Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that combines the soft chewiness of a cupcake and the fun portability of a cookie, then look no further than the Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies. These cookies bring together the spongy texture of a birthday cake cookie infused with the luscious flavor of vanilla bean, topped with a rich, creamy vanilla bean frosting and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy dessert at home, these cookies always hit the sweet spot with their perfect balance of buttery, fluffy, and sugary goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies is a joy because the ingredients are straightforward but pack incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy butter lending softness to the powders ensuring that perfect crumb and sweetness throughout.

• Butter (softened): Provides creaminess and richness essential for buttery soft cookies.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that wonderful tender crumb.
• Powdered sugar: Used both in the dough and frosting for smooth texture and sweetness.
• Egg (room temperature): Binds the dough while contributing moisture and softness.
• Vanilla bean paste: Gives an intense, aromatic vanilla flavor with those charming flecks.
• Vanilla extract (or vanilla butter emulsion): Enhances the cookie’s deep vanilla notes.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone for structure and that classic cookie texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the flavor.
• Baking powder: Adds lightness and helps cookies rise beautifully.
• White sprinkles: Adds festive visual appeal and a slight crunch.
• Cream cheese (softened): Creates a tangy, creamy base for the frosting that complements the sweetness.

How to Make Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect cupcake cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light. This step is essential for creating a tender cookie with a slight fluffiness, ensuring the sugars dissolve well for sweetness throughout.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Whisk in the egg, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The vanilla bean paste adds those delightful visual specs and a deep vanilla flavor that distinguish these cookies from the average vanilla treats.

Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until the flour disappears, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, but here you want a tender and lofty texture, just like a cupcake.

Step 5: Scoop and Flatten the Dough

Using a large cookie scooper, portion out 6 equal-sized balls of dough onto your baking sheet. Gently press each down to about 3/4 inch thick — giving them enough height to bake into that perfect cupcake-cookie hybrid.

Step 6: Bake and Cool the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 11 minutes, until they have puffed slightly and are just starting to turn golden. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. This brief cooling helps them set perfectly without losing their softness.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Bean Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract, whipping for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light and airy. If it seems too soft, chilling briefly and whipping again will give it that perfect piping texture.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a simple ziplock bag with the tip cut off). Pipe generous swirls of frosting on each cooled cookie, then sprinkle the white sprinkles on top for that classic festive look. Now your Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of edible glitter or a few extra vanilla bean flecks on top can elevate these cookies’ already stunning appearance. You might also add tiny pastel sprinkles for a sweet birthday vibe or a hint of lemon zest to brighten the vanilla flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combo or a cup of lightly brewed tea or coffee to balance the buttery sweetness. They also go wonderfully alongside fresh berries or a mild, creamy yogurt for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies stacked on a pretty cake stand for any gathering or arrange them in decorative boxes tied with ribbons to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. For extra fun, try layering different flavored frostings between two cookies to create sandwich cookies with a cupcake feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the texture soft and the frosting fresh. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their beautiful presentation.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies longer, place unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, frost them fresh after thawing and cooling fully.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed soft and fresh, gently warming them in a microwave for about 10 seconds can revive that freshly-baked feel. Avoid overheating, which could melt the frosting and change the texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute vanilla bean paste with vanilla extract?

Yes! While vanilla bean paste provides those lovely black specks and a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. Just expect the cookies to lack the visual vanilla flecks but still taste delicious.

Is cream cheese necessary for the frosting?

The cream cheese adds a tangy richness and creamy texture that complements the sweetness perfectly, making it worth including. If you want a simpler frosting, you can use buttercream, but the texture and flavor won’t be the same signature Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies feel.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely, but you’ll need to use a reliable 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture may differ slightly, and add xanthan gum if the blend doesn’t include it, to help with structure.

How do I keep the cookies soft longer?

Storing them in an airtight container at room temperature with a slice of bread can help maintain softness. The bread adds moisture that the cookies absorb over time, helping prevent drying out.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients carefully and bake the cookies in batches. The recipe scales well, so you can enjoy plenty of Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies for everyone.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Crumbl Nilla Bean Cupcake Cookies that keeps people coming back for more. With their dreamy texture, rich vanilla flavor, and beautiful frosting, they’re the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion. I hope you take a moment to whip up these cookies and share their warmth and joy with the people you love. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your favorite cookies to bake and savor.

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