Name: Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 70 g Brown Sugar; 70 g Sugar; 115 g Butter, melted; 1 Egg; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 220 g Plain Flour; 1 tbsp Cornflour; ½ tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp Baking Powder; ½ tsp Salt; 90 g Butter, softened; 90 g Cream Cheese; 250 g Icing Sugar

If you’re a fan of soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies topped with luscious frosting, you’re going to adore this Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of a tender cookie base with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting that just takes things to the next level. I’ve made these a handful of times, and every batch feels like a little celebration — seriously, they’re that good!

These cookies shine when you want a cozy treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a casual afternoon snack with friends. Plus, making them at home means you can savor that bakery-quality yumminess anytime without the wait or the price tag. I’m excited to walk you through the process so you can enjoy these delightful Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is half the battle with this Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, so I want to highlight why each one is a player in making these cookies so delicious and tender. Simple, everyday ingredients come together, but quality matters — especially butter and cream cheese, trust me on that!

Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that makes these cookies so soft.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cookie’s structure.
Butter (melted): For rich flavor and a tender crumb—melted butter helps create that soft texture.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
Vanilla Extract: The secret to that warm, inviting cookie aroma.
Plain Flour: The cookie’s foundation; sifted for lightness.
Cornflour: Helps make the cookies extra soft and delicate.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents give the cookies just the right rise and lightness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Butter (softened, for frosting): Ensures the frosting is creamy and smooth.
Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting for tangy richness.
Icing Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is, so feel free to put your own spin on it. I love trying out a few tweaks depending on my mood or who I’m baking for.

Chocolate Chip Twist: Adding a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips inside the cookie dough gives an irresistible melty surprise. I did this once for a friend who’s a chocoholic and it was a huge hit!
Gluten-Free: Swap plain flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup to keep it simple and everyone happy.
Spiced Variation: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warming touch, perfect when you want a cozier vibe.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a bit of lemon zest and juice to the frosting for a refreshing zing that feels like spring in every bite.

How to Make Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Sugars and Butter

Start by combining your brown sugar and white sugar in a bowl, then pour in the melted butter. I like to make sure the butter is warm but not hot — you don’t want to cook the sugars. Stir this together until everything’s smooth and glossy; this little mix sets the buttery foundation for soft cookies. Using melted butter instead of creamed butter gives the dough a different texture that I find makes these cookies wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

Once your sugar and butter are combined, crack in the egg and pour in vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. The egg helps bind everything, while the vanilla adds that comforting warmth that feels homemade in every bite.

Step 3: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, cornflour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is key — it keeps the flour light and prevents lumps, which really helps the cookies rise and stay soft. Add this slowly to your wet mixture, folding gently so you don’t overwork the dough.

Step 4: Chill Your Dough

This is a step I’ve learned to never skip. Cover your dough and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, which stops your cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Plus, it really enhances that buttery flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and scoop dough onto a lined baking tray — I use a medium cookie scoop for consistent sizes. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake! Watching them closely the first time helps you nail your preferred softness on future batches.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter and cream cheese together until totally smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and thickness. A great tip I learned: make sure your cream cheese is at room temp to avoid lumps and get a velvety frosting that pipes beautifully.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!

Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top. If you’re feeling fancy, grab a piping bag with a star tip for a bakery-style finish. Then, dig in or save some to impress your friends later.

How to Serve Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping these cookies with a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils or a light dusting of cocoa powder depending on the mood. It adds a cute touch without overpowering the frosting. For a fresh spin, a small fresh berry on top also works wonders and looks so pretty.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect alongside a big mug of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. When I serve them for brunch or a casual gathering, I usually add some fresh fruit or a simple bowl of mixed nuts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or festive occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with edible flowers and small chocolates. You could also wrap them individually in wax paper tied with twine for party favors—everyone loved how fancy that felt for such an easy recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I’m planning to keep them longer, I put them in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh, but I actually like how the frosting firms up chilled—it’s a nice change of texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze great! I usually freeze them unfrosted in a single layer in a ziplock bag, then thaw and frost when ready to serve. But if you want to freeze them frosted, I recommend wrapping each cookie tightly in plastic wrap to protect the frosting, then placing them in an airtight container before popping into the freezer.

Reheating

To warm up your cookies, especially if refrigerated or frozen, I pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It brings back that freshly baked softness without melting the frosting too much. Just keep an eye so they don’t get too hot – you want that cozy warmth, not gooey mess.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of softened for the frosting?

Technically yes, but you’ll get lumps and the frosting won’t be as smooth or easy to spread. I find letting the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing makes all the difference for a silky, luscious frosting.
How do I keep these cookies soft for longer?

Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature is key. Adding a slice of bread inside the container helps keep moisture in and encourages softness. Just be sure to replace the bread slice every couple of days to avoid stale bread smells.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

You can, but butter gives better flavor and texture. Margarine changes the taste and might make the cookies less tender, so I’d recommend sticking with real butter if you can.
What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

I recommend using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip for a pretty, bakery-style swirl. If you don’t have a piping bag, a sturdy zip-top bag with a small corner cut off works in a pinch!
Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! I often double it when I’m baking for parties. Just mix in a larger bowl and keep an eye on baking times, as your oven heat can shift slightly with more cookies on the tray.

Final Thoughts

This Crumbl Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has truly become one of my favorite go-to treats because it’s approachable, delicious, and always impresses. I hope when you make it, you get to enjoy the same little moments of joy I do — whether it’s a quiet afternoon nibble or sharing them with loved ones. Give it a try, and I’m betting you’ll keep coming back for more, just like me!