with sugar, ensuring your cookies are fluffy. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but adjust the salt in the recipe. I prefer using unsalted for better control over seasoning.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives the cookies sweetness and structure. For a twist, you can substitute part with brown sugar for extra moisture. This will give a slightly richer flavor and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: This ingredient is key to the cookie’s flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste, but if you’re in a pinch, imitation vanilla can work too. You can even try almond extract for a unique twist!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cookies. If you need a gluten-free version, substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
Cream Cheese: It’s essential for the frosting’s creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, you could use a vegan cream cheese alternative. It may change the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious!
How Do You Ensure Perfect Cookies Every Time?
To make soft, chewy cookies, pay attention to how you mix your dough. Over-mixing can result in tough cookies. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix gently just until combined.
- When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture. This incorporates air and helps the cookies rise.
- Be mindful of baking time. The cookies should look set but slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out. They continue to cook while they cool.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape.
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
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to thin if necessary)
For Decoration:
- Multicolored round sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake, plus an additional 5-10 minutes to frost the cookies. In total, you can expect to spend around 30-40 minutes bringing these delicious cookies to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookies:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Try not to over-mix, or your cookies may turn out tough.
5. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Gently flatten the dough balls slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to create a round shape.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Remember, they will continue to cook as they cool!
7. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting:
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. If it’s too thick, add heavy cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a spreadable consistency.
9. Frost the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie. Don’t be shy—there’s no such thing as too much frosting!
10. Decorate and Serve:
Sprinkle multicolored round sprinkles on top of the frosting immediately after frosting each cookie. Allow the frosting to set slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies with their creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles! They’re perfect for sharing or indulging all by yourself! 🍪✨
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. However, keep in mind it might change the flavor slightly, and the texture may be a bit different. Make sure to use a stick margarine rather than a spreadable tub variety for the best results.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese in the Frosting?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. For a vegan alternative, use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute that’s readily available in many grocery stores.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them sit out for a few minutes to soften before enjoying!
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookies either before or after frosting. For unfrosted cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper in between layers. For frosted cookies, freeze them for a few hours on a baking sheet before transferring to a container to avoid sticking.