Copycat French Toast Crumbl Cookie Recipe

French Toast Crumbl Cookie is a delightful creation that tastes just like your favorite brunch dish but in cookie form. Inspired by Crumbl’s iconic, bakery-perfect signature cookie, this recipe is designed to recreate the magic of buttery French toast topped with cinnamon, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of syrup.

How to make French Toast Crumbl Cookie

The French Toast Crumbl Cookie is a specialty cookie offered by Crumbl Cookies, inspired by the flavors of classic French toast.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

For the Cinnamon Egg Wash:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Buttercream Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (adjust to get your desired consistency)

For the Finishing Touches:

• Maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: A small sprinkle of cinnamon sugar (if you want extra flavor!)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop out about ¼ cup of dough for each cookie (you want them to be large, Crumbl-style) and roll them into balls. Flatten them slightly with your hands or the back of a spoon.
2. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch or so of space between them.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Egg Wash

1. While the cookies are baking, whisk together the melted butter, egg yolk, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. When the cookies have cooled slightly, brush the egg wash lightly onto the tops of each cookie for that “French toast” flavor.

Step 4: Whip Up the Buttercream

1. In a bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth using a mixer. Add in the powdered sugar in batches, then mix in the vanilla extract and milk (starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more if needed to achieve a fluffy frosting consistency).

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

1. Spread or pipe the buttercream frosting on top of each cookie. A generous layer works best!
2. Drizzle the frosted cookies with maple syrup, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and finish with a pinch of cinnamon sugar (optional).

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated to avoid dense cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you want to enhance the flavors and ensure the cookies hold their shape well, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Use Pure Maple Syrup: For the most authentic flavor, stick to pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup.
• Soft Buttercream: If your buttercream feels too thick, add milk a little at a time while beating, but don’t make it overly runny—it should hold its shape.
• Slight Undercooking: Pull your cookies from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, giving you that soft, chewy texture.
• Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerating, let them come to room temperature before eating for the best flavor.

What to serve with

French Toast Crumbl Cookies are indulgent, buttery, and packed with warm cinnamon flavors that mimic the breakfast favorite French toast. While they taste divine on their own, pairing them with complementary sides, beverages, and accompaniments can amplify the experience.

1. Beverages to Pair

The rich, sweet flavors of these French Toast Crumbl Cookies make them perfect to enjoy alongside a warm or refreshing beverage.

Hot Drinks:

• Coffee: A smooth latte, cappuccino, or even a cinnamon-flavored coffee pairs wonderfully with the warm spice notes of the French Toast Crumbl Cookies.
• Tea: Choose a comforting chai tea, spiced herbal tea, or classic black tea with honey and milk. The spices complement the cookie perfectly.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy mug with whipped cream or a dash of cinnamon is a decadent pairing for these cookies, especially during colder months.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, homemade apple cider infused with cinnamon and cloves is an autumn-inspired pairing that enhances the cookie’s flavor profile.

Cold Drinks:

• Milk: A glass of cold, creamy milk is the ultimate classic pairing for cookies, especially with rich frosting.
• Iced Coffee: Vanilla or caramel iced coffee complements the buttery notes in the French Toast Crumbl Cookie.
• Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a lighter pairing, opt for iced tea sweetened with honey or a refreshing glass of lemonade.

2. Breakfast-Inspired Sides

Since these cookies are inspired by French toast, you can serve them alongside breakfast-like options to create a fun and creative meal.

• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds balance and lightness to the richness of the cookie. Include berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), diced melon, or orange slices for natural sweetness.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt with granola and drizzles of honey or maple syrup to tie in the French toast theme. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch.
• Bacon or Sausage: A small serving of crispy bacon or breakfast sausage can provide a savory contrast to the cookie’s sweetness.
• Scrambled Eggs: A fluffy serving of scrambled eggs adds protein to balance the sugary treat and turns your cookie into part of a more complete breakfast or brunch meal.

3. Dessert Pairings

You could incorporate the cookie into a larger dessert selection or serve it with complementary sweet treats.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon-flavored ice cream for a decadent dessert combo.
• Whipped Cream: For an elevated presentation, place a dollop of whipped cream next to the cookie or add it as a topping alongside the buttercream.
• Mini Pancakes or Waffles: Create a whimsical “breakfast dessert platter” by pairing the cookies with silver-dollar pancakes or mini waffles, along with maple syrup for dipping.

Ingredients Substitutes

French Toast Crumbl Cookies typically feature a spiced cookie base made with cinnamon and vanilla, topped with a sugary glaze or frosting, and sometimes a powdered sugar, cinnamon, or syrup drizzle. Substituting ingredients may require some adjustments to taste and texture, but the substitutions below should work well without compromising the end result.

1. All-Purpose Flour

Substitution Options:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour). Ensure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
• Almond Flour: Use finely ground almond flour for a grain-free option, but reduce the liquid slightly and expect a softer texture.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly denser cookie.

Notes: Be mindful that gluten-free or grain-free alternatives will create textural differences. Blend flours where necessary for better results.

2. Butter

Substitution Options:

• Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount of melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option. This will add a slight coconut flavor.
• Vegan Butter: A plant-based butter substitute (such as Earth Balance) can replace traditional butter without altering the taste or texture significantly.
• Applesauce: Replace half or all of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a low-fat option (this will make the cookie softer and chewier).

Notes: If using applesauce, reduce sugar slightly since it adds natural sweetness.

3. Eggs

Substitution Options:

• Flax Egg (Vegan): Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
• Chia Egg (Vegan): Use 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg as a binding agent.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas acts as an excellent egg substitute. Use 3 tablespoons per egg.
• Yogurt: Use 1/4 cup of plain Greek or dairy-free yogurt per egg.

Notes: For baking, flax eggs or aquafaba are the best options to maintain the structural integrity of cookies.

4. Granulated Sugar

Substitution Options:

• Coconut Sugar: Use an equal amount of coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Brown Sugar: Replace part or all of the granulated sugar with light or dark brown sugar for extra moisture and richness.
• Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with maple syrup to complement the French Toast flavor but reduce liquid elsewhere to balance moisture.

Notes: Sugar substitutes like maple syrup might make cookies softer due to extra moisture.

5. Cinnamon

Most recipes call for ground cinnamon as a primary spice. In case you’re out of it, here’s what you can try:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend containing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice can be used.
• Apple Pie Spice: Similar to pumpkin pie spice, this may work well in creating warming notes.
• Nutmeg & Allspice: Use small amounts (e.g., 1/8 teaspoon combined) to mimic the warmth of cinnamon.

Notes: Taste and adjust spice amounts to prevent overpowering flavors.

6. Vanilla Extract

Substitution Options:

• Maple Extract: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract for a complementary, rich flavor.
• Almond Extract: Use almond extract for a nutty twist; however, a small amount is enough (e.g., 1/4 teaspoon).
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for an even stronger vanilla aroma.

Notes: Vanilla extract contributes significantly to flavor; if substituting, prioritize a similarly versatile extract.

7. Milk

Substitution Options:

• Almond Milk or Other Plant-Based Milk: Use an equal amount of almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk for dairy-free recipes.
• Evaporated Milk: Replace milk with evaporated milk for a richer flavor.
• Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for tanginess, though reduce other acidic elements (like lemon) in the recipe if applicable.

Notes: Ensure the substitute doesn’t alter the consistency of the dough.

Final Thoughts

French Toast Crumbl Cookