Name: Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: For the Pink Velvet Cookies:; 2 ½ cups (300g) All-Purpose Flour; 2 tbsp (10g) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1 tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp Salt; ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened; ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar; ½ cup (100g) Light Brown Sugar, packed; 1 Large Egg; 1 Large Egg Yolk; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; ½ cup (120ml) Buttermilk; 1-2 tsp Red Gel Food Coloring (adjust for desired color); For the Cream Cheese Frosting:; 8 oz (226g) Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened; ½ cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened; 3 ½ cups (420g) Powdered Sugar, sifted; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; Pinch of Salt

Mastering Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies at Home
Why This Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe Delivers
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies
Expert Tips for Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookie Success
What to Serve With Your Pink Velvet Cookies
Storing and Reheating Your Crumbl Cookies
Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Velvet Cookies

Mastering Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies at Home

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, its vibrant pink hue hinting at the delightful cocoa and vanilla flavors within, all topped with a silky-smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. That’s the magic of Crumbl’s Pink Velvet Cookies, and today, I’m going to guide you through creating an absolutely perfect copycat version right in your own kitchen! Forget the long lines and limited availability; with this recipe for Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies, you’re the master baker, and your kitchen is about to become the most popular bakery on the block.

Recreate the Bakery Favorite: Your Kitchen, Your Rules

There’s immense satisfaction in replicating a beloved bakery treat, especially when it turns out even better than you remembered. This recipe is designed to demystify the process, breaking down each step to ensure your homemade Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies are indistinguishable from the original. Get ready to impress your friends, family, and most importantly, your taste buds!

Why This Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookie Recipe Delivers

Authentic Texture Every Time: We use a precise combination of sugars and a secret ingredient to nail that melt-in-your-mouth, slightly underbaked Crumbl chewiness.
Harmonious Flavor Profile: The cookies boast a delicate balance of vanilla and cocoa, perfectly complemented by the bright, tangy notes of our cream cheese frosting – no cloying sweetness here!
Visually Stunning & Delicious: Our method ensures a consistent, beautiful pink color that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate, proving that flavor doesn’t have to sacrifice aesthetics.
Streamlined for Success: While detailed, this recipe is designed for home bakers, breaking down complex steps into manageable, repeatable actions for consistent results.

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)

Here is what you need and why:

For the Pink Velvet Cookies: The Building Blocks of Flavor and Texture

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookies. I recommend a good quality unbleached all-purpose flour. Don’t pack it when measuring; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. For an even lighter, softer crumb, you could substitute 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for 2 tablespoons of flour in your total flour measurement.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is crucial for that classic red velvet flavor. Use natural, unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch-processed, as it interacts differently with the baking soda to achieve the desired lift and color.

Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, which reacts with the cocoa powder and buttermilk to create a tender, soft cookie texture.

Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.

Unsalted Butter (softened): Provides richness, tenderness, and flavor. Make sure it’s truly softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugars. For best results, I personally love butter from King Arthur Baking.

Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: The combination of these two sugars is key. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a slight molasses note, contributing to that signature Crumbl texture.

Large Egg & Egg Yolk: The egg provides structure, while the extra egg yolk adds richness, tenderness, and chewiness, preventing the cookies from becoming dry.

Vanilla Extract: Essential for enhancing the velvet flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

Buttermilk: This acidic ingredient activates the baking soda, adds tang, and contributes to a moist, tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with whole milk until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.

Red Food Coloring (gel): Gel food coloring is paramount here. It delivers concentrated color without adding excess liquid to your dough, ensuring that vibrant pink hue without compromising the cookie’s texture.

Substitutions That Work: Adapting to Your Pantry

While the recipe is designed for optimal results, a few substitutions can work. As mentioned, for buttermilk, a milk and acid mixture is a great stand-in. For unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt in the recipe by about ¼ teaspoon. However, I strongly advise against substituting any other major components like flours or sugars without specific guidance.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: Balancing Sweetness and Tang

Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened): Absolutely essential for the classic tangy frosting. Make sure it’s full-fat and softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.

Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the frosting hold its shape.

Powdered Sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency. Sifting is highly recommended to avoid lumps.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.

Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny bit to balance the sweetness and tangy cream cheese.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies

Follow these step-by-step photos:

1. Preparing Your Cookie Dough: The Foundation of Success

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the egg, then the extra egg yolk, one at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and red gel food coloring until a vibrant, uniform pink color is achieved. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.

