Crumb cake cookies bring the best of both worlds to your dessert table. These delightful treats combine the soft, buttery texture of classic cookies with the irresistible crumbly topping of a traditional crumb cake. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they offer a comforting twist on two beloved favorites.
We love how easy these cookies are to make and how they fill the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy snack, crumb cake cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this recipe and create a batch that’s as delicious as it is memorable.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Crumb Cake Cookies, we need to gather ingredients that deliver both a soft cookie base and a rich crumb topping. Below you’ll find the essential components for each part of this delicious recipe.
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, measured precisely for structure
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, to give the cookies a gentle lift
- ½ teaspoon baking soda, for slight leavening
- ½ teaspoon salt, to balance sweetness
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled, creating a rich texture
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed, for deep caramel notes
- ½ cup granulated sugar, for balanced sweetness
- 1 large egg, at room temperature, to bind ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for aromatic warmth
- ½ cup sour cream, adding moisture and tenderness
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, for a tender crumb
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, to add molasses flavor
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, providing warm spice notes
- ¼ teaspoon salt, amplifying the flavors
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed, key for crumbly texture
| Ingredient | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups + 1 cup | Structure for dough and topping |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon | Leavening agent |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon | Flavor balancing |
| Unsalted butter | ¾ cup melted + ½ cup cold | Moisture and texture |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup + ⅓ cup packed | Sweetness and flavor depth |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Sweetness |
| Egg | 1 large | Binding agent |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Sour cream | ½ cup | Moisture and softness |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Spice for topping |
These ingredients combine the softness of a classic cookie and the crumbly topping that makes our Crumb Cake Cookies irresistibly unique.
Equipment Needed
To achieve the perfect Crumb Cake Cookies with their signature soft texture and crumbly topping, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s a detailed list of what we will use to make our baking process smooth and successful:
- Mixing Bowls
At least two medium to large bowls: one for the cookie dough and one for the crumb topping. Using separate bowls helps us keep ingredients organized and ensures thorough mixing.
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
We recommend an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment. This will quickly cream the butter and sugars, promoting a light and airy dough essential for tenderness.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurements are crucial. Using standard measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients guarantees consistency and accuracy.
- Whisk and Spatula
A whisk helps blend dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and cinnamon evenly, while a spatula is ideal for folding in sour cream and scraping bowl sides.
- Baking Sheet
A rimmed baking sheet provides ample space for cookie spreading and keeps crumbs from spilling over.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat
Lining the baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even baking, which helps maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.
- Cooling Rack
Cooling cookies on a wire rack avoids sogginess from trapped steam and allows the crumb topping to set perfectly.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon
For uniformly sized cookies ensuring even baking times and a consistent appearance.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate mixing of dough and crumb topping |
| Electric/Stand Mixer | Creaming butter and sugar efficiently |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurements |
| Whisk | Evenly mixing dry ingredients |
| Spatula | Folding wet ingredients and scraping bowl |
| Baking Sheet | Holding cookies during baking |
| Parchment Paper/Silicone Mat | Non-stick surface and even baking |
| Cooling Rack | Proper cooling to maintain texture |
| Cookie Scoop/Tablespoon | Uniform cookie size |
Having these tools ready before we start will streamline our Crumb Cake Cookies baking experience and help us achieve that irresistible soft cookie with a golden crumb topping every time.
Prep Work
To achieve the perfect Crumb Cake Cookies, timely and precise Prep Work is essential. We will walk through the steps of preparing both the crumb topping and the cookie dough to ensure a delicious final result.
Preparing the Crumb Topping
First, let’s focus on the rich, crumbly topping that sets these cookies apart.
- Combine the following dry ingredients in a medium bowl:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
- Cut in cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits remaining.
- Refrigerate the crumb topping while you work on the dough. This keeps the butter cold for maximum crumbliness.
Pro Tip: Keeping the butter cold is the key to achieving a buttery, crumbly texture that beautifully contrasts the soft cookie base.
Making the Cookie Dough
Next, we’ll prepare the soft and tender cookie dough that acts as the perfect canvas for our crumb topping.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients together:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Room temperature |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup | Packed |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | |
| Egg | 1 large | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure for best flavor |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | Full fat |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Remember: Our cookie dough should be soft but scoopable, ready to receive that irresistible crumb topping before baking.
