These copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with that classic cake batter flavor. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting and colorful sprinkles, they make the perfect treat for birthdays, parties, or whenever you’re craving a bakery-style cookie at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups salted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons cake batter flavoring
• 4 ½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for topping

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon cake batter flavoring
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk, as needed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the cake batter flavoring. Mix well.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently.
4. Shape the Dough: Portion the dough into ⅓ cup balls and flatten them into 1-inch-thick discs.
5. Bake: Arrange cookies on the baking sheets, leaving space between them. Bake for 15-18 minutes until puffed, with set edges and a non-glossy top. Let cool on the sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
6. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and cake batter flavoring until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Add milk if needed for consistency.
7. Decorate: Pipe or spread the frosting onto cooled cookies in a spiral pattern and top with additional sprinkles.
8. Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Cookie, Approximate)

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Sugar: 40g

These cookies are a delicious, bakery-style treat that will make any celebration extra special! 🎉

The Inspiration Behind Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies

Birthday cake is a classic flavor that brings nostalgia, joy, and celebration to any occasion. Inspired by traditional birthday cakes, Crumbl’s version of this cookie captures the essence of cake batter flavor and combines it with a soft-baked texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of a buttery sugar cookie base, vibrant sprinkles, and luscious cream cheese frosting makes this a top-tier cookie for any dessert lover.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

The key to these cookies’ distinct flavor is the cake batter extract, which infuses every bite with a rich, nostalgic taste reminiscent of freshly baked birthday cake. The balance of textures also plays a crucial role—crispy edges give way to a pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth center. The addition of rainbow sprinkles throughout the dough and on top enhances the celebratory feel, making them visually appealing as well as delicious. The creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious contrast to the sweetness of the cookie.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture

One of the secrets to getting that signature Crumbl texture lies in how the dough is prepared and baked. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right:

• Use softened butter – This ensures the dough is well incorporated and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the dough if necessary – If your dough is too soft, refrigerating it for about 15-30 minutes can help control spreading.
• Bake at the right temperature – Too high, and they will burn; too low, and they won’t rise properly. 350°F (175°C) is ideal for even baking.
• Let them rest after baking – Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and maintain their chewy texture.

The Role of Cake Batter Flavoring

Cake batter flavoring is the key ingredient that transforms these cookies from a basic sugar cookie into a celebration-worthy treat. This extract, often made with vanilla, almond, and buttery notes, mimics the taste of cake batter in an instant. If you don’t have cake batter flavoring on hand, you can substitute with a combination of vanilla and almond extract, but for an authentic taste, it’s best to use the real thing.

How to Store and Serve Your Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerated: Once frosted, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Frozen: If you want to make them in advance, you can freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before decorating and serving.

Customizing Your Birthday Cake Cookies

While the classic version is already incredible, you can get creative with variations to make these cookies uniquely yours:

• Add White Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgent bite, fold in white chocolate chips along with the sprinkles.
• Switch Up the Frosting: Try a vanilla buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Use Different Sprinkles: Match the sprinkle colors to a theme, holiday, or special occasion for a festive touch.
• Make a Chocolate Version: Substitute some of the flour with cocoa powder and use chocolate sprinkles for a chocolate birthday cake twist.

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Birthday Cake Cookies are not just for birthdays—they’re perfect for any occasion where you want to add a little fun and sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these cookies bring joy and color to any dessert table. They’re also great for gifting; package them up in a cute box with a ribbon, and you have a homemade present that anyone would love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Using melted butter instead of softened butter: This can cause the dough to become too runny and result in flat cookies.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour makes them dense, while too little makes them spread too much.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing them to cool helps set their shape and prevents them from crumbling.
• Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Conclusion

Copycat Crumbl Birthday Cake Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves soft, chewy, bakery-style treats with a fun, festive twist. With their rich cake batter flavor, creamy frosting, and colorful sprinkles, they capture the essence of celebration in every bite. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can easily recreate these indulgent cookies in your own kitchen. Whether you make them for a birthday, a special event, or just because, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of deliciousness!