Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I am beyond excited to share this Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with you! These cookies have become one of my absolute favorites to bake and enjoy, combining a soft, chewy texture with a delectable pink hue that brightens up any cookie tray. The rich cream cheese frosting on top adds just the right touch of tangy sweetness, making every bite utterly irresistible. If you’re someone who loves a fun twist on classic cookies, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

From the first time I made this recipe, what captured me was the perfect balance of flavors. The cookies are soft and chewy with a subtle vanilla cake batter flavor that shines through, elevated by the gentle tang and creaminess of the frosting. The pink color adds a playful vibe that’s just delightful to see on a plate, but what really makes it special is the combination of texture and taste working together to create an unforgettable treat.

One of the best things about this Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how straightforward it is to pull off. I love recipes that don’t require an army of ingredients or complicated steps, yet still deliver show-stopping results. These cookies are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or even just a fun weekend indulgence. Whenever I serve them, they instantly become the star of the dessert table and guests often ask for the recipe right away!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All of the ingredients in this recipe are simple yet essential, coming together to create that perfect pink cookie with a luscious frosting. Each one plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, or the iconic color that makes this cookie so recognizable and beloved.

• Salted butter (1 1/2 cups): Using salted butter enhances the depth of flavor in the cookie dough and keeps them perfectly moist.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the cookies while helping them retain that soft, chewy texture.
• Eggs (3): Provide structure and richness that make these cookies tender and fluffy.
• Cake batter flavoring (1 1/2 tsp): Adds that nostalgic, irresistible vanilla cake taste that sets these cookies apart.
• All-purpose flour (4 1/2 cups): The base for the dough, giving the cookies their sturdy but soft structure.
• Baking powder (3 tsp): Helps the cookies rise perfectly for that light, puffy center.
• Pink food coloring: Slowly added for that vibrant yet gentle pink color that makes these cookies so fun and appealing.
• Cream cheese (8 oz): Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth, tangy frosting.
• Butter for frosting (1/4 cup): Softened butter adds creaminess and richness to the frosting.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Infuses the frosting with warm, comforting flavor.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect piping consistency.
• Milk (as needed): Used sparingly to thin the frosting if it becomes too thick for spreading or piping.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake the cookies evenly as soon as the dough is made.

Step 2: In your mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.

Step 3: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add in the eggs one at a time along with the cake batter flavoring. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Add the flour and baking powder to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together and no streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Start adding pink food coloring a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition so the color develops evenly. Keep adding until you reach your ideal shade of pink.

Step 6: Using a 3.25 oz cookie scoop or your hands, scoop and roll out balls of dough about 1/3 cup each. Place on your cookie sheet, flattening gently into a hockey puck shape. Save any small leftover dough to form a tiny cookie for crumbling later.

Step 7: Arrange 6 cookies per pan, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the centers look puffy and not glossy.

Step 8: While the cookies cool on the sheet for about 15 minutes, begin the frosting. Beat together the room temperature cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the frosting light and fluffy.

Step 10: If the frosting feels too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you get your desired consistency, perfect for piping.

Step 11: Transfer the frosting to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and snip off the corner to create a piping bag. Pipe the frosting onto each warm cookie in a neat spiral.

Step 12: Crumble the smaller cookie you baked earlier and sprinkle the crumbs generously over the frosting for that signature Crumbl texture and extra chocolatey goodness.

Step 13: Serve these cookies while they’re still warm for the best sensory experience, letting the frosting slightly soften and melt into the cookie underneath.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 large cookies, which serves approximately 24 smaller portions if you prefer to share or nibble smaller pieces. Prep time is about 20 minutes, including mixing and shaping the dough. Bake time is roughly 9-11 minutes per batch, and I recommend allowing 15 minutes for cooling before frosting. All told, you will spend about 50 minutes from start to finish, which is pretty efficient for such a stunning dessert!

