If you’re a devoted fan of Crumbl’s renowned thick, soft, and utterly delicious cookies but find their premium price tag a bit steep, prepare to fall head over heels for this homemade alternative. These confetti cake cookies are my brilliant, budget-friendly, and incredibly easy take on the beloved Crumbl confetti cookie, crafted using simple boxed cake mix, everyday pantry staples, and finished with a luscious, tangy homemade cream cheese frosting. They deliver the exact same delightful taste and texture as the birthday cake Crumbl cookie, all without the need for a special trip or the hefty cost.
These vibrant, sprinkle-covered cookies are an absolute showstopper, perfect for any celebration, from birthday parties and bake sales to a spontaneous treat “just because.” Each cookie is generously sized, ensuring everyone gets their own festive, dessert-shop-worthy indulgence that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery, or even Crumbl itself!
Unlocking the Magic of Confetti Cake Crumbl Copycat Cookies
There’s an undeniable allure to Crumbl cookies, but let’s be honest, the price can quickly add up, especially when you’re craving more than just one. That’s where this incredible copycat recipe comes in. For a fraction of the cost of a single store-bought cookie, you can whip up an entire dozen of these dazzling confetti cake mix cookies right in your own kitchen – making them the ideal solution for any occasion where you need to feed a crowd, like a birthday party, or simply satisfy a major sweet tooth.
These homemade delights don’t just taste amazing; they boast an appearance so strikingly similar to the original that your guests might genuinely wonder if you secretly visited Crumbl. The best part? They’re perfectly portioned, ensuring that every lucky recipient gets their very own substantial, satisfying cookie. My kids, in particular, were utterly convinced these came from their favorite cookie shop, eagerly asking when I had managed to sneak away to Crumbl without them!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We harness the convenience of a box of confetti cake mix and combine it with a handful of common pantry ingredients to create a tender, chewy cookie base. The crowning glory is a rich, irresistibly creamy homemade frosting, a harmonious blend of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Topped generously with a vibrant cascade of rainbow sprinkles, these cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
If you’re passionate about recreating your favorite Crumbl cookies at home, you absolutely must explore my recipe for cosmic brownie cookies, another fantastic copycat inspired by a beloved Crumbl classic!
Achieving That Signature Round Cookie Shape
One of the hallmarks of a Crumbl cookie is its perfectly round, uniform shape. While homemade cookies often come out with charmingly rustic edges, there’s a simple baker’s trick to achieve that polished, store-bought look. As soon as your cookies emerge from the oven, while they are still warm and pliable, take a glass or a round cookie cutter that is slightly larger than your baked cookie. Place it upside down over the cookie and gently swirl it around the edges. This clever technique coaxes the warm cookie into a more uniform, perfectly circular shape, giving your confetti cake cookies that authentic, professional finish you’d expect from Crumbl.
Confetti Cake Cookies (Crumbl Cookie Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 16 ounces confetti cake mix (1 box)*
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Icing
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (¾ stick)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (½ brick)**
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for topping)
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Portion Scoop
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs and vegetable oil. Stir in the cake mix and baking powder until well combined and a smooth dough forms.2 large eggs, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 16 ounces confetti cake mix, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Gently fold in the confetti sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix.¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
- Use a 2-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out large, uniform cookies. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between each cookie to prevent them from touching as they spread while baking.
- Bake for 8-9 minutes. The cookies should be set around the edges but still appear soft in the center; they should not brown significantly. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the rich cream cheese icing. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and creamy. If desired, you can mix in a few drops of pink food coloring for a festive touch.6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, Pink food coloring
- To frost the cookies easily, transfer the prepared icing into a sturdy Ziplock bag. Snip off a small corner of the bag to create a piping opening.
- Starting from the center of each cooled cookie, pipe the icing in a spiral motion, working your way outwards to cover the surface. Immediately adorn the top of each frosted cookie with the remaining ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish.¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Notes
**While low-fat cream cheese can be used, for the absolute best rich flavor and creamy texture in your frosting, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cookies:
- To ensure all your cookies are uniformly sized and bake evenly, always use a cookie scoop for portioning the dough.
- If you prefer a thicker cookie that spreads less, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the fats, resulting in a taller cookie.
- For truly soft and chewy cookies, do not let them brown in the oven. Remove them promptly after 8-9 minutes; they will continue to set as they cool. Overbaking will lead to dry, hard cookies.
- When baking multiple batches, allow your baking sheet to cool completely between batches, or use two separate baking sheets, alternating them. Baking on a hot sheet can cause cookies to spread excessively.
- Cookie Bar Instructions: For a fun variation, press the entire batch of cookie dough into an 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooled, frost as desired and cut into squares.
- Make-Ahead & Freezing Dough: To prepare in advance, scoop unbaked cookie dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen dough balls to an airtight container or Ziplock freezer bag for storage up to 3 months. When ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time, then frost once cooled.