2. Chilling and Shaping: Achieving Uniformity

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling is crucial for flavor development and prevents excessive spreading during baking. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a 3-ounce cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup), portion out the dough. Gently roll each portion into a ball and then slightly flatten them into thick discs. This helps achieve that signature Crumbl shape and ensures even baking.

3. Baking for Perfection: Don’t Overlook This Crucial Step

Place the flattened cookie dough discs about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center, and the edges will be just set. This is exactly what you want for that soft, chewy texture! Do not overbake. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The residual heat will continue to cook them perfectly.

4. Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Frosting: Smooth and Flavorful

While the cookies cool, prepare your cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened unsalted butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined and lump-free.

5. Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Finishing Touches

Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them generously. You can use an offset spatula to spread the frosting or a piping bag with your favorite tip for a more decorative finish. For that classic Crumbl look, swirl the frosting on top. If desired, garnish with a few pink sprinkles or a dusting of cocoa powder. Serve immediately and enjoy your stunning Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies!

Expert Tips for Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookie Success

Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are all at true room temperature. This allows them to cream together properly, resulting in a smooth dough and frosting.
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Especially the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. This prevents lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients, leading to a smoother cookie and frosting.
Gel Food Coloring for Vivid Hues: Always opt for gel red food coloring. It provides a much more intense color with less product, preventing unwanted liquid from thinning your dough or frosting.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dry cookies.
Chill the Cookie Dough: This isn’t optional for this recipe. Chilling helps the flavors meld, and more importantly, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring a thicker, chewier result.
Undermix, Not Overbake: Crumbl cookies are known for being soft and slightly underbaked in the center. Pull them from the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks a bit moist. They will continue to cook as they cool.

What to Serve With Your Pink Velvet Cookies

Beverage Pairings: Enhancing the Experience

These rich and tangy cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. A tall glass of cold milk is a classic match, cutting through the sweetness. For something more sophisticated, consider a strong black coffee or a delicate cup of Earl Grey tea. A glass of chilled sparkling rosé would also make for a delightful and elegant pairing, perfect for a celebration.

Dessert Companions: Building a Treat Platter

If you’re creating a dessert platter, these Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies are a showstopper. Combine them with other contrasting textures and flavors. Think classic chocolate chip cookies, chewy oatmeal raisin, or some vibrant lemon bars. Small bowls of fresh berries (raspberries or strawberries) or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream would also complement the pink velvet flavor wonderfully.

Storing and Reheating Your Crumbl Cookies

Maximizing Freshness: How to Store Correctly

To keep your Copycat Crumbl Pink Velvet Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer frosting, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. These cookies also freeze beautifully! Place unfrosted cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze frosted cookies by flash-freezing them on a baking sheet until firm (about 1-2 hours), then transferring them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.

Bringing Them Back to Life: Reheating for Optimal Enjoyment

If stored in the refrigerator, allow cookies to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. For a warm, freshly baked experience, you can gently microwave them for 10-15 seconds (unfrosted is best for this) or pop them in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for a few minutes until just warm and soft. If reheating frosted cookies, be careful not to overheat, as the frosting may melt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pink Velvet Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and freeze them unfrosted for up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost before serving.

What if my cookies spread too much?

Several factors can cause cookies to spread: warm dough (ensure good chilling!), too much butter, or too little flour. Double-check your measurements, ensure your butter isn’t too soft (or melted), and always chill the dough. If they still spread a bit more than desired, you can use a large round cookie cutter or the back of a spoon to gently push the edges back into a perfect circle right after they come out of the oven.

How do I get the frosting so smooth?

The key to smooth frosting is using softened (but not melted) cream cheese and butter, and sifting your powdered sugar. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until completely lump-free before gradually adding the sifted powdered sugar. Scrape down the bowl frequently to ensure everything is incorporated.

Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?

While I haven’t tested this specific recipe with gluten-free or dairy-free substitutions, in principle, it’s possible. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum). For dairy-free, substitute a good quality plant-based butter alternative, dairy-free milk with lemon juice for buttermilk, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. Be aware that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Why are my cookies dry?

The most common reasons for dry cookies are overmixing the dough and overbaking. Ensure you mix the flour into the wet ingredients only until just combined. Crucially, pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

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