Crumble Sugar Cookie Recipe: The Ultimate Soft & Chewy Delight

Craving a sugar cookie that’s more than just a flat, crispy disc? This Crumble Sugar Cookie recipe delivers exactly what the name promises: a thick, soft, and delightfully crumbly cookie that melts in your mouth. These cookies are inspired by the famous Crumbl cookies, but made right in your own kitchen, allowing you to customize the flavors and enjoy that fresh-baked goodness whenever the craving strikes. Get ready to experience sugar cookie perfection!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a carefully crafted formula for sugar cookie success. Here’s why it works so well:

• Creaming Butter and Sugar: This crucial step incorporates air into the dough, creating a light and airy texture that contributes to the cookie’s soft interior. Don’t rush this process!
• Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable! It allows the gluten to relax, preventing tough cookies, and it also solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
• Using Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) helps create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Its fine consistency inhibits gluten development, resulting in a softer cookie.
• The Right Ratio of Ingredients: The balance of flour, sugar, and butter is carefully calibrated to achieve the perfect crumbly yet chewy texture.
• Baking Time: Underbaking slightly is key to maintaining the soft and chewy center. You want the edges to be set but the center to still look slightly soft.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for preventing spreading and achieving the right texture.
6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Scoop and Shape the Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to scoop out portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Frost and Decorate: These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also frost them with your favorite frosting or decorate them with sprinkles. A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk also works beautifully.

Tips for Success

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is key to creaming properly. If your butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate air effectively. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too much.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for preventing spreading and achieving the right texture. The longer you chill, the better.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crispy. You want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to still be slightly soft.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint for a different flavor profile. You can also add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts to the dough.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all of your cookies are the same size, which helps them bake evenly.

Storage Instructions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon.

Q: Can I use shortening instead of butter?

A: Yes, you can use shortening, but the cookies will have a slightly different flavor and texture. Butter provides a richer flavor and a more tender texture.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?

A: There are several reasons why your cookies might be spreading too much. Make sure you are using room temperature butter, not melted butter. Also, make sure you are chilling the dough for at least 2 hours. Finally, avoid overmixing the dough.

Q: My cookies are dry. What did I do wrong?

A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry cookies. Make sure you are not baking them for too long. Also, avoid using too much flour in the dough.

Conclusion

This Crumble Sugar Cookie recipe is your ticket to sugar cookie bliss. With its soft, chewy texture and delightful crumb, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats. Happy baking!