How to Serve This Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I love serving these cookies fresh and warm right out of the oven because the frosting softens just enough to be luscious without melting away. They can be plated simply on a white or pastel plate that complements their pink hue, but for an extra special touch, I sometimes garnish with fresh edible flowers or a few fresh berries. The cookie crumbles on top add texture and a delightful surprise on every forkful. These cookies also make a wonderful addition to a dessert buffet at parties or family gatherings, where their bright color instantly draws attention.

For beverage pairings, I find that a chilled glass of sparkling rosé or a gently brewed herbal tea pairs beautifully with the sweetness and tang of the cream cheese frosting. If you’re thinking of non-alcoholic options, a citrus-infused sparkling water or a vanilla latte also complements the cookie’s flavor profile wonderfully. These cookies are ideal for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or whenever you want to add a pop of color and sweetness to your celebration.

When it comes to portion size, I find one cookie per person is perfect as a sweet ending to a meal, but they are quite rich, so sharing is encouraged! For presentation, stacking two cookies on a small dessert plate or arranging them on a tiered tray makes for an elegant display that’s sure to impress any guest.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. If you want to experiment with color, you could try purple or blue food coloring to create a fun twist on the pink velvet classic. For those who want a more intense flavor, adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough or frosting adds a bright, zesty note that balances the sweetness beautifully.

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, I’ve had success swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that performs well in cookies. For a vegan version, try plant-based butter and a vegan cream cheese substitute—do keep in mind this will alter the texture slightly but still be delicious! I sometimes add mini white chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and pockets of sweetness.

For a different take on the cooking method, you could try baking these as mini bars in a parchment-lined pan, then cutting into squares and frosting each piece. This is a great option if you want to save time or make something more portable for picnics or packed lunches. The key is to maintain that soft, chewy texture to stay true to the original cookie’s charm.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a batch of these cookies, I always store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for up to 3 days without losing their softness, though I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if stacking to keep the frosting from sticking. If you don’t plan to eat them quickly, refrigerating them is another option, though they should be brought back to room temperature before serving to recapture that perfect chew.

Freezing

I also love freezing these cookies if I want to prepare ahead or extend their shelf life. The best way I’ve found is to freeze them unfrosted; bake the cookies completely, cool, and then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper. They keep beautifully frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then frost before serving, ensuring the cream cheese frosting tastes fresh and creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This warms them gently, softening the cookie and frosting just enough without melting the frosting entirely. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the frosting separate or become too runny, which affects texture. Heating them this way almost brings them back to freshly baked perfection, and I always look forward to that moment!

FAQs

Can I use a different flavoring instead of cake batter flavoring?

Absolutely! While cake batter flavoring gives a nostalgic and distinct taste, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or almond extract to create a different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just be mindful that this may slightly change the overall taste, but it’s a great way to customize the cookie.

How important is it to use cream cheese frosting? Can I use regular buttercream?

Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookie. You can definitely use regular buttercream if you prefer, but the cream cheese frosting gives these cookies their signature taste and is well worth the extra step.

Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Using dairy-free butter and vegan cream cheese alternatives works well. I recommend brands designed for baking so you retain that creamy texture. Egg replacements like flax eggs can also be used, though expect a slight change in texture. Experimentation is key, but these substitutions allow many to enjoy this recipe.

How should I adjust baking times if I make mini cookies?

If you go smaller than the 1/3 cup dough size, reduce baking time to around 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them for the telltale puffiness and absence of glossiness in the center. Smaller cookies bake faster, so it helps to check earlier to avoid overbaking.

Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?

Definitely! I often prepare the dough the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Chilling the dough can even improve the cookie’s texture and flavor. If refrigerated, bring the dough back to room temperature and knead gently before scooping and baking.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you enjoy making and savoring this Pink Velvet Crumbl Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful blend of soft, sweet, and tangy that feels special enough for celebrations while simple enough for a fun weekend baking project. Give it a try—you may find yourself baking these cookies again and again!

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