There’s something truly special about the sweet scent of vanilla wafting through the kitchen, especially when it transforms into a batch of Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies. Recently, I found myself longing for a delightful dessert that could rival my favorite bakery treats without the hefty price tag. That’s when I decided to recreate these divine cookies at home.
Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that boasts a thick, buttery vanilla bean sugar base, perfectly crowned with velvety vanilla cream cheese frosting. Not only do they satisfy your sweet tooth, but they’re also easy enough to whip up any day of the week. Whether you’re planning a cozy get-together or simply treating yourself after a long day, these Crumbl-inspired cookies are bound to impress friends and family alike. So let’s dive into this delicious adventure and bring a bit of bakery magic right into your own kitchen!
Why Are Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies a Must-Try?
Heavenly Flavor: The rich combination of vanilla bean and cream cheese frosting creates a decadent dessert that you won’t be able to resist.
Simple Steps: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy homemade cookies without the fuss.
Versatile Treat: Great for parties or as a cozy night-in dessert, these cookies fit any occasion!
Crowd Pleaser: You’ll wow your guests with these bakery-style cookies, guaranteed to disappear in a flash!
Time-Saving Option: With a quick bake time, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings!
Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake these delightful treats that truly bring the essence of Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies to your kitchen.
Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use softened butter for easy creaming.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- Powdered Sugar – Ensures a sweeter, smoother frosting texture.
- Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Vanilla Bean Paste – Infuses a strong vanilla flavor and speckled appearance; you can substitute with vanilla extract if necessary.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances cookie flavor; can be swapped with vanilla butter emulsion for a richer taste.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie’s base structure; for gluten-free, use a suitable blend.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise.
- White Sprinkles – Use them for an optional decorative touch.
For the Frosting
- Cream Cheese – The foundation of the frosting, adding tangy richness; use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Additional Butter for Frosting – Adds extra richness to the cream cheese frosting.
- More Powdered Sugar – Essential for sweetness and achieving that delightful frosting texture.
These scrumptious ingredients come together to create the ultimate Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies, perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This is a crucial step for cookie perfection!
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Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy. This creates the rich base for your cookies; it should take about 2-3 minutes to achieve this texture.
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Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined, embracing that delightful vanilla aroma that fills your kitchen.
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Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt gradually into the mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tougher cookies.
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Scoop and flatten 6 equal dough balls onto your lined baking sheet, ensuring space between them as they will spread while baking.
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Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish setting.
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For the Frosting: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and additional butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy. This creates the luscious frosting that’s essential for your cookies!
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Frost the cooled cookies generously with the cream cheese frosting and garnish with white sprinkles for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or milk for the ultimate treat experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies?
Looking to create a delightful spread around these chewy, frosted treats? Here are some delicious pairings to enhance your experience.
- Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, roasted flavors of coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the cookies, making every bite a cozy delight.
- Milkshake Madness: A thick, creamy vanilla milkshake elevates the nostalgic feel of the cookies while adding a fun and indulgent twist.
- Fruit Salad: Vibrant, fresh fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, brightening up your dessert table.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A warm chocolate dip offers a luscious, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery vanilla cookies. The combination of chocolate and vanilla is irresistibly classic!
- Caramel Drizzle: A sweet caramel sauce drizzled over the cookies adds a decadent touch, enhancing the vanilla flavor with a buttery richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The chill and creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast against the warm cookies, making for a classic dessert combo.
- Berry Compote: A tangy berry compote provides a fruity balance to the rich frosting, cutting through the sweetness for a perfectly harmonious bite.
- Herbal Tea: Sip on a soothing cup of herbal tea for a lighter accompaniment that enhances the cookies’ natural sweetness, creating a balance of flavors.
- Lemonade: The refreshing citrus notes of lemonade offer a zesty kick that wonderfully contrasts the rich, buttery cookies, making for an uplifting pairing!
Now that you have some scrumptious ideas to enhance your cookie experience, it’s time to share and indulge!
Make Ahead Options
These Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by scooping it into balls and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For added convenience, you can also freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring them into a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—simply add a minute or two to the baking time! The cream cheese frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on your cooled cookies, ensuring they taste just as delicious as when freshly made.
Storage Tips for Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Keep them away from direct sunlight.
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Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, store cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, flash freeze your Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies. Layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, place refrigerated or frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will revive their chewy texture and frosting.
Helpful Tricks for Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies
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Room Temperature Essentials: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This ensures smooth mixing and prevents lumps in your frosting.
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Perfect Baking Time: Avoid overbaking! These cookies should be soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a delicious chewy texture.
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Prevent Sticking: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy removal and helps maintain the cookie’s shape.
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Chill Your Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting becomes too soft while piping, chill it briefly. This will help it maintain its shape and make your cookies look professionally decorated.
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Flavor Variations: While lovely as is, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try using vanilla butter emulsion instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor in your Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies.
Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookies for an even more delightful experience!
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Nutty Twist: Substitute part of the butter for almond butter to introduce a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla.
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Citrusy Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist that brightens the flavor profile.
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Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder for a chocolate version, or fold in chocolate chunks for an extra indulgent treat.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
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Festive Sprinkles: Swap out the white sprinkles for seasonal ones—think red and green for Christmas or pastel for Easter—making your cookies as visually appealing as they are tasty.
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Filling Surprise: Add a surprise filling of raspberry or lemon curd between the cookie and frosting for an unexpected burst of flavor.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for an aromatic twist that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese to create a delicious dairy-free version without compromising flavor.
Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best vanilla beans for these cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting vanilla beans, look for ones that are plump and moist, without any dark spots or dryness. The aroma is key too—if they smell sweet and fragrant, you’ve got a good one. If you can’t find vanilla bean paste, high-quality vanilla extract can be a great substitute, though the flavor will be slightly milder.
What’s the best way to store my Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies?
For room temperature storage, keep your cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days for the freshest taste. If you choose to refrigerate them, switch to an airtight container and expect them to last up to one week. Just know that they might lose some texture compared to their room temperature counterpart!
Can I freeze my Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies?
Yes! To freeze, flash freeze them by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen hard. Then, interleave them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours for the best texture.
What should I do if my cookies come out too flat?
Very! If you find your cookies are flatter than expected, it could be due to overmixing or using warm butter. To prevent this, make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing, and mix just until combined after adding flour. Chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking for that perfect thickness.
Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! These Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies contain common allergens such as dairy (butter and cream cheese) and eggs. If you’re baking for guests with specific allergies, consider swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and using aquafaba or a flax egg as an egg replacement. Always double-check your ingredient labels to ensure safety!
Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies That Wow Every Sweet Tooth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt gradually into the mixture. Stir gently just until combined.
- Scoop and flatten 6 equal dough balls onto your lined baking sheet with space in between.
- Bake the cookies for about 11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
- For the frosting, cream together the softened cream cheese and additional butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cookies with the cream cheese frosting and garnish with white sprinkles.