If you’ve ever bitten into a warm, oversized crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe, you know what true cookie bliss tastes like. With their gooey centers, slightly crisp edges, and rich chocolate flavor, Crumbl cookies have become a dessert icon across the U.S. But what if you could recreate that same magic in your own kitchen?
In this article, we’re diving deep into the crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe, unlocking the secrets behind their melt-in-your-mouth texture, iconic flavor, and bakery-style size. You’ll learn step-by-step how to craft a copycat version that rivals the original—maybe even better. We’ll explore key ingredients, baking techniques, substitutions, and storage methods. Plus, we’ll tackle common questions like: Do Crumbl cookies use cake flour? or Are they really 700 calories?
Learn more about Crumbl cookies and their unique charm in our Crumbl Cookie Recipe breakdown. Now, let’s get started with what makes these cookies truly one-of-a-kind.
Introduction to Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
What Makes Crumbl Cookies Unique
Crumbl has disrupted the cookie world with its oversized, indulgent treats. But it’s not just their size that sets them apart—it’s the texture. Each bite delivers layers of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp edges. The center is almost underbaked, creating a warm, gooey bite that melts into your mouth.
What really makes Crumbl cookies special is their freshly baked daily quality and rotating weekly menu. While they feature countless flavors, the chocolate chip cookie remains their most popular staple, always available, always irresistible. And that’s exactly the one we’re copying today.
Why This Copycat Recipe is Worth Trying
Craving Crumbl but don’t want to shell out $5 per cookie or wait in line? This recipe brings that bakery goodness right to your home oven. Here’s why this crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe is a must-try:
- Cost-effective: Make a whole batch for the price of one store-bought cookie.
- Customizable: Prefer darker chocolate? Add nuts? You’re the boss here.
- Satisfying: Fresh-from-the-oven cookies will always win over anything shipped or store-bought.
- Easy-to-follow steps: No fancy techniques—just smart baking tips and the right ingredients.
Don’t miss our Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Without Brown Sugar if you’re looking for a simpler twist or need a pantry-friendly alternative.
Understanding the Crumbl Brand and Its Cookie Craze
The Rise of Crumbl: A Cookie Empire
In just a few short years, Crumbl has grown from a single storefront in Utah to one of the fastest-growing cookie chains in the U.S. Founded in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley, Crumbl gained instant popularity for its rotating weekly cookie menu and Instagram-worthy pink boxes.
Their innovative approach to cookies—oversized, gourmet-style, and often inspired by nostalgic desserts—captured a huge audience. With over 800 locations and millions of social media followers, Crumbl quickly became more than a bakery. It became a brand synonymous with indulgence.
Crumbl’s success is also rooted in its made-fresh-daily model, where cookies are baked in-store and served warm. That’s a big part of why their chocolate chip cookie has become legendary.
Discover great ideas like this Strawberry Crunch Cookies recipe if you’re into Crumbl-inspired creations.
The Famous Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie: What’s Inside?
The OG Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie is deceptively simple at first glance—but don’t be fooled. Its signature flavor and texture are the results of very deliberate choices:
| Element | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Butter | Real butter for rich flavor and soft texture |
| Brown Sugar Blend | Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth |
| Milk Chocolate Chips | Larger, sweeter chips for big chocolatey bites |
| Flour Type | Possibly a blend including cake flour (more below) |
| Size & Shape | Oversized, thick, and slightly underbaked in center |
The cookie is thick but not cakey, soft but not mushy, and filled with enough chocolate to make every bite satisfying. Their use of premium ingredients is key to achieving that unforgettable taste.
Don’t miss our Chocolate Bread Recipe for another decadent, chocolate-packed experience.
Key Ingredients Breakdown for Authentic Flavor
Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips (Semi-sweet vs. Milk)
One of the standout features of a Crumbl chocolate chip cookie is the use of large milk chocolate chips instead of the more common semi-sweet variety. This small swap makes a big difference.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: These are creamier, sweeter, and melt beautifully into each bite. Crumbl uses massive Ghirardelli-style chips or chunks that hold their shape while still offering a soft melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Semi-Sweet Chips: While popular in home baking, these have a slightly bitter edge and firmer texture when cooled. They’re fine in a pinch but won’t quite match Crumbl’s flavor.