Storage Recommendations: Store your delightful confetti cake cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. If frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Calories from Fat 171
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A Detailed Guide: Crafting Your Crumbl-Style Confetti Cake Cookies
Creating these incredible Crumbl copycat cookies is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the magic of a boxed cake mix. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a guaranteed delicious outcome:
- Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the moment your cookies enter the oven. Next, line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. For an extra layer of nonstick insurance, lightly spray the parchment paper with a nonstick cooking spray. Set this prepared sheet aside.
- Mix the Dough Base: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently crack and combine the two large, room-temperature eggs with the ⅓ cup of vegetable oil. The room-temperature eggs will blend more smoothly into the mixture. Add the entire 16-ounce box of confetti cake mix along with 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until they are just combined and form a cohesive, smooth cookie dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Incorporate the Sprinkles: Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles into your cookie dough. Folding, rather than vigorous mixing, helps prevent the sprinkles from bleeding their colors excessively into the dough and keeps their vibrant appearance intact.
- Portion and Arrange the Cookies: To achieve those uniform, Crumbl-like cookies, use a 2-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Scoop generous portions of dough and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. It’s crucial to space the cookies out adequately – at least 2-3 inches apart – as they will spread significantly during baking. This prevents them from merging into one giant cookie.
- Bake to Soft Perfection: Carefully place your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the confetti cake cookies for approximately 8-9 minutes. The key here is not to overbake. You’re looking for cookies that are set around the edges but still appear soft and slightly underdone in the center. They should not show much browning on top. Overbaking will result in a drier, harder cookie, losing that desirable soft Crumbl texture. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the hot pan for a full 5 minutes. This carryover cooking helps them set without drying out. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting: While your delightful cookies are cooling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the signature tangy cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat together 6 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter and 4 ounces (which is typically half a brick) of room-temperature cream cheese. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is silky and well combined. For an added pop of color, reminiscent of many Crumbl birthday cake cookies, you can mix in a few drops of pink food coloring. I often leave mine naturally white to let the rainbow sprinkles truly stand out!
- Frost and Decorate with Flair: Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to bring them to life with frosting. Transfer your creamy icing into a sturdy Ziplock bag. Using a pair of scissors, snip off a small corner of the bag – this creates a makeshift piping bag. Hold the bag over the center of a cooled cookie and gently squeeze, piping the icing in an outward spiral motion until the entire top surface is beautifully covered. Immediately after frosting each cookie, generously sprinkle about ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles over the top. For a classic Crumbl look, circular confetti sprinkles work wonderfully, but traditional jimmies are also a fantastic option and add great texture and color.
Proper Storage for Lasting Freshness
To ensure your homemade confetti cake cookies remain wonderfully soft and flavorful, proper storage is essential. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. If you need them to last a bit longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For extended freshness, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply transfer them to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight before serving.
Expert Tips for Homemade Crumbl-Level Cookies
- Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies: If you find your cookies are spreading more than you’d like, cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30-60 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps solidify the butter, leading to thicker, chewier cookies.
- Don’t Skimp on Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the cookie dough and especially the frosting, using room-temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese is crucial. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dough and an incredibly creamy, easy-to-spread frosting.
- Quality Matters for Sprinkles: While any rainbow sprinkles work, higher quality sprinkles tend to hold their color better during baking and offer a more vibrant finish.
- Personalize Your Flavors: Don’t feel limited to confetti cake mix! Experiment with other cake mix flavors like yellow cake, strawberry, or even chocolate for different cookie variations. The cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with many flavors.
- Achieving the Perfect Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time.
- Serving Temperature: Crumbl cookies are often served warm or at room temperature. These copycat cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature to fully appreciate their soft texture and the creamy frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. For longer storage, scoop the dough balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and freeze the unfrosted cookies, adding the fresh frosting just before serving. See the “Make-Ahead & Freezing Dough” tips in the recipe notes for detailed instructions.
What if my frosting is too runny or too stiff?
The key to perfect cream cheese frosting is using room-temperature butter and cream cheese. If your frosting is too runny, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time until it thickens. If it’s too stiff, add a tiny splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or a little more vanilla extract, a half teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! This recipe is incredibly versatile. While confetti cake mix gives it the classic birthday cake flavor, you can easily use white cake mix, vanilla cake mix, or even a strawberry cake mix for a different twist. Just ensure it’s a standard 15-16 ounce box.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Several factors can cause cookies to spread: the dough might have been too warm (try chilling it), your oven temperature might be inconsistent (an oven thermometer can help), or your baking sheet might have been too hot if baking in batches. Ensuring your butter isn’t *too* soft also helps maintain structure.
How do I store frosted confetti cake cookies?
Frosted cookies should be stored in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze frosted cookies for up to a month.
More Cookie Recipes to Try!
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Brownie Mix Crinkle Cookies
Churro Cookies
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Indulge in Homemade Bliss
These confetti cake cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to bring the joy and indulgence of a gourmet cookie shop right into your home, without the fuss or the cost. With their tender, cake-like texture, vibrant sprinkles, and luscious cream cheese frosting, they are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a moment of sweet bliss, these Crumbl copycat cookies prove that homemade can truly taste like a million bucks. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some happiness!