With these two components prepped and ready, we can confidently move forward to assembling our Crumb Cake Cookies, ensuring every bite delivers a perfect balance of crumbly and tender textures.
Directions
Let’s walk through the precise steps to assemble and bake our Crumb Cake Cookies so they turn out perfectly every time.
Forming the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the cookie dough into evenly sized balls about 1.5 tablespoons each. This ensures uniform baking.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Gently press each dough ball just slightly to flatten the top; this helps the crumb topping adhere better.
Adding the Crumb Topping
- Remove the chilled crumb topping from the refrigerator.
- Generously sprinkle about 1 to 2 tablespoons of crumb topping over each cookie dough ball, ensuring a hearty layer for that delicious crumbly texture.
- Lightly press the crumbs into the dough without compressing them completely to preserve their signature crunch after baking.
Baking Instructions
| Step | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (175°C) | Preheated before baking |
| Bake Time | 12 to 15 minutes | Watch for golden edges |
| Baking Setup | Middle rack | Even heat distribution |
- Bake the cookies on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown while the centers remain soft.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender inside with a crisp crumb topping.
Cooling and Serving
- After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly.
- Transfer the cookies gently to a wire cooling rack. Cooling completely here preserves the crumbly topping’s texture.
- Serve the Crumb Cake Cookies slightly warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and crumb balance.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer keeping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To keep our Crumb Cake Cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. After cooling completely on a wire rack, place the cookies in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the crumb topping intact.
Storage Duration and Conditions
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Store in airtight container away from heat and sunlight |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Keeps cookies fresher but may slightly harden crumb topping |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bag or container |
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Dough in Advance:
We can make the cookie dough and crumb topping up to 48 hours before baking. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Before baking, allow the dough to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier scooping.
- Freeze Raw Cookie Dough:
Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen by adding 2–3 additional minutes to the baking time.
- Store Baked Cookies Properly:
After baking and cooling, store cookies in layers separated by parchment paper to preserve the delicate crumb topping.
Reheating Our Crumb Cake Cookies
To enjoy warm cookies, place them in a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10–15 seconds. For crispier edges and revived crumb topping texture, warm them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 3–5 minutes.
Pro Tip: Always use an airtight container and keep the cookies away from moisture to maintain the perfect balance of softness and crumbly texture that defines our Crumb Cake Cookies.
Conclusion
Crumb Cake Cookies bring together the best of both worlds—a tender, buttery cookie base topped with a satisfyingly crumbly finish. With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, they’re a treat anyone can bake and enjoy.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies deliver warmth and comfort in every bite. Having the right tools and following the prep tips ensures consistent, delicious results every time.
We’re confident this recipe will become a favorite in your baking repertoire, offering a delightful twist on classic crumb cake that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crumb Cake Cookies?
Crumb Cake Cookies are soft, buttery cookies topped with a crumbly mixture, combining the texture of traditional crumb cake with the convenience of a cookie.
What ingredients do I need to make Crumb Cake Cookies?
You need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, sour cream, ground cinnamon, and cold butter for the crumb topping.
What equipment is essential for baking these cookies?
You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, spatula, rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, a cooling rack, and a cookie scoop or tablespoon.
How do I prepare the crumb topping?
Combine dry ingredients—flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt—and cut in cold unsalted butter until crumbs form, then refrigerate to keep the butter cold and crumbly.
What is the baking temperature and time?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until edges are golden and centers stay soft.
Can I prepare the dough and crumb topping in advance?
Yes, both dough and crumb topping can be made up to 48 hours ahead and stored refrigerated, or the raw dough can be frozen for later baking.
How should I store leftover Crumb Cake Cookies?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Crumb Cake Cookies?
Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore softness and crumbly texture.
Are Crumb Cake Cookies suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! Their unique crumb topping and soft texture make them perfect for holidays, parties, or casual snacking.
What makes Crumb Cake Cookies different from regular cookies?
They combine a soft, tender cookie base with a sweet, cinnamon-spiced crumbly topping that mimics classic crumb cake.