special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

These special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) are the ultimate holiday treat! Soft, chewy, and adorned with festive red and green sprinkles, they are topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting that makes them irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family baking days, or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies bring joy to every occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors and decorative charm of these cookies this holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The vibrant holiday sprinkles make these cookies visually appealing, adding a touch of cheer to your celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies a wonderful flavor that complements the cream cheese frosting.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for a cookie exchange or a family gathering, these cookies fit right in at any event or occasion.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes or tins to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking these delightful special occasion Sugar Cookies, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie scoop
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve the fluffy texture needed for the cookie dough and frosting.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking and a polished look.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove cookies from the baking sheet.
• Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy.

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Ingredients

These special occasion Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with red and green holiday sprinkles. Topped with lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting and a festive sprinkle finish, they’re perfect for holiday celebrations, family baking, and gifting. We hope you have as much fun making these as we do!

For the Cookies

• 270 g (2¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 4 g (1 tsp) baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 170 g (1½ sticks / ¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (68-72°F)
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
• 54 g (⅓ cup)special occasion jimmies sprinkles

For the Frosting

• 283 g (1¼ bricks / 10 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened (68-72°F)
• 184 g (13 Tbsp) salted butter, softened (68-72°F)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 150 g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream, very cold
• 40 g (¼ cup)special occasion sprinkles (jimmies, nonpareils, trees, etc.)

How to Make special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line 2–3 baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 1–2 minutes.
2. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Add in:
1. The egg
2. Vanilla extract

Beat on medium-low speed until well combined—about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add:
1. The dry ingredients

Mix on low speed until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in:
1. The special occasion jimmies sprinkles using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough

Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop:
1. Portion out dough balls weighing about 48–50 g each.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Roll each portion into a ball:
1. Place them on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Flatten Dough Balls

Slightly flatten each dough ball:
1. Use your fingers or the bottom of a glass while keeping them at least ½-inch thick.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake for:
9–11 minutes or until edges are set and tops appear soft but no longer glossy.

Step 11: Shape Cookies

Remove from oven:
1. Immediately reshape into perfect circles using a larger cookie cutter or glass around each cookie.

Step 12: Cool Cookies

Cool on baking sheets for:
5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 13: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment:
1. Beat cream cheese and salted butter on low speed until smooth—about 1–2 minutes.
2. Scrape down sides as necessary.

Step 14: Add Extracts and Salt

Add:
1. Vanilla extract
2. Salt

Beat on low speed until combined.

Step 15: Incorporate Powdered Sugar

Gradually add sifted powdered sugar in three parts while beating on low speed until just mixed—about 10–15 seconds each time.

Step 16: Whip Heavy Cream

Slowly drizzle in cold heavy cream:
1. About one tablespoon at a time while whisking on low speed until stiff peaks form—about 1–1½ minutes.

Step 17: Frost Cookies

Pipe frosting in spiral patterns over cooled cookies using a #2A or #1A piping tip from center outward or spread with a spatula for decorative swirls.

Step 18: Decorate

Just before serving:
Top with additional special occasion sprinkles for that festive touch!

How to Serve special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

These delightful special occasion sugar cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Here are some fun and festive serving suggestions to make your holiday gatherings even more special.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a large festive platter, mixing different shapes and sizes. This creates an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table.

Gift Boxes

• Package individual cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbons. They make thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season.

Milk and Cookies Station

• Set up a milk station with different flavors like chocolate, almond, or oat milk. Pair it with an assortment of cookies for a cozy holiday treat experience.

Cookie Decorating Party

• Invite friends over to decorate their cookies with extra frosting and sprinkles. Provide various toppings so everyone can unleash their creativity.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include thespecial occasion sugar cookies as part of a larger dessert table featuring pies, cakes, and other sweets. This will allow guests to indulge in a variety of treats.

How to Perfect special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your special occasion sugar cookies is key to delighting your guests. Here are some essential tips to ensure success.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the dough: If possible, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when they’re still soft will lead to chewy goodness.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent it from melting.
• Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for freshness.

Best Side Dishes for special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

While these special occasion sugar cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Consider these delightful options:

1. Hot Cocoa Bar: Offer various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and candy canes for guests to customize their drinks.
2. Fruit Platter: A colorful array of seasonal fruits such as pomegranates, oranges, and apples provides freshness alongside sweet treats.
3. Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses with crackers and nuts to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Serve bite-sized cupcakes in festive flavors like peppermint or gingerbread for an additional sweet treat option.
5. Popcorn Station: Offer flavored popcorn varieties such as caramel or chocolate drizzled popcorn for a crunchy snack.
6. Holiday Cheesecake Bites: These rich bites add elegance and richness that pairs well with lighter cookie options.
7. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink option that complements the sweetness of the cookies while adding seasonal spice notes.
8. Mixed Nuts Bowl: A simple yet classy addition that provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the softness of sugar cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to cookies that are dense rather than soft and chewy. Always allow your butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different; baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Neglecting Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for too long can cause them to become soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack after a few minutes.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months; scoop and freeze the balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Reheating special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat).

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. For best results, use unsalted butter.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit it or substitute with more vanilla extract. The cookies will still taste delicious.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

Add more sifted powdered sugar gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture in your special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat).

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

These special occasion Sugar Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) are not only easy to make but also perfect for any festive occasion. Their soft texture and sweet cream cheese frosting make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different sprinkles or flavors. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!