Copycat Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun Recipe

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I’m thrilled to share a recipe that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds—the irresistible Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun recipe. If you’ve been following my baking adventures, you know how much I adore recreating famous treats right in my kitchen. This particular recipe is inspired by the sensational offerings from Crumbl Cookies, known for their mouth-watering, rotative menu each week.

How to make Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun

Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun is a dessert inspired by the classic sticky bun. It features a soft, cinnamon-infused cookie base that mimics the flavors of a cinnamon roll. The cookie is typically topped with a gooey, caramel-like glaze and sometimes finished with a sprinkle of pecans or other toppings for added texture.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon.
4. Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon until smooth.

Step 3: Assembling the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Take a portion of cookie dough and flatten it into a small pancake in your hand. Spoon a heaping teaspoon of cinnamon filling into the center.
3. Encase the cinnamon filling with the dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar if necessary.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.

Baking Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
• Filling Seal: When encasing the cinnamon filling, ensure the dough covers it completely to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
• Cookie Size: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or measure out the dough to ensure each cookie is the same size.
• Cooling Time: Letting the cookies cool before glazing ensures the glaze sets nicely and doesn’t melt into the warm cookie.

What to serve with

Serving a Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun is a delightful opportunity to add a few complementary items that enhance the overall experience.

Beverages

• Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee is a classic pairing with any sweet cinnamon treat, as the bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the cookie.
• Milk: Whether it’s whole milk, skim, or a plant-based alternative, a cold glass of milk alongside a rich, sticky bun cookie is comfort food at its best.
• Hot Chocolate: For a truly indulgent experience, serve your sticky bun cookie with a mug of creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows.
• Chai Latte: The spices in a chai latte mirror the cinnamon and sugar in the cookie, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Apple Cider: A warm or cold apple cider complements the cinnamon and sugar in the cookie, especially during the autumn months.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside or atop a warm Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun creates a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: If you can get your hands on some cinnamon ice cream, it’s a perfect match to double up on the warm spice notes.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: The salty-sweet profile of this ice cream works wonders with the buttery, cinnamon flavors of the sticky bun cookie.

Breakfast/Brunch Items

• Yogurt Parfait: Pair your cookie with a healthy yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh fruit for a satisfying balance.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with a citrus or honey dressing can cut through the richness of the cookie while providing a fresh counterpart.

Dessert Companions

• Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want to add a little extra richness, you can whip up some cream cheese frosting to spread on top of your sticky bun cookie.
• Nuts: A side of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant crunch and nuttiness that complements the cookie’s flavors.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the cookie could enhance the sticky bun effect even further.

A La Carte Snacking

• Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, especially those on the milder side like brie or gouda, can be a surprisingly pleasant complement to the sweet and spiced flavors of the cookie.
• Dark Chocolate: Some pieces of dark chocolate on the side can provide a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cookie.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun involves a combination of rich, comforting ingredients that work together to replicate the flavors of a classic sticky bun. If you’re faced with some ingredients being unavailable, here are substitutes that can keep your baking plans on track while still delivering delicious results.

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: Coconut oil or margarine can be used as a substitute for butter. Use them in a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that they may slightly alter the flavor profile of the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. For light brown sugar, reduce the molasses to 1-2 teaspoons.
• Eggs: For those who are allergic or vegan, using a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and allowed to sit for 15 minutes until thickened) per egg can be a viable substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking is your best bet. Use it in equal measure to all-purpose flour.
• Baking Powder/Soda: If you’re out of baking powder, you can use a mix of cream of tartar and baking soda. Combine two parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:

• Cinnamon: In a pinch, allspice or nutmeg can be used as a substitute for cinnamon, though the flavor will be slightly different. Start with half the amount called for and adjust to taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar is a great alternative to granulated sugar for sprinkling, offering a caramel-like flavor that complements the sticky bun theme.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, a thick Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese can be a good substitute. Drain any excess liquid from Greek yogurt to match the consistency of cream cheese.
• Powdered Sugar: To replace powdered sugar, blend granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a powdery consistency. Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch per cup can prevent clumping.
• Vanilla Extract: Maple syrup or honey can provide sweetness and depth if vanilla extract is unavailable, though they will add their distinct flavors.

For the Sticky Bun Topping:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These are great alternatives if you don’t have light corn syrup for the sticky sweet topping. They add a nice flavor but are slightly thicker, so consider adding a bit of water to thin them out if necessary.
• Pecans or Walnuts: If you’re allergic or simply out of pecans or walnuts, try using toasted oats or a mix of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.

Final Thoughts

When serving a Crumbl Cookie Sticky Bun, remember that its rich flavor and sweetness make it a standout treat, so any accompaniment should not overshadow but rather somehow enhance or balance the indulgence of the cookie. 

More Crumbl Cookie Recipes:

• Crumbl Cookie Brownie Sundae Recipe
• Crumbl Cookie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Cake Recipe