If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie, you know exactly why it’s a fan favorite. Soft, chewy, and loaded with the flavors of vanilla and butter, it’s the perfect treat to celebrate any occasion—whether it’s a birthday or just because.
But what if we told you that you could enjoy this indulgent treat right from the comfort of your own kitchen? That’s right, this copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie recipe brings the deliciousness of Crumbl’s signature cookie straight to your oven.
Whether you’re a Crumbl aficionado or a newcomer to the brand, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with its cake-like texture and vibrant frosting.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate that iconic cookie magic without the trip to the store. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake these irresistibly soft and festive cookies at home!
What Makes the Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie So Special?
The Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie isn’t just another cookie—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and nostalgia all wrapped into one. What sets it apart from other cookies? It’s the perfect balance of cake and cookie.
When you take a bite, you immediately notice how soft and chewy it is—almost like a piece of cake, but in cookie form. It’s thick, dense, and incredibly moist, thanks to the secret ingredient that gives it that “birthday cake” taste—cake mix.
Beyond the texture, the flavor is what makes this cookie truly irresistible. The buttery sweetness of the dough, combined with the light vanilla undertones, brings that classic birthday cake flavor to life.
It’s a flavor that feels both familiar and indulgent, transporting you to memories of birthday parties and joyful celebrations.
But the real magic happens with the addition of buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles. The frosting is creamy and sweet, while the sprinkles add a pop of color and a playful touch, making each bite feel like a mini celebration.
Whether you’re enjoying these cookies for a special occasion or as an everyday treat, they have a way of brightening your day with their cheerful appearance and delicious taste.
This unique combination of cake-like texture, rich vanilla flavor, and fun frosting is what makes the Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie such a coveted treat. Recreating this masterpiece at home means you can enjoy all the joy of Crumbl’s iconic cookie without the wait or the line—just pure, homemade goodness.
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Ingredients for Your Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie
To make these soft, cake-like cookies just like Crumbl’s famous Birthday Cake Cookie, you’ll need a few essential ingredients.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create the perfect batch of cookies.
For the Cookie Dough:
- Butter (1 cup, softened) – The star ingredient for the cookie’s rich, soft texture. Make sure the butter is at room temperature to help it cream well with the sugar.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Brown Sugar (¾ cup, packed) – The molasses in brown sugar contributes to a deeper flavor and moisture.
- Eggs (2 large) – They help bind the dough together and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tablespoon) – A key ingredient for that warm, classic flavor that makes the cookie so delicious.
- Boxed Cake Mix (1 box, preferably vanilla) – This is the secret ingredient that gives these cookies their soft, cake-like texture. Make sure to use vanilla cake mix for that perfect birthday cake flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Helps to give structure to the dough, preventing it from being too soft or runny.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon) – Helps the cookies spread slightly during baking and creates a soft, chewy center.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) – Enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- Butter (½ cup, softened) – You’ll need softened butter for a smooth and fluffy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups) – This gives the frosting its sweet, light texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – To mirror the flavor in the cookies.
- Heavy Cream (2 tablespoons) – To help achieve the desired consistency and make the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- Colorful Sprinkles – Optional, but they add that final festive touch to make your cookies look just like Crumbl’s.
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch of birthday cake cookies that rival Crumbl’s!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking the Perfect Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring them all together to make these cookies.
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to bake the most delicious copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies.
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can do this with an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk, but an electric mixer makes it quicker. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the soft texture of the cookie.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy by this point.
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is fully combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky—if it feels too soft, refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop large portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and roll them into balls. For the signature Crumbl look, gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. The cookies will spread slightly while baking, so give them some space on the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart).
For even more Crumbl-like perfection, you can press the top of each cookie ball gently with your fingers to make it slightly wider and more uniform in shape.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Place the cookie dough on the prepared baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. The key to a perfect Crumbl birthday cake cookie is to avoid overbaking. These cookies should be soft in the center, so be careful not to leave them in the oven too long. If you see the edges turning golden, but the centers are still a little soft, that’s your cue to take them out!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without becoming too hard.
Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable but not too runny. If the frosting feels too thick, add a little more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
For a fun twist, you can add a few drops of food coloring to make the frosting match any theme or just add a pop of color for that cheerful, birthday-party look.
Step 5: Decorate the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to decorate! Generously pipe or spread the buttercream frosting onto each cookie. Be sure to cover the surface evenly, leaving the edges of the cookie visible.
Finally, top each cookie with colorful sprinkles to mimic Crumbl’s signature look. Feel free to use rainbow sprinkles, confetti sprinkles, or any mix that adds a fun, celebratory touch.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie
Achieving the perfect copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie at home is all about the details.
Here are some key tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out soft, chewy, and full of flavor every time.
1. Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough is essential for a few reasons. First, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping them retain that thick, cake-like texture. Second, it allows the flavors to meld together for an even richer taste. If you find your dough too soft to handle, a 30-minute chill in the fridge is a great way to firm it up and make it easier to scoop and shape.
2. Use Room Temperature Butter
For the smoothest dough and the creamiest frosting, make sure your butter is at room temperature. Softened butter mixes more evenly with the sugar, creating a light, airy dough. Avoid using melted butter, as it can make the dough too runny and affect the cookie’s texture.
3. Measure Your Ingredients Carefully
For the best results, use the correct measurements for both dry and wet ingredients. Too much flour can make the dough dry, while too little can make it too sticky. The cake mix plays a crucial role in the texture, so make sure you use the recommended amount and don’t skip it!
