Crumbl Cookies: 5 Best Tips for Chocolate Chip Lovers

Did you know that the average homemade cookie recipe fails to capture that signature thick, gooey center that makes bakery-style cookies irresistible?
While most home bakers struggle with thin, crispy results, mastering the art of Crumbl Cookies at home is entirely achievable with the right technique and ingredients.
These iconic thick cookies have revolutionized the cookie game with their distinctive texture and generous size, proving that homemade can absolutely rival commercial bakery quality.
Ingredients List
Creating bakery-style thick cookies requires precise ingredient ratios and quality components. Here’s everything you’ll need for six large, restaurant-quality cookies:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (secret for thickness)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark works)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
Substitution Options: Replace butter with vegan butter for dairy-free versions, swap eggs with flax eggs for vegan alternatives, or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
Nutritional Information of Crumbl Cookies
Understanding the nutritional profile helps you make informed choices about portion sizes and ingredient modifications.
Nutrient | Per Cookie (1/6 recipe) | Daily Value % |
---|---|---|
Calories | 485 | 24% |
Total Fat | 22g | 28% |
Saturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
Sodium | 380mg | 17% |
Total Carbs | 68g | 25% |
Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
Sugars | 45g | – |
Protein | 6g | 12% |
Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional nutritious meal inspiration.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly thick, bakery-style results every time:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring adequate spacing between cookie placements.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. The cornstarch is crucial for achieving that signature thick texture.

Step 3: Create the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter with both sugars. Mix until smooth and glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes. The mixture should appear unified without any sugar grittiness.

Step 4: Add Moisture Elements
Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Ensure each addition is fully incorporated before proceeding.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined—overmixing leads to tough cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate
Gently incorporate 1½ cups chocolate chips, reserving the remainder for topping.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a large cookie scoop or ¼ cup measure, portion dough onto prepared baking sheets. Space cookies 3 inches apart. Press reserved chocolate chips onto tops for bakery-style appearance.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set but centers appear slightly underdone. This ensures the characteristic gooey center.
Exact Timing to make Crumbl Cookies
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
This streamlined process takes 25% less time than traditional cookie recipes while delivering superior results.
Find more trending recipe ideas here to expand your baking repertoire.
Healthier Alternatives
Transform your cookie recipe with these nutritious swaps that maintain incredible flavor:
Original Ingredient | Healthier Alternative | Benefit |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | Almond flour (1:1 ratio) | Higher protein, lower carbs |
Granulated sugar | Coconut sugar | Lower glycemic index |
Butter | Greek yogurt (½ replacement) | Reduced calories, added protein |
Chocolate chips | Dark chocolate chunks (70%+) | Antioxidants, less sugar |
Regular salt | Himalayan pink salt | Trace minerals |
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your cookie experience with these creative presentation ideas:
Classic Pairings: Serve warm with cold milk, vanilla ice cream, or hot coffee for the ultimate comfort combination.
Gourmet Presentations: Crumble over vanilla yogurt parfaits, use as pie crust base, or create cookie ice cream sandwiches for special occasions.
Seasonal Variations: Add seasonal spices like cinnamon during fall, peppermint extract for winter holidays, or dried fruit for spring freshness.
Party Ideas: Create a cookie decorating station with various toppings, or package individual cookies in clear bags for party favors.
Explore more dinner recipe ideas here for complete meal planning inspiration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my baking experience to prevent these frequent pitfalls:
Overmixing the Dough: I once spent 20 minutes mixing cookie dough, thinking more was better. The result? Hockey puck-hard cookies that could break teeth. Mix just until ingredients combine.
Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and slightly cooled melted butter create better emulsion. Cold ingredients lead to lumpy, uneven mixing.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Invest in an oven thermometer—my oven runs 25°F hot, which I discovered after countless overbaked batches.
Skipping the Rest Period: Let shaped dough rest 5 minutes before baking for better spreading and texture development.
Find more quick lunch recipe ideas here for additional meal inspiration.
Storing Tips for Crumbl Cookies
Maximize freshness and maintain that perfect texture with proper storage techniques:
Short-term Storage: Store cooled cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Options: Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Dough Storage: Portion unbaked dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes.
Maintaining Softness: Add a slice of bread to storage containers—it provides moisture that keeps cookies soft longer.
FAQs
Can I make smaller Crumbl Cookies for portion control?
Absolutely! Use a standard cookie scoop for smaller portions and reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes. You’ll get approximately 18 smaller cookies instead of 6 large ones.
Why are my Crumbl Cookies spreading too much?
Excessive spreading usually results from warm dough or butter. Chill shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking, and ensure butter isn’t too hot when mixing.
How do I achieve the signature thick texture in Crumbl Cookies?
The cornstarch addition and slightly underbaking create thickness. Also, avoid pressing dough balls flat—let them spread naturally during baking.
Can I freeze baked Crumbl Cookies?
Yes! Completely cooled cookies freeze beautifully for up to three months. Wrap individually and thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Crumbl Cookies
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 6 large cookies 1x
Description
Thick, gooey, bakery-style Crumbl Cookies you can make at home. These oversized chocolate chip cookies are soft in the center, golden on the edges, and taste just like the ones from your favorite cookie shop.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter with both sugars until smooth and glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the dry mixture until just combined.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
- Scoop dough using 1/4 cup measure and place on prepared sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Press extra chocolate chips onto tops.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender. Cornstarch is the secret to thickness. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that bakery-style finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crumbl cookies, chocolate chip cookies, bakery style cookies, thick cookies