Homemade Bakery Bliss: The Ultimate Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe
Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredible Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. These homemade treats capture the essence of the beloved bakery favorite, offering a soft, tender cookie base bursting with bright strawberry flavor. Each cookie is generously crowned with a luxurious, rich vanilla cream cheese frosting and finished with a delightful, crunchy strawberry streusel topping. The combination creates a truly irresistible dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, yet it’s surprisingly simple to recreate in your own kitchen. Perfect for satisfying your Crumbl cravings without the trip!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Crumbl Recipe
These Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: The secret to their simplicity lies in starting with a strawberry cake mix. This smart shortcut significantly reduces prep time and simplifies the ingredient list, eliminating the need to measure out multiple dry ingredients. It also guarantees a consistently delicious and vibrantly colored cookie base every single time, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Authentic Bakery-Style Indulgence: Achieve that coveted bakery-quality at home! These cookies boast a wonderfully soft, thick texture, complemented by a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting, and finished with a unique crunchy streusel. The multi-textured experience—soft cookie, smooth frosting, and delicate crunch from the topping—creates a perfectly balanced and satisfying bite that truly rivals Crumbl’s original.
- Vibrant and Wonderfully Fruity: Each bite is a celebration of sweet, juicy strawberry flavors, beautifully enhanced by the creamy vanilla frosting. The striking bright pink hue of the cookies and the complementary streusel makes them just as visually appealing as they are delicious, ensuring they stand out on any dessert table. It’s a burst of summer in every cookie!
- Ideal for Any Celebration: Looking for a show-stopping dessert? These fun, colorful cookies are absolutely perfect for birthdays, baby showers, bridal brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply as a thoughtful homemade gift. They are guaranteed to impress guests and disappear quickly from any cookie platter or dessert spread.
- Conveniently Make-Ahead Friendly: Planning for an event? No problem! These cookies can be prepared in advance, making your hosting duties much easier. The unfrosted cookies can be stored or even frozen, and the baked streusel can be prepared days ahead. Once assembled, they hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, maintaining their fresh taste and texture for when you’re ready to serve.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Success
Crafting these extraordinary Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that signature flavor and texture:
- Strawberry Cake Mix: This is the foundation of our cookies, providing both the delightful strawberry flavor and the charming pink color. Opt for a standard box mix for ease and consistent results. It’s the ultimate shortcut for homemade cookies that taste gourmet.
- All-Purpose Flour: A small addition of flour to the cake mix helps to create the ideal cookie texture, preventing them from being too cake-like and giving them just the right amount of structure and chewiness.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for keeping the cookies incredibly soft and moist, ensuring they don’t dry out during baking or storage. It contributes to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent, holding the dough together and contributing to the cookies’ richness and consistency. They also aid in slight leavening.
- Heavy Cream: A crucial ingredient that adds an extra layer of richness and softness to the cookie dough, distinguishing these from typical cake mix cookies and elevating their bakery-style appeal.
For the Creamy Vanilla Frosting:
- Cream Cheese: Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting. Its slight tang beautifully balances the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: When whipped, it transforms into a light, airy, and fluffy frosting texture, creating that cloud-like consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This secret ingredient adds thickness and stability to the frosting, preventing it from collapsing, and intensifies the delicious vanilla flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and contributes to its silky-smooth consistency, making it ideal for piping and creating a professional finish.
For the Signature Strawberry Streusel Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the streusel, allowing it to achieve that perfect crumbly texture when combined with butter.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Using cold butter is key! It ensures the streusel crumbles beautifully and bakes up crisp rather than melting into a flat layer. Cut it into small pieces for best results.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Infuses the streusel with a lovely vanilla essence that perfectly complements the strawberry, adding depth of flavor.
- Strawberry Jello Mix: This ingredient is a game-changer for the streusel, providing a concentrated burst of sweet strawberry flavor and a vibrant pink hue that makes the topping visually stunning and undeniably delicious.
Essential Tips for Perfect Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
While the full, detailed instructions for crafting these delightful cookies are laid out on the recipe card below, here are some indispensable tips to ensure your Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies turn out absolutely perfect, just like the bakery’s best:
- Always Use Parchment Paper: This simple step is a game-changer. Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper not only prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal, but it also promotes more even baking. This helps to prevent burnt bottoms and guarantees consistent results across all your batches, while also making cleanup a breeze.
- Ensure Cookies Are Completely Cooled: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to frosting! It is absolutely crucial that your cookies are fully cooled to room temperature before you even think about applying the frosting. If frosted while still warm, the heat will cause the delicate cream cheese frosting to melt, slide off, and lose its beautifully piped shape, resulting in a messy rather than a magnificent cookie.
- Chill the Frosting Briefly: For the most professional-looking finish and easier handling, consider chilling your prepared frosting in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before piping. A slightly cooler frosting will have a firmer consistency, making it much simpler to pipe neat swirls and hold its intricate shape, giving your cookies that polished, bakery-fresh appearance.
- Avoid Overbaking at All Costs: The hallmark of a truly great Crumbl cookie is its soft, tender center. To achieve this, watch your cookies carefully and resist the urge to overbake. The cookies should still appear slightly soft and set around the edges but gooey in the very center when you remove them from the oven. Remember, cookies continue to set and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet, so a slight underbake will lead to that perfectly soft and tender texture without becoming dry or crumbly.
Storage and Serving Instructions
To keep your Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these simple storage and serving guidelines:
- Refrigerator Storage: Due to the cream cheese in the frosting, these cookies must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Proper chilling helps the frosting maintain its firm texture and prevents any spoilage, ensuring each cookie tastes as good as the first.
