Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Cake Cookies Recipe

  • Crumbl Cookies, founded in 2017 in Utah, became famous for its rotating weekly gourmet cookie menu. Their Chocolate Cake Cookie rose in popularity due to its rich, cake-like texture and signature frosting swirl. The “copycat” recipe trend began as home bakers tried to recreate Crumbl flavors at home to avoid long lines or limited flavor windows. These homemade versions often use everyday ingredients while maintaining Crumbl’s signature soft, thick cookie texture. Over time, the recipe gained popularity across food blogs and social media platforms as a go-to indulgent chocolate dessert.






2. Key Elements of the Recipe
  • Rich Cocoa Base: A thick, soft, cake-like chocolate cookie made with cocoa powder and butter.

  • Moist Texture: Use of eggs, oil, or sour cream to mimic the signature Crumbl softness.

  • Fudgy Center: Cookies stay soft in the center even after cooling.

  • Chocolate Frosting: A smooth, creamy, and slightly glossy chocolate buttercream swirled on top.

  • Thick Bakery-Style Appearance: Large, round, bakery-sized cookies.

  • High Cocoa Aroma: Deep chocolate scent thanks to high-quality cocoa.

  • Optional Garnish: Chocolate sprinkles or a decorative frosting swirl.


3. Benefits

  • Cost-effective: Makes large batches at home for a fraction of Crumbl’s price.

  • Customizable: Adjust sweetness, thickness, or toppings as desired.

  • Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, parties, and gifting.

  • Satisfy Cravings Anytime: No need to wait for the flavor’s limited weekly rotation.

  • Homemade Quality: No preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives.

  • Fun to Bake: A great family-friendly baking project.

  • Freezer-friendly: Bake ahead and store for quick treats.


4. Storage System

  • Room Temperature:
    Store cookies in an airtight container for 2–3 days.

  • Refrigerator:
    Can last up to 1 week when stored in a sealed box to preserve frosting.

  • Freezer (Unfrosted Cookies):
    Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Add frosting after thawing.

  • Freezer (Frosted Cookies):
    Place in a single-layer airtight container and freeze for 1–2 months.

  • Best Practice:
    Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent frosting smudging.


5. Serving Ideas

  • Serve warm for a melted, fudgy bite.

  • Add crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence.

  • Pair with milk, hot chocolate, or coffee.

  • Use as mini cake bases for parties.


6. Nutritional Notes

  • High in carbohydrates and fats due to chocolate and butter.

  • Energy-rich, great for celebrations or occasional indulgences.

  • Can be modified using low-sugar or gluten-free ingredients.


7. Popular Variations

  • Double Chocolate Cake Cookies

  • Chocolate Lava Cookies

  • Mini Crumbl Chocolate Cake Bites

  • White Chocolate Swirl Chocolate Cookies

  • Nutella-Frosted Chocolate Cake 


B. Chocolate Frosting

  • Buttercream Base: Smooth and creamy, made with butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa.

  • Milk or Cream: Ensures spreadability and shine.

  • Piping Swirl: Signature Crumbl-style decorative topping.

C. Texture Profile

  • Soft, cake-like center

  • Thick edge with slight chew

  • Moist crumb

  • Luxurious, creamy frosting on top

D. Aroma & Color

  • Strong cocoa aroma

  • Deep dark chocolate color

  • Glossy frosting finish


8 Comprehensive Benefits

  • Perfect Bakery-Level Quality: Feels like gourmet cookies made professionally.

  • At-Home Control: You can reduce sugar, increase chocolate, or add toppings.

  • Fun & Therapeutic: Baking the cookies and piping frosting can be relaxing.

  • Custom Sizes: Make mini cookies or jumbo party cookies.

  • Kid-Friendly Activity: Children can help mix, scoop, and decorate.

  • Holiday-Friendly: Perfect addition to dessert tables, cookie boxes, or gift baskets.

  • Diet Adjustability: Can be made gluten-free, vegan, or keto with alternatives.

  • Freezer Friendly: Store dough or baked cookies long-term for quick snacks.


9 Expanded Storage System

A. Storing Cookie Dough

  • Freeze scooped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.

  • Stays fresh for up to 3 months.

  • Best baked directly from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes of baking time.

B. Storing Baked Cookies

  • Use airtight containers to preserve softness.

  • Add a slice of bread inside the jar to keep cookies moist for days.

  • Keep layers separated with wax or parchment paper.

C. Storing Frosting

  • Store in fridge for 5–7 days.

  • Freeze up to 1 month and re-whip before use.


10 Techniques & Tips for Best Results

  • Cream butter and sugar well to ensure a lighter, cake-like texture.

  • Do not overbake — they should look slightly underdone in the center.

  • Chill dough for 15–20 minutes for thicker cookies.

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for intense flavor.

  • Add a touch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate aroma (optional).

  • Pipe frosting only after the cookies cool or it will melt.


11 Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

  • Dry cookies: Too much flour or overbaking ➝ reduce baking time.

  • Flat cookies: Butter too soft ➝ chill dough briefly.

  • Frosting too stiff: Add 1 tsp milk at a time until smooth.

  • Frosting too runny: Add more powdered sugar.

  • Crumbly dough: Under-mixed butter ➝ mix longer before adding dry ingredients.


12 Variations & Creative Twists

  • Double Chocolate Cake Cookies – add chocolate chunks.

  • Oreo Chocolate Cake Cookies – top with crushed Oreos.

  • Chocolate Lava Cookies – add a chocolate ganache center.

  • Peppermint Chocolate Cake Cookies – holiday-themed with mint frosting.

  • White Chocolate Drizzle – extra contrast and sweetness.

  • Filled Cookies – frost in the middle for cookie sandwiches.

  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies – drizzle caramel on top.


13 Cultural & Social Influence

  • These cookies went viral due to TikTok food creators showcasing “Crumbl taste tests”.

  • Home bakers started creating weekly “Crumbl copycat menus” for their followers.

  • It led to more interest in bakery-style cookies and premium-sized indulgent desserts.

  • Copycat recipes became a trend, expanding into cakes, brownies, and seasonal treats.


14 Serving & Presentation Ideas

  • Serve warm for maximum fudginess.

  • Add swirl frosting using a large star piping tip.

  • Place cookies on a matte ceramic platter for elegant photos.

  • Pair with milk, hot chocolate, or vanilla ice cream.

  • Decorate with edible glitter for festive occasions.


15 Health & Nutrition Overview

  • High-calorie and indulgent dessert — best enjoyed occasionally.

  • Can be adjusted using:

    • Low sugar

    • Organic ingredients

    • Gluten-free flour

    • Vegan butter and cocoa

  • Rich source of quick energy from carbs and sugar.


16 Popular Serving Occasions

  • Birthday parties

  • Holiday gatherings

  • Valentine’s Day

  • Bake sales

  • Dessert tables

  • Gift boxes

  • Weekend treats

  • Office potlucks



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