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Crumbl Cookies has taken the dessert world by storm with its delectable and innovative cookie flavors.
One of their standout creations is the Strawberry Pretzel Cookie, a perfect balance of sweet and salty that leaves a lasting impression.
With a buttery cookie base, a rich strawberry cream cheese frosting, and a crunchy pretzel topping, it’s a combination that hits all the right notes.
But what if you could make this beloved cookie at home?
In this guide, we’re going to show you exactly how to recreate Crumbl’s iconic Strawberry Pretzel Cookie in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a sweet treat, or just want to impress your friends and family, this copycat recipe is the perfect way to indulge in a Crumbl favorite without leaving your home.
Making your own version of this delicious cookie means you can control the ingredients, adjust the sweetness, and enjoy the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste of Crumbl right at your fingertips.
Ready to start baking? Let’s gather the ingredients and get to work!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for the Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookie
To make this copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookie, you’ll need a few key ingredients that combine to create the perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Below is the breakdown of what to gather for the cookie dough, the strawberry cream cheese frosting, and the pretzel topping.
For the Cookie Dough:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, providing the right structure and texture.
- Baking soda: This helps the cookies rise and spread evenly as they bake.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the sweetness of the cookies and balance out the flavors.
- Butter (softened): Butter adds richness and moisture, creating that soft and chewy texture we all love.
- Brown sugar: It adds a deep, caramelized sweetness to the cookie, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: The perfect amount of sweetness to complement the brown sugar and give the cookie a slight crispness around the edges.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure, ensuring your cookies bake up beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: For that warm, aromatic flavor that rounds out the taste of the dough.
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the star of the frosting, creating a smooth, creamy base that’s rich and flavorful.
- Butter: Adds a little extra creaminess and helps create a smooth frosting consistency.
- Powdered sugar: This helps thicken the frosting while providing sweetness without a grainy texture.
- Strawberry jam or puree: This is what gives the frosting its sweet, fruity flavor and a lovely pink color.
You can also make your own strawberry puree for an extra fresh taste. - Vanilla extract: A little touch of vanilla brings all the flavors together in the frosting.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor.
For the Pretzel Topping:
- Pretzels: You’ll need broken pretzel pieces to add that signature salty crunch on top.
Regular-sized pretzels or mini pretzels work great, but ensure they are crushed into smaller pieces so they stick to the frosting. - Optional sugar or salt: You can sprinkle a little extra sugar or salt on top of the pretzels to adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your taste.
This step is optional but can help enhance the overall flavor balance.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of cookies that will rival the ones from your favorite Crumbl location.
Health Benefits of the Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookie
While these cookies are a delicious treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
- Good Source of Energy: The combination of carbohydrates and fats provides quick energy, making these cookies a great pick-me-up snack.
- Mood-Boosting Properties: The sugars and fats in this dessert can stimulate dopamine release, contributing to a sense of comfort and happiness.
- Dairy Benefits: The cream cheese frosting provides calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Butter contains some beneficial fatty acids, and when paired with nuts (if added), it can contribute to heart health in moderation.
- Antioxidants from Strawberries: If using real strawberry puree, this dessert contains vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function.
- Fiber from Pretzels: Though minimal, pretzels contribute a small amount of fiber, which aids digestion.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Strawberry Pretzel Cookie
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this delicious cookie to life!
Follow these steps carefully for a batch of Strawberry Pretzel Cookies that are soft, chewy, and topped with the perfect balance of strawberry cream cheese frosting and crunchy pretzels.
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
This is your dry mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar.
Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid flour flying everywhere.
Once combined, scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix until everything is well incorporated.
The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
2. Shape and Bake the Cookies
Scoop out dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or just eyeball it, and roll each portion into a ball.
Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently press each cookie dough ball down slightly with the palm of your hand to flatten them a little.
This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them that signature Crumbl cookie look.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
The edges should be golden, and the center should still look slightly soft.
Don’t worry – the cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
Let them rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the frosting.
In a medium bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Add 2 cups of powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing well between additions to ensure the frosting remains smooth and fluffy.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam or puree for that fresh strawberry flavor.
You can adjust the amount based on how strong you want the strawberry flavor to be.
Finally, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to frost them.
Spread a generous amount of strawberry cream cheese frosting on each cookie, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
5. Add the Pretzel Topping
Now, for the fun part! Take your crushed pretzels and sprinkle them on top of the frosted cookies.
Be generous, allowing the pretzel pieces to cling to the frosting. You can also lightly press them into the frosting to help them stay in place.
Optional: For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra sugar or salt on top of the pretzels for a sweet or savory finishing touch.
Let the cookies sit for about 10 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up slightly before serving or storing.
Tips for Success: How to Make the Best Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookie
Making the perfect Strawberry Pretzel Cookie takes a bit of attention to detail, but don’t worry – these tips will help you get the results you’re looking for!
1. Chill Your Dough
While not absolutely necessary, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too thin.
If you have time, pop the dough in the fridge before baking for an even thicker, chewier cookie.
2. Don’t Overbake
Crumbl cookies have that perfect soft and chewy center, so make sure not to overbake them.
