Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
I’ve got to tell you about this Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that’s become a total favorite in my kitchen. These cookies have that perfect balance of chewy and soft with just the right hint of vanilla, and the cream cheese frosting on top takes them to a whole new level. They’re gorgeous, tasty, and so fun to make. If you’re craving a cookie that feels like it’s straight out of a bakery but made at home, this recipe’s your new go-to.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon, these Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe deliver on flavor and texture every time. I love making a batch when friends pop over — they always ask for the recipe! Plus, it’s simple enough that you can easily whip this up with pantry staples and feel like a pro cookie baker in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a role in creating that soft, fluffy cookie base and the creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. Let me share some tips on what to look for and why these classics work so well together.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor that deepens the cookie taste.
- Sugar: Balances the brown sugar for sweetness and helps with cookie structure.
- Butter (melted): Gives the cookies richness and tenderness. Don’t skip melting—it blends beautifully with the sugars.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds fluffiness.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Plain Flour: The base of the cookie; opt for all-purpose flour for perfect texture.
- Cornflour: This little addition makes the cookies incredibly soft and cakey inside.
- Baking Soda: Helps cookies spread slightly and rise.
- Baking Powder: Works alongside soda for a gentle lift.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
- Butter (softened, for frosting): Makes the cream cheese frosting creamy and rich.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting — choose full-fat for best taste and texture.
- Icing Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth finish.
Variations
I like to switch things up a bit depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Customizing this Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is part of the fun—you can easily tailor it to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
- Classic Chocolate Chip: Add chocolate chips for a timeless twist—I love tossing in semi-sweet chips to add melty pockets of chocolate throughout the cookies.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap plain flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum to keep that soft texture intact.
- Seasonal Flavors: Mix in pumpkin spice in the dough and top with cinnamon cream cheese frosting for fall vibes.
- Less Sweet: Cut back icing sugar slightly if you prefer a more subtle frosting.
- Mini Cookies: Make them smaller for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
How to Make Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sugars and Butter
Start by combining the brown sugar and sugar with the melted butter in a large bowl. Mixing them while the butter’s warm helps everything blend smoothly. Once mixed, you’ll get a glossy, sandy mixture—that’s your sweet base kicking in. Make sure not to overmix here; you just want everything evenly combined.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract, then beat again until the mixture looks lighter and a bit fluffy. This helps make the cookies soft and chewy, so don’t skip the step of beating well. If your egg is cold, a quick 15 seconds in warm water can help it mix better.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This gets the leavening agents evenly distributed. Then, slowly fold the dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overwork it or your cookies might turn tough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Scoop rounds of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I like to space them apart because they’ll spread slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes or until edges are just set and golden but the centers look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to overbake!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies bake, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add icing sugar and continue beating until fluffy and light. If it feels too stiff, a splash of milk can loosen it up. This frosting is the luscious finishing touch I adore on these cookies.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or some crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor. Then dig in—you’ve earned it!
How to Serve Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes
For garnishes, I often keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed freeze-dried raspberries. Sometimes a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like pecans adds a wonderful crunch and nutty contrast to the creamy frosting—trust me, it’s worth trying.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a classic glass of cold milk or a cup of strong coffee to balance the sweetness. When I’ve served them at brunch, they also go wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese platter—something to mix sweet and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered stand with edible flowers or colorful sprinkles on the frosting for a festive touch. Making bite-sized versions and serving them in mini cupcake liners is a hit at parties—I love how guests can grab and enjoy without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting keeps fresh and the cookies stay soft for about 3-4 days. I usually let them come to room temp before serving again so the frosting softens back up deliciously.
Freezing
If I want to stash some away, I freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them fully and add the cream cheese frosting fresh. This keeps everything tasting as good as day one.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm the cookie without melting the frosting. It revives that soft, fresh-baked feel, perfect when you want a cozy treat in minutes.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! For dairy-free versions, swap the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese. The texture might change slightly but the cookies will still be delicious and that creamy frosting will remain indulgent.
-
Why do you use both baking soda and baking powder in this recipe?
Good question! Baking soda and baking powder together give the cookies the perfect balance of rise and spread. Baking soda helps cookies spread and brown, while baking powder adds gentle lift to keep them soft and cakey.
-
How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
The key is not to overbake and to store them properly in an airtight container once cooled. Adding cornflour in the dough also helps keep them soft inside. If you like, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies—it helps absorb air and maintain their moisture.
-
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can! I often make the dough a day before and keep it chilled in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors develop and can improve the cookie texture. Just bring the dough to room temperature before scooping and baking.
-
What if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting feels too soft or runny, try chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up. You can also add a little more icing sugar, but do it slowly to avoid oversweetening.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has been one of my absolute favorite baking experiments — every batch brings the same warm smiles and “wow” reactions. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these cookies as I do. Remember, baking should be joyful, so don’t worry too much about perfection. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your cookie lineup that you’ll happily turn to again and again.
PrintCrumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
These Crumbl Cookies are irresistibly soft and chewy with a perfect balance of brown and white sugar, vanilla, and a creamy frosting. The cookies feature a tender crumb thanks to the blend of plain flour and cornstarch, and they are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a rich, tangy finish. Ideal for any cookie lover looking to recreate the popular Crumbl experience at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 medium-sized cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookies
- 70 g Brown Sugar
- 70 g Sugar
- 115 g Butter, melted
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 220 g Plain Flour
- 1 tbsp Cornflour (Cornstarch)
- ½ tsp Baking Soda
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 90 g Butter, softened
- 90 g Cream Cheese
- 250 g Icing Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well integrated and aerated for a lighter cookie texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender, chewy texture in the cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For best results, cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading when baked and to enhance flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop cookie dough balls approximately 1.5 tablespoons each onto the prepared tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a clean bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cookie.
- Serve and Store: Serve the frosted cookies immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use softened butter for the frosting to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
- Make sure cookies are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- The combination of baking soda and baking powder gives the cookies a balanced rise and soft crumb.
- These cookies can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.