These Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! With a slight crunch on the outside and a fluffy center, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Honestly, who can resist a classic sugar cookie? I love adding sprinkles on top for a fun twist. They’re perfect with a glass of milk or just to munch on whenever!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor balanced. If you prefer, you can use vegan butter or a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version.
Sugar: Granulated sugar brings sweetness, but you could try half brown sugar for added flavor and a chewier texture in your cookies!
Egg: If you’re vegan or allergic, use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg.
Vanilla extract: Using pure vanilla extract is key for that classic flavor. If it’s unavailable, imitation vanilla will work in a pinch.
All-purpose flour: This recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Frosting: If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar as a lighter frosting option!
How Can I Ensure My Cookies Are Perfectly Baked?
Baking cookies to perfection can be tricky! Here are some tips to get them just right:
- Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Watch the edges! Bake until they are just set and very lightly golden. Remove them before they look fully cooked!
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up without breaking.
Trust me; taking these small steps will make a big difference in the texture and taste of your vanilla sugar cookies!
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
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 – 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 – 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
For Decoration:
- Rainbow nonpareil sprinkles or any small colorful sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to bake. Once baked, allow for about 30 minutes of cooling time before frosting. In total, you’ll need around 45-60 minutes before you can enjoy these sweet treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air for that soft, tender cookie texture.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix until completely combined and smooth. The vanilla extract will add that delicious classic flavor we love.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients are important for the proper structure and rise of your cookies.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Continue until everything is just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could lead to tougher cookies.
5. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. For that iconic Crumbl look, flatten each ball slightly—they should still be thick.
6. Bake Them to Perfection:
Bake the cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until you see the edges just starting to set and the bottoms are lightly golden. It’s key not to overbake them! The centers will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool Before Frosting:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This prevents them from breaking apart when you try to frost them. Let them cool completely before the fun part—frosting!
8. Make the Frosting:
In another bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy for about 2 minutes. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, add vanilla extract and mix.
9. Adjust the Consistency:
Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a nice spreadable but thick frosting consistency. Whip the frosting on high speed for about 3 minutes until you achieve a fluffy texture.
10. Assemble and Decorate:
Spread or pipe the creamy vanilla frosting onto each cooled cookie generously. Then, immediately sprinkle the rainbow nonpareil sprinkles on top before the frosting sets. This makes the cookies look extra festive!
11. Let the Frosting Set:
Allow the frosting to set for about 30 minutes before serving. If you have any cookies left over (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy the delightful flavors of these Crumbl-style vanilla sugar cookies!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter. Just ensure that it’s a stick-style margarine, as the spreadable kinds may contain extra moisture that can affect the cookie texture.
How Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum if it doesn’t!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper!
Can I Add Other Flavors to the Frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other extracts, like almond or lemon, for a different flavor. You can also add a bit of cocoa powder for chocolate frosting variations or incorporate some sprinkles directly into the frosting for extra fun!
