These Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are soft, sweet, and oh-so-delicious! They’re made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, creating a lovely flavor everyone loves.
Honestly, who can resist a warm cookie right out of the oven? I like to enjoy mine with a glass of milk. It’s the perfect treat to brighten up your day! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives cookies the right texture and flavor. If you’re out, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Just remember that salted butter can make the cookies a bit salty, so reduce the added salt if you go that route.
Granulated Sugar: This is the main sweetener. If you want to switch things up, consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Remember that it may make the cookies a little denser and chewier.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract really enhances the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, synthetic vanilla can work, but the taste won’t be as rich. Or, you could use vanilla bean paste for a gourmet twist!
All-Purpose Flour: This gives structure to your cookies. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend can work. Just note that the texture may differ slightly.
Sprinkles: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can use chocolate chips, nuts, or even coconut if you prefer something different.
How Do You Achieve Soft and Chewy Cookies?
Getting that perfect soft and chewy texture comes down to a few key methods:
- Make sure your butter is just softened, not melted. Room temperature ensures it mixes well while retaining some structure.
- Avoid overmixing when you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Keep an eye on the baking time! Pull them out when the edges are golden and the centers look a little underbaked.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to deliciously soft, buttery sugar cookies that everyone will love!
How to Make Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for desired consistency)
For Decoration:
- Multicolored nonpareil sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for a few minutes before frosting! Plan for some extra time if you want the frosting to set and for the cookies to chill. All total, you’re looking at about an hour to enjoy these tasty treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This is the perfect time to set up your space for a fun baking session!
2. Making the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air for a lighter cookie!
3. Adding the Wet Ingredients:
Next, crack the egg into the butter-sugar mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Beat everything until well combined—it should look creamy and smooth.
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! This will help keep your cookies tender.
6. Shaping the Cookies:
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Then place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with your hand or a glass, forming a disc shape.
7. Baking the Cookies:
Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 9-11 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the center to remain soft and slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture!
8. Cooling the Cookies:
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is key as it helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Preparing the Frosting:
While the cookies cool, it’s time to whip up the frosting! Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy, then gradually incorporate the powdered sugar. Mix until smooth, then add the vanilla and heavy cream, adjusting the cream until you achieve your desired frosting consistency.
10. Frosting and Decorating:
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a lovely circular pattern. Top them off with colorful sprinkles for that finishing touch that makes them extra special!
11. Enjoy!
Your Crumbl Vanilla Sugar Cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Whether you share them with friends and family or keep them all to yourself, these cookies are sure to delight with their soft texture and sweet frosting!
Baking doesn’t get much better than this—happy cookie-making! 🥳
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of unsalted butter. Just ensure it’s a high-quality margarine for the best results. Keep in mind that using margarine can slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to stay fresh even longer, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 weeks or freezing for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking, as it may be too firm after chilling.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, it’s okay to add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Just be cautious not to add too much flour, as it can make the cookies dry.