Pro Tip: If you want to mimic Crumbl exactly, go for milk chocolate chips in a large size (at least 60% cacao). For bonus points, chop a milk chocolate bar into irregular chunks for a rustic effect.
Butter, Sugars, and Vanilla: Flavor Foundations
Cookies live or die by their fat and sugar. Here’s how Crumbl-style cookies get that rich depth:
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter and make sure it’s room temperature for optimal creaming. It contributes both flavor and structure.
- Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens. Use more light brown sugar than granulated to keep your cookies chewy and moist.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a touch balances the flavor and adds a slight crisp to the edges.
- Vanilla Extract: Go all in with pure vanilla extract—no imitation here. It complements the chocolate and enhances sweetness.
The combination of these ingredients creates a cookie that’s rich, flavorful, and has that trademark buttery soft bite.
Do Crumbl Cookies Use Cake Flour?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Many bakers believe that Crumbl uses cake flour (or a blend with all-purpose flour) to achieve their tender, light texture. And they may be right.
Cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour, which leads to less gluten development. The result? A softer, fluffier cookie that spreads less and stays thick.
| Flour Type | Protein % | Texture Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Cake Flour | 7-8% | Tender, delicate, soft cookies |
| All-Purpose Flour | 10-12% | Chewy, denser cookies |
| Blend (50/50) | ~9% | Balanced structure with a soft bite |
If you’re chasing that Crumbl texture, substituting ¼ to ½ of your all-purpose flour with cake flour is a smart move.
Check out this guide to making soft, chewy cookies for more baking science tips that align with Crumbl’s cookie chemistry.
Step-by-Step Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Instructions
Ingredients List & Measurements (with a Conversion Table)
To nail the texture and flavor of the original Crumbl cookie, exact measurements and quality ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (or 1¼ cups all-purpose + 1¼ cups cake flour)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups large milk chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli or chopped bar)
Measurement Conversion Table
| Ingredient | Metric |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 227 grams |
| Brown Sugar | 150 grams |
| Granulated Sugar | 100 grams |
| All-Purpose Flour | 312 grams |
| Chocolate Chips | 340 grams |
Don’t miss our Homemade Black Raspberry Ice Cream to pair with your warm cookies! It’s a match made in dessert heaven.
Mixing, Chilling, and Baking Tips
Follow these steps to replicate that thick, gooey Crumbl texture:
1. Cream Butter and Sugars
Beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This traps air for thickness.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Scrape down the sides to keep it even.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together your flour(s), baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix Dry Into Wet Gradually
Add the dry mix into the butter mixture in batches. Don’t overmix—it can make cookies tough.
5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Use a spatula to gently fold in those big, beautiful chocolate chips.
6. Scoop and Chill
Scoop into large balls—about ¼ cup per cookie for that signature Crumbl look. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best texture.
How to Get That Signature Crumbl Size and Texture
- Baking Temperature: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Baking Time: Bake for 11–13 minutes, until edges are just golden but centers still look underdone
- Size Matters: Use an ice cream scoop or scale to weigh out dough (about 3.5–4 oz per cookie)
Pro Tip: Once out of the oven, let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to finish setting. This keeps them soft and gooey inside.
Don’t miss our guide on baking without brown sugar if you’re short on ingredients and still want a chewy texture.
Baking Tips to Match Crumbl’s Signature Texture
How Long to Bake for a Gooey Center
The Crumbl cookie’s magic lies in that ultra-soft center. Most home bakers make the mistake of overbaking, expecting the cookies to firm up in the oven. But here’s the truth:
- Pull them out when the edges are set, but the center still looks slightly underdone.
- For large 4 oz cookies, that sweet spot is usually 11–13 minutes at 375°F.
- The cookies continue baking from residual heat on the tray, so don’t skip the cooling period.
If you want the cookie to feel underbaked without being raw, this trick ensures it finishes perfectly chewy and gooey on the inside.