- Optimal Serving Temperature: For the absolute best texture and to allow all the vibrant flavors to truly shine, it’s recommended to let the cookies come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving. The frosting will soften slightly, and the cookie base will become more tender, enhancing the overall experience compared to serving them cold straight from the fridge.
Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
COOKIES
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 2 T flour
- ¼ cups oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 T heavy cream
VANILLA FROSTING
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ c heavy cream
- 3 T vanilla pudding mix
- ¼ cups powdered sugar
STREUSEL TOPPING
- 4 T flour divided
- 2 T butter cold
- 2 T vanilla pudding mix
- 2 T strawberry jello mix
Instructions
Make the Streusel Topping:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
-
In two small, separate bowls, prepare the two distinct streusel mixtures for a balanced flavor and visual appeal:
-
For the vanilla streusel component, combine 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cold butter (cut into small cubes), and 2 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry mixture until fine crumbs form and the mixture resembles coarse sand.
-
For the strawberry streusel component, in the second bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cold butter (also cut into small cubes), and 2 tablespoons of strawberry Jello mix. Again, cut the cold butter into the mixture until it is fully incorporated and crumbly.
-
Carefully spread each streusel mixture onto a separate half of the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in an even, thin layer to bake properly.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until the streusel is lightly toasted and fragrant but not browned. It will crisp up further as it cools.
-
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, gently crumble both mixtures together with your fingers and set aside. This combination will create a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
Make the Cookies:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the full box of strawberry cake mix, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
-
Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix all ingredients until they are fully combined and the dough is smooth, thick, and consistent in color. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons per cookie), portion the dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring each cookie is spaced about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
-
Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 9-11 minutes. The cookies should be just set around the edges and look slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
-
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheets before attempting to frost them. This is crucial for the frosting’s integrity.
Make the Frosting:
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the 3 oz of softened cream cheese on medium speed until it is smooth and completely free of lumps.
-
Add the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese. Mix on low speed until these ingredients are just combined and smooth.
-
Gradually pour in the 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy cream on low speed, mixing until everything is incorporated. Once combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the mixture until it becomes thick, smooth, and beautifully fluffy. Be careful not to over-whip.
-
Transfer the prepared frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. If desired, chill the frosting briefly (15-20 minutes) for easier piping.
Assemble the Cookies:
-
Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe a generous swirl of the creamy vanilla frosting onto the center of each cookie. You can create a simple dollop or an elaborate swirl, depending on your preference.
-
Generously sprinkle the prepared, crumbled strawberry and vanilla streusel topping over the frosting of each cookie. The more streusel, the better the crunch!
Nutrition
Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookie FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying these delightful Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! For best results, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. This allows you to have a ready supply of cookie bases on hand. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature and then frost them just before serving for the freshest texture and flavor. If you prefer to freeze the assembled cookies with frosting and streusel, you certainly can; however, be aware that the frosting’s texture might soften slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, flash freeze them on a tray until solid before transferring to an airtight container.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the base?
Yes, you absolutely can get creative with the cake mix! While strawberry cake mix keeps these cookies closest to the authentic Crumbl classic and provides that signature pink hue, experimenting with other flavors is a fun way to customize them. Consider using a lemon cake mix for a bright and tangy twist, or a classic vanilla cake mix for a more subtle base that allows the strawberry streusel to truly shine. A chocolate cake mix could also create an intriguing chocolate-covered strawberry cookie variation. Just remember, the overall flavor profile will change with your choice!
Can I make the streusel ahead of time?
Yes, the streusel topping is perfectly suited for make-ahead preparation! You can bake the streusel and once it’s completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This significantly streamlines the cookie assembly process on the day you plan to frost and decorate. Alternatively, you can also prepare the streusel mixture (before baking) and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to use it for maximum crispness.
What if my frosting isn’t thick enough?
If your cream cheese frosting seems too thin after whipping, don’t worry! This can sometimes happen due to varying humidity or cream cheese consistency. You can easily remedy this by gradually adding more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and whipping until it reaches your desired thick and fluffy consistency. Another trick is to simply chill the frosting in the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes; a colder frosting will naturally stiffen up, making it easier to pipe and hold its shape.
More Delicious Strawberry Cookie Recipes to Try:
If you love the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic strawberry cookie recipes, many of which also leverage the convenience of a cake mix:
- Cake mix cookies are renowned for being some of the easiest and most versatile cookies to make. For a quick and delightful option, our Strawberry Cool Whip Cookies are incredibly simple, requiring only 3 ingredients for a light and fluffy result! For more exciting cake mix variations, try the zesty Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Cookies, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tart, or the decadent White Chocolate Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies, both extremely simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
- We have a special fondness for classic thumbprint cookies, and our strawberry versions are no exception! The traditional Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are a beloved favorite, featuring a buttery shortbread-like cookie with a sweet strawberry jam center. And for those who adore the combination of chocolate and strawberry, our Chocolate Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are an absolute dream, combining rich chocolate with fruity sweetness.
- For a truly unique and charming dessert, don’t miss our Strawberry Pie Cookies. These are essentially mini strawberry pies, made with just 4 ingredients, including delicious strawberry pie filling and convenient pre-made pie crust. They are incredibly fun to make and always a hit!
These Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are a homemade masterpiece bursting with vibrant strawberry flavor, crowned with rich vanilla frosting, and finished with a satisfyingly sweet, crunchy streusel. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a gourmet treat, these cookies offer all the bakery-style indulgence without ever needing to leave the comfort of your home!