Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This crumble sugar cookie recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. These cookies are delightfully crisp on the outside, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture inside, and the irresistible crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast. Perfect for a cozy night in, a bake sale, or a thoughtful gift, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine 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; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and nuts (if using). Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Sprinkle each cookie dough ball generously with the crumble topping.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Crumble Sugar Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This will ensure that your cookies are tender and chewy.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Crumble: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the crumble topping for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts in the crumble topping.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 8-10g Sugar: 15-20g
These delicious crumble sugar cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavor. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking and the satisfaction of creating a truly special treat! They're an easy addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas or healthy meals, adding a sweet and satisfying finish to any day. These are truly some of the best recipes you can find for homemade cooking.