Looking for inspiration? Try this guide to soft and chewy cookies—it pairs perfectly with this technique.
The Importance of Cookie Chill Time
Let’s talk chilling. This one step can make or break your batch:
| Chill Time | Effect |
|---|---|
| 0 minutes | Cookies spread more, thinner texture |
| 30 minutes | Slightly thicker cookies with better structure |
| 1+ hour | Even baking, richer flavor, ideal Crumbl-style rise |
| Overnight (best!) | Deepest flavor, minimal spreading, chewy interior |
Why it works: Chilling solidifies the fats, allowing the dough to spread less while baking. It also lets the flour fully hydrate and the flavors to intensify—similar to how professional bakeries prep in advance.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, shape your dough balls and pop them in the freezer for 20 minutes. It’s a great shortcut.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the best recipes can flop with a few missteps. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Overmixing the dough: Creates tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Incorrect flour: All-purpose works, but blending with cake flour mimics Crumbl’s soft interior.
- Skipping the chill: Results in flat, overspread cookies.
- Using small chocolate chips: You won’t get those melty, chunky bites Crumbl is known for.
- Overbaking: Trust the timer and your oven—don’t wait for a fully set center.
And remember—each oven is different. An oven thermometer can be your best friend when precision matters.
Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
Using Cake Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour
Many bakers wonder: what happens if you use cake flour instead of all-purpose in cookies? Well, here’s what you need to know:
Cake flour has a lower protein content, which creates less gluten in the dough. The result is a cookie with:
- A more delicate crumb
- A softer, tender bite
- Less chewiness but more melt-in-your-mouth texture
By contrast, all-purpose flour delivers structure and chew. To strike a balance that mimics Crumbl cookies:
Use a 50/50 blend of cake flour and all-purpose flour.
This gives the cookie that thick, soft, bakery-style finish Crumbl is famous for.
| Flour Type | Texture Outcome |
|---|---|
| Cake Flour Only | Super soft, tender, less chewy |
| All-Purpose Only | Chewy, dense |
| 50/50 Mix | Balanced, Crumbl-style |
This little change can take your copycat game to the next level.
Box Cake Mix: Do Crumbl Cookies Use It?
It’s a rumor that’s floated around the baking world for a while: Do Crumbl cookies use box cake mix?
While Crumbl hasn’t confirmed this directly, many copycat bakers have tested it. Here’s what we know:
- Crumbl cookies have that extra-soft, fluffy texture reminiscent of cake.
- Some versions of Crumbl’s seasonal cookies, like Birthday Cake or Cookies & Cream, likely include box cake mix or cake mix powder for flavor and softness.
- However, the classic chocolate chip cookie most likely uses a flour-based dough, not cake mix.
That said, you can experiment! If you’re aiming for a fluffier texture or want to try a shortcut, swap ¼ cup of flour with vanilla or butter cake mix to add a unique twist.
Warning: Too much cake mix = cakey cookie. Use sparingly for best results.
Don’t miss our Chocolate Cobbler Recipe if you love rich, soft desserts with gooey centers—it’s Crumbl-level comfort in a dish!
Storing and Freezing Your Crumbl Copycats
How to Store Crumbl Cookies to Keep Them Fresh
Crumbl cookies are known for their freshness, but how do you keep that same texture at home? Proper storage is key.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Place cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them in a cool spot (not the fridge). They stay fresh for 3–4 days.
- Reheat Before Serving: To revive that gooey center, microwave each cookie for 8–10 seconds before eating.
- Avoid Refrigeration: This dries out the cookies faster. Only refrigerate dough—not baked cookies.
Pro Tip: Add a slice of white bread to your container. It helps maintain moisture without making the cookies soggy.
Can You Freeze crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe Cookies?
Absolutely—and it’s one of the best things about this recipe. You can prep in bulk and freeze both baked cookies and raw dough for later.
Freezing Raw Dough
- Scoop cookies onto a tray.
- Flash-freeze for 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag.
- Label with the date.
Frozen dough lasts up to 3 months and can be baked directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
Freezing Baked Cookies
- Allow cookies to cool completely.
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave on 50% power for 20–30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
Check out this comforting Pumpkin Custard recipe as a fall-themed pairing to serve alongside your thawed Crumbl cookies.
PART 8: Comparing Homemade vs. Store-Bought Crumbl Cookies
Flavor and Texture Differences
Let’s be real—when it comes to flavor, the homemade version can stand toe-to-toe with the real deal. In fact, many people actually prefer the DIY version because they can control sweetness, chocolate quality, and texture.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Store-Bought Crumbl | Homemade Crumbl Copycat |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Quality | Varies by location | You choose your favorite brand |
| Freshness | Baked in-store daily | Baked fresh at home |
| Texture Control | Standardized (can be inconsistent) | Fully customizable |
| Sweetness Level | Often very sweet | Adjust sugar to taste |
| Add-ins/Custom Flavors | Limited by menu | Endless creativity |
The only thing you might miss is the massive size and bakery presentation, but with the right scooping technique, even that’s easy to replicate.
Cost Savings of Homemade Crumbl-Style Cookies
Crumbl cookies average $4–$5 each, and let’s face it—those cravings can get expensive fast. But at home?
- One batch costs roughly $6–$8 total
- Yields 10–12 bakery-sized cookies
- That’s ~60–70 cents per cookie
You save money and end up with more cookies to share—or not. No judgment.
Calories in a crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe: Fact vs. Fiction
One Crumbl chocolate chip cookie clocks in at around 720 calories. Yep, for just one. That’s because of the high butter and sugar content, plus the size.
When you bake at home, you have control:
- Use less sugar
- Try lower-fat chocolate or fewer chips
- Make smaller cookies
Even a few tweaks can drop each cookie down to 400–500 calories, depending on size and ingredients.
Don’t miss our lightened-up Walnut Cookies Recipe—a great alternative if you’re watching calories but still want a cookie fix.
FAQs Section
Are Crumbl cookies really 700 calories?
Yes, most Crumbl cookies contain between 600 and 800 calories each, depending on the flavor. The classic chocolate chip version averages around 720 calories, due to its large size and rich ingredients like butter, sugar, and chocolate. If you’re watching calories, try making smaller portions at home.
What is the most popular Crumbl cookie?
The Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie is Crumbl’s all-time most popular and always available on the menu. Its gooey center, oversized shape, and rich flavor make it a fan favorite, and it’s the inspiration behind this recipe.
What is Crumbl cookie dough cookie?
The Crumbl Cookie Dough Cookie is a chilled cookie base topped with cookie dough frosting and mini chocolate chips. It combines the texture of a baked cookie with the nostalgic flavor of raw cookie dough—without any raw egg risks.
Do Crumbl cookies use cake flour?
While Crumbl hasn’t officially confirmed it, many copycat bakers believe the signature softness and light texture comes from a blend of cake flour and all-purpose flour. This combo creates a tender yet thick cookie that holds its shape without becoming dense.
What happens if you use cake flour instead of all-purpose in cookies?
Using cake flour instead of all-purpose creates a softer, fluffier texture in cookies. It reduces gluten formation, which means less chew but more tenderness. For a balanced Crumbl-like result, use a 50/50 mix of both flours.
Do Crumbl cookies use box cake mix?
Some Crumbl cookie varieties, especially limited-edition ones like Birthday Cake or Funfetti, may use cake mix for added flavor and lightness. However, the classic chocolate chip cookie likely uses a traditional flour-based dough—not boxed cake mix.
Conclusion
Recreating the iconic Crumbl chocolate chip cookie recipe at home is not only fun and rewarding—it’s also deliciously satisfying. With the right ingredients, a few expert baking tips, and a touch of patience, you can achieve those massive, gooey, bakery-style cookies anytime you crave them.
Whether you’re baking them fresh for a party, meal prepping with frozen dough balls, or customizing the recipe with fun add-ins, this copycat recipe lets you bring that Crumbl magic to your own kitchen—without the long lines or the price tag.
Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Cobbler if you want to continue your dessert deep dive.