Introduction
If there's one dessert trend that has captivated cookie lovers everywhere, it's Crumbl Cookies' imaginative flavor combinations. Among these, the Cookies and Cream Milkshake Cookies stand out for their delightful blend of rich chocolate cookies and creamy, sweet frosting. With a nod to classic cookies and cream, these treats are more than just a sugar rush—they're a nostalgic taste of childhood.
Creating a Crumbl-inspired cookie at home doesn't require a professional kitchen or years of baking experience. Instead, it's all about harnessing that creative spirit and a few pantry staples to achieve cookie perfection. Here, we’ll guide you through a recipe that captures the essence of those iconic cookies, delivering them right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix, 15.25 ounces
The base of our cookies, this cake mix adds a sweet flavor and contributes to a soft, tender texture. It simplifies the process of making cookie dough, allowing for quick preparation. - ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
Adding extra flour helps to create more structure in the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape even after baking. It balances out the airiness of the cake mix for a satisfying chew. - ⅓ cup butter, melted
Melted butter enriches the dough, lending a rich flavor while also helping to create a softer and chewier texture. It's essential for a delectable, gooey finish. - ½ cup butter, softened
Softened butter is crucial for making the frosting fluffy and easily spreadable. It provides the creaminess that complements the cookies. - 3 cups powdered sugar
Powdered sugar allows us to achieve a smooth frosting consistency that has a delightful sweetness without any grittiness. It’s perfect for topping our cookies. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This enhances the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to both the cookies and frosting. Vanilla is essential in achieving that classic cookie taste. - 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped Oreo cookies
Incorporating crushed Oreos adds delicious chocolatey bites in each cookie, along with that iconic cream filling taste that ties the whole desert together. - 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for frosting)
Milk is used to adjust the consistency of the frosting. Adding it gradually ensures that the frosting is spreadable without becoming too thin. - Mini Oreo cookies for garnish
These are perfect for placing on top of each cookie as a decorative and tasty finishing touch. They also reinforce the cookies and cream theme beautifully.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating the oven is a vital first step in baking. It ensures that the cookies begin cooking at the right temperature as soon as they enter the heat, allowing for proper rising and even baking. A properly preheated oven minimizes the risk of underbaking or uneven textures.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and flour.
Mixing the cake mix with flour creates the dry base for your cookie dough. This step balances the sweetness of the cake mix while adding structure to your cookies. Consider whisking them together well to remove any lumps, leading to a smoother cookie dough.
Step 3: Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Creaming the butter and mixing in the eggs and vanilla with the dry mixture is essential for achieving a smooth dough. The melted butter provides moisture, while the eggs act as a binding agent, holding everything together for a chewy and supple cookie.
Step 4: Stir in the coarsely chopped Oreo cookies until evenly distributed.
Incorporating the chopped Oreos at this stage will ensure that you're getting bursts of sweet, chocolate cookie pieces in each bite. It's important to mix gently to avoid crushing the Oreos too finely, as you want to maintain their texture.
Step 5: Using a 1/4 cup measure, scoop the dough and form 12 cookies.
Scooping with a 1/4 cup measure helps make uniformly sized cookies. This consistency is key for even baking and presents a professional look. Shape them into thick rounds to achieve that chewy center once baked.
Step 6: Place the cookies on a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lining the baking sheet with parchment or using a silicone mat prevents sticking and ensures that your cookies release easily. This helps achieve a perfectly baked bottom without burnt edges.
Step 7: Bake for 9-11 minutes, until set but still soft.
Baking time is critical; aim for the cookies to be slightly underbaked for a chewy texture. They will continue cooking a bit after being removed from the oven due to residual heat. Watch closely during the last minute to prevent overcooking.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling the cookies on the baking sheet allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer. After this brief resting period, moving them to a wire rack ensures proper airflow, allowing them to cool completely without steaming.
Step 9: Prepare the frosting by mixing softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
This step is where you create the delicious topping for your cookies. Start mixing slowly to incorporate the sugar into the butter to avoid a sugary cloud. Gradually increase speed until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable.
Step 10: If desired, add milk a tablespoon at a time to adjust the frosting’s consistency.
Adding milk can help achieve a softer, more spreadable frosting if it feels too thick. Analogous to cookie dough, a thicker frosting may hold its shape better, but a bit of milk can provide the creaminess you want for easy spreading.
Step 11: Spread or pipe the frosting onto each cooled cookie and garnish with a mini Oreo.
Finishing the cookies with frosting allows for a homemade touch and provides an extra layer of sweetness. Using a piping bag ensures a clean and decorated look, and topping them with mini Oreos reinforces the cookies-and-cream theme visually and texturally.
The Power of Cookies and Cream
Cookies and Cream is a flavor that resonates with many, conjuring memories of childhood ice cream cones and delectable desserts. Here, we capitalize on that nostalgic flavor by incorporating chopped Oreo cookies directly into the cookie dough, thus creating a milkshake-like experience in every bite. Each mouthful brings together the delightful taste of rich chocolate and creamy vanilla in a uniquely gratifying way.
Achieving the Perfect Cookie Texture
The balance of ingredients plays a pivotal role in achieving the coveted cookie texture. Our combination of cake mix, flour, and butter works harmoniously to ensure the cookies come out soft and pillowy with a slight crisp around the edges. By controlling the baking time and allowing the cookies to cool properly, you can ensure a perfect balance of chewy and cakey textures that makes them incredibly irresistible.
Customization and Variation Ideas
While these Cookies and Cream Milkshake Cookies are delicious as is, there’s ample room for customization! Consider incorporating mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or flavoring the frosting with mint or almond extract for a unique twist. You could even alternate the Oreo variety, using peanut butter or mint-flavored Oreos to create different flavor profiles. Let your creativity shine as you experiment with toppings and mix-ins.
FAQs
What if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough feels too dry and crumbly, try adding a bit more melted butter or milk, a tablespoon at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until the desired consistency is achieved.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix, such as chocolate or funfetti, to create different variations of these cookies. Just keep in mind it will alter the overall flavor profile.
How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Ensure that your cookies are properly chilled before baking, which can help maintain their shape. Also, make sure you're not overmixing the dough, as this can lead to a dough that spreads excessively.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them.
Why did my cookies turn out too thick?
If your cookies are thicker than expected, it could be due to overly dry dough. Be sure to measure flour accurately and adjust the ratio of wet ingredients if needed to achieve a softer, spreadable dough.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure the cake mix used is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Recreating the magic of Crumbl's Cookies and Cream Milkshake Cookies at home is achievable and rewarding, bringing the joy of baking directly to your kitchen. Each bite not only delivers a whimsical texture and flavor experience but also a touch of nostalgia that few desserts can offer.
As you enjoy the fruits of your labor, don't forget the joy of sharing these cookies with friends and family. With a little creativity and love, you can make any occasion special, one delicious cookie at a time.
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.