If you’ve been craving those thick, buttery, bakery-style sugar cookies but don’t have a Crumbl shop nearby, this recipe will become your new favorite. These homemade frosted sugar cookies are unbelievably soft, rich, and topped with a smooth almond-infused frosting that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Best of all, you can make a full batch right at home—no road trip needed.
These cookies taste just like the famous bakery version, except fresher, softer, and made completely from scratch. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this is the perfect last-minute dessert for when the sugar cravings strike. No rolling, cutting, or complicated steps required.
I’ve always loved recreating popular bakery and restaurant treats in my own kitchen. Not only do homemade versions taste better, they’re customizable, budget-friendly, and don’t require waiting in long lines. If you enjoy making your own versions of popular recipes, this one will quickly become a go-to.
These sugar cookies come together in less than 30 minutes. The dough is thick and easy to work with, and the frosting spreads beautifully onto slightly warm cookies to create a smooth finish. Chill them as the original bakery does, or enjoy them at room temperature—both options are delicious.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about making these soft sugar cookies, from ingredients to simple step-by-step directions, helpful tips, storage advice, and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These cookies use pantry staples, but the combination creates that signature soft texture and buttery flavor.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour creates the best structure for these thick sugar cookies. Using whole wheat flour will alter the flavor and texture but can be used if preferred.
Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create the cookie’s soft, dense crumb.
Baking Powder: A small amount gives the cookies a light lift without making them cakey.
Butter: Salted butter adds flavor and helps balance the sweetness. If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the dough.
Eggs: They help bind the dough and give the cookies their pillowy texture.
Vanilla & Almond Extract: Almond extract is the key ingredient that recreates that signature Crumbl-style flavor. Vanilla extract helps round out the flavor.
How to Make These Copycat Frosted Sugar Cookies
These sugar cookies are incredibly simple to prepare and require no chilling, rolling, or cutting.
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light, pale, and creamy. This step ensures the cookies bake with a soft, tender texture. Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and baking powder directly into the bowl. Mix until a thick dough forms, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Shape the Cookies
Scoop large portions of dough—about ¼ cup each—and roll into balls. Arrange them evenly on lined baking sheets. Lightly press each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to flatten slightly. They should still be thick, not thin.
4. Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, just until the centers are set and no longer glossy. These cookies do not brown much, so avoid overbaking. Let them cool directly on the baking sheet so they stay soft and thick.
5. Frost the Cookies
While the cookies cool slightly, prepare the frosting. Spread the frosting over the warm cookies so it melts just a little and creates a smooth, glossy finish. Allow the cookies to cool completely before chilling.
Helpful Tips & Flavor Variations
These Crumbl-style sugar cookies are delicious as-is, but you can easily customize them.
Serve Chilled or Room Temperature:
Traditional Crumbl cookies are chilled, but these taste amazing both ways.
Color the Frosting:
Pink is the classic bakery color, but any color—even white—works perfectly.
Add Sprinkles:
Add colorful sprinkles to make them perfect for birthday parties or celebrations.
Make Smaller Cookies:
For mini versions, use 2–3 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Adjust baking time as needed.
Substitute Extracts:
If almond extract isn’t available or you prefer a more subtle flavor, vanilla extract works great in the frosting.
What Exactly Are Crumbl-Style Cookies?
Crumbl cookies are known for being oversized, thick, soft, and packed with flavor. The franchise rotates weekly flavors, with their soft frosted sugar cookie being one of the most iconic offerings. These homemade cookies replicate that same decadent, bakery-style texture—without requiring delivery or a nearby bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Thick, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Tastes just like the famous bakery version
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Perfect dessert for parties, gifting, or last-minute cravings
- Great alternative for anyone who doesn’t have a Crumbl store nearby
Storage & Freezing
These cookies store beautifully, making them great for prepping ahead.
Room Temperature:
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Unfrosted cookies freeze best. Wrap each cookie individually, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing Dough:
Portion and shape the dough, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes.
Homemade Frosted Sugar Cookies – The Ultimate Copycat Crumbl-Style Treat
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
For the Frosting
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1–3 tablespoons milk
Pink food coloring (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract, and mix until smooth.
-
Add the flour and baking powder to the bowl. Mix until a thick dough forms and everything is fully combined.
-
Scoop about 1/4 cup of dough for each cookie. Roll into balls and place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, keeping the cookies thick.
-
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the centers are set and no longer glossy. The cookies will stay pale rather than turning golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes.
-
While the cookies cool slightly, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, almond extract, and enough milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add pink food coloring if desired.
-
Spread the frosting over the warm cookies so it melts just slightly and creates a smooth finish. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or chilling.
Notes
- These cookies can be served chilled like the original bakery version or enjoyed at room temperature.
- If you prefer smaller cookies, use 2–3 tablespoons of dough and reduce the baking time slightly.
- Vanilla extract can replace almond extract in the frosting if needed.
- Unfrosted baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months when wrapped individually.
- You can freeze shaped cookie dough and bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
I’m a passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes inspired by my roots and travels — bringing a splash of joy and global taste to every family meal.