When the edges are golden and the center looks slightly underdone, take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up as they cool.
3. Softened Butter and Cream Cheese
For the best texture, ensure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
This ensures that your dough and frosting come out smooth and creamy without lumps.
4. Adjust the Pretzel Topping to Your Preference
Some people prefer a more intense crunch, while others like just a hint of pretzel.
Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed pretzels based on your own taste.
If you want a more salty contrast, add a little extra pretzel.
5. Use Quality Strawberry Jam or Puree
Since the strawberry flavor is the star of the frosting, using a high-quality strawberry jam or fresh strawberry puree will make a noticeable difference in taste.
If you prefer a fresher flavor, homemade strawberry puree is an excellent option.
6. Storage Tips
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week.
Just let the cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a batch of strawberry pretzel cookies that not only taste amazing but look just like the ones from Crumbl.
Why You’ll Love These Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookies
If you’re a fan of Crumbl’s iconic Strawberry Pretzel Cookie, you’ll absolutely adore this homemade version.
There’s something magical about the way the flavors and textures come together in every bite: the rich, soft cookie base, the creamy strawberry frosting, and the satisfying crunch from the pretzels.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crispy — a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
Not only are these cookies bursting with flavor, but they also have that signature Crumbl look and feel, making them an impressive treat to serve at any gathering.
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or looking to impress your guests with something unique, these copycat cookies are sure to be a hit.
Plus, making them at home means you can enjoy them fresh from the oven, warm and gooey, with frosting that’s just the right amount of tangy and sweet.
And let’s not forget the customization!
You can tweak the frosting to your taste, adjust the amount of pretzel for the perfect salty crunch, or even experiment with different toppings.
These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious, making them a fun and satisfying treat to bake time and time again.
Recipe Variation
- Chocolate Pretzel Cookie: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cookies for a chocolatey twist.
- Berry Medley Frosting: Swap the strawberry jam or puree for raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry for a new fruity flavor.
- Salted Caramel Topping: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the frosted cookies before adding pretzels for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free pretzels for a celiac-friendly alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a comforting treat.
- Crumble a cookie over a bowl of yogurt or oatmeal for a fun breakfast twist.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain the best texture.
Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw and frost before adding pretzels for the best texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookies are the perfect way to indulge in a fan-favorite treat without stepping foot in a Crumbl store.
With their chewy, buttery cookie base, luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting, and satisfying crunch from the pretzels, these cookies hit all the right notes in terms of texture and flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a party, treating yourself, or baking for a special occasion, these cookies will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
By following our easy step-by-step instructions and tips for success, you’ll be able to recreate this beloved Crumbl flavor in your own kitchen with ease.
So, what are you waiting for?
Grab your ingredients, start baking, and experience the sweet, salty perfection of these homemade Strawberry Pretzel Cookies today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make the Strawberry Pretzel Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Once you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as usual.
You can also frost the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
- Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam for the frosting?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberry puree instead of strawberry jam.
Just blend fresh strawberries until smooth and strain them to remove any seeds.
Reduce the puree slightly on the stove to thicken it before incorporating it into the frosting for the best texture and flavor.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Be sure to check that the pretzels you’re using are also gluten-free, as many regular pretzels contain wheat.
- Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
While cream cheese is key to the frosting’s flavor and texture, you can try substituting it with mascarpone cheese or a thick yogurt for a slightly different flavor.
The result will still be creamy, but it won’t have the tangy note of cream cheese.
- How should I store these cookies?
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
For longer storage, freezing the cookies (frosted or unfrosted) is a great option.
Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing and wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.
Copycat Crumbl Strawberry Pretzel Cookie
Equipment
- Mixer (Hand or Stand): 1 unit
- Baking Sheets: 2 units
- Parchment Paper: Enough to line both baking sheets
- Cookie Scoop (2-tablespoon size): 1 unit
- Mixing Bowls: 2 units (one for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients)
- Whisk: 1 unit
- Wire Cooling Rack: 1 unit
- Spatula or Offset Spatula: 1 unit
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups 312 g All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon 5 g Baking soda
- ½ teaspoon 2 g Salt
- 1 cup 226 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200 g Brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup 100 g Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons 10 ml Vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz 226 g Cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup 57 g Unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 240 g Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons 30 g Strawberry jam or puree
- ½ teaspoon 2.5 ml Vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For the Pretzel Topping:
- 1 cup 60 g Pretzels, broken into small pieces
- Optional: Extra sugar or salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined.
Shape and Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop dough using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart, and gently press down on each cookie to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should be soft but set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in strawberry jam or puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on each cookie using a spatula or offset spatula.
- Top each frosted cookie with broken pretzel pieces, pressing them gently into the frosting for a secure hold.
Optional Final Touches:
- If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar or salt on the pretzels to add an extra flavor punch.
- Let the cookies sit for 10 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough: For thicker cookies, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- Pretzel options: You can use regular-sized pretzels or mini pretzels for the topping, depending on your preference. Make sure they’re crushed into small, bite-sized pieces so they adhere well to the frosting.
- Strawberry flavor: For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can substitute strawberry jam with fresh strawberry puree, though the texture of the frosting may change slightly.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