4. Perfect Cookie Size
The size of your cookie balls matters. Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform portions, which will bake evenly. The Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies are known for their large size, so don’t be afraid to scoop big portions of dough. Flatten the dough balls slightly to get that signature thick, soft texture.
5. Keep an Eye on Baking Time
The key to these cookies is to bake them until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. If you overbake them, they’ll lose their signature chewy texture. Trust your instincts and pull them out when the edges start to turn golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
6. Frost Once Completely Cool
Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting. If the cookies are still warm, the buttercream frosting might melt and lose its texture. Once they are fully cooled, you’ll have a perfect layer of frosting that holds up beautifully.
Variations of the Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie to Try
While the classic Birthday Cake Cookie is always a hit, there are plenty of fun variations you can try to switch things up.
Here are some creative twists to give your cookies a fresh take!
1. Mini Birthday Cake Cookies
If you love the idea of bite-sized cookies, make mini versions of these birthday cake cookies. Use a smaller scoop (about 1 tablespoon) and bake for about 8-10 minutes. They’re perfect for serving at parties or packing in lunchboxes for a fun treat!
2. Chocolate Birthday Cake Cookies
For a chocolate lover’s twist, add unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough. Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder to infuse a rich, chocolatey flavor into the cookies. You can even swap the vanilla cake mix for a chocolate cake mix for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Vegan Birthday Cake Cookies
Making these cookies vegan is easy! Replace the butter with a plant-based option, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs. For the frosting, swap dairy butter with vegan butter and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to get the right consistency.
4. Gluten-Free Birthday Cake Cookies
To make a gluten-free version of these cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your cake mix is gluten-free, or opt for a gluten-free cake mix. This variation keeps all the flavor and texture but is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
5. Funfetti Birthday Cake Cookies
Want to take the birthday theme to the next level? Add rainbow sprinkles directly into the cookie dough for a funfetti twist. This adds an extra burst of color and texture inside the cookie, making each bite even more festive. You can also mix sprinkles into the frosting for added fun!
6. White Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake Cookies
For an extra layer of sweetness, fold in some white chocolate chips into the cookie dough. The creamy, rich flavor of the white chocolate will complement the vanilla cake mix perfectly. This variation brings a decadent twist to the already indulgent birthday cake flavor.
7. Lemon Birthday Cake Cookies
If you want a refreshing, zesty variation, add some lemon zest and lemon juice to the dough. The bright citrus flavor will give these cookies a more refreshing taste, making them perfect for a summer treat. You can also add lemon extract for an even bolder lemon flavor.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie
There’s something undeniably magical about the Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie—its soft, cake-like texture, sweet vanilla flavor, and vibrant frosting make it a treat that’s hard to forget.
With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of Crumbl’s iconic cookie right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies are sure to bring joy with every bite.
From the thick, chewy texture to the colorful sprinkles and creamy frosting, this homemade version mirrors everything you love about Crumbl’s birthday cake cookie.
The best part? You get to control the ingredients and customize them to your liking, whether you stick with the classic or try fun variations like chocolate, mini versions, or gluten-free options.
So, grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that’ll leave you—and anyone you share them with—smiling from ear to ear!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe calls for vanilla cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate, lemon, or funfetti. Just remember that the cake mix is key to the cookie’s texture, so make sure to use one that complements the flavor profile you’re going for.
2. How should I store these cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them fresher for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the buttercream frosting in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick re-whip to restore its smooth texture.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because the dough wasn’t chilled enough before baking, or the butter was too warm when you started mixing the dough. To prevent this, ensure the dough is chilled for at least 30 minutes before baking, and make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
5. How can I get my cookies to look like Crumbl’s large, thick cookies?
For that signature Crumbl look, make sure to scoop large dough balls (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten them slightly before baking. This will help them spread just enough to achieve the perfect size and thickness, just like Crumbl’s cookies. Also, remember to keep an eye on the baking time—pull the cookies from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookie
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (2) – 1 for dry ingredients and 1 for wet ingredients.
- Electric Mixer (or Whisk) – For creaming the butter and sugar.
- Cookie Scoop (2 tbsp) – For evenly portioning the dough.
- Baking Sheet (1, lined with parchment paper)
- Parchment Paper (1 sheet) – To line the baking sheet.
- Wire Rack (1) – For cooling the cookies.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup 226g – Unsalted Butter, softened
- ¾ cup 150g – Granulated Sugar
- ¾ cup 165g – Brown Sugar, packed
- 2 large – Eggs
- 1 tablespoon 15ml – Vanilla Extract
- 1 box 15.25oz – Vanilla Cake Mix
- 1 cup 125g – All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon 5g – Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon 2.5g – Salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup 113g – Unsalted Butter, softened
- 2 cups 240g – Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon 5ml – Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons 30ml – Heavy Cream
- Sprinkles as needed – For decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for best results.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake mix, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix the Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Scoop and Shape the Dough:
- Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each dough ball slightly with your hands or the bottom of a glass to form a thick cookie.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- While the cookies cool, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, mixing until you reach a spreadable consistency.
Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cookies are cool, frost each cookie generously with the buttercream frosting and top with colorful sprinkles.
Enjoy:
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Crumbl-inspired birthday cake cookies!
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to work with, don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Frosting Variations: Feel free to adjust the frosting thickness by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency or more heavy cream for a softer frosting.
- Flavor Twist: For a funfetti twist, you can mix rainbow sprinkles into the dough itself for an added burst of color inside the cookies.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.
