Are you dreaming of that iconic Crumbl Birthday Cake cookie but don't want to brave the lines? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe will guide you through making these unbelievably delicious, soft, and cakey cookies right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, perfect for a quick dinner dessert, a birthday celebration, or any day you need a little extra sweetness. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies.
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For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cake mix (funfetti or white cake)
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. A stand mixer makes this step super easy, but a hand mixer works perfectly too.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cake Mix Magic: Gently fold in the cake mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The batter will be thick.
- Scoop & Bake: Use a cookie scoop (or a spoon) to drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Butter & Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost & Sprinkle: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. Add rainbow sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Tips for Success:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Surprise: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delicious twist.
- Different Cake Mix: Experiment with other cake mixes, like strawberry or chocolate.
- Other Frostings: Try using a different frosting, such as buttercream or a simple glaze.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (This will vary depending on the size of the cookie and the type of frosting used.)
This recipe is a great example of healthy eating balanced with delicious indulgence. Enjoy responsibly! Making these Crumbl copycat cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, leading to delicious results that everyone will enjoy. They are the perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Happy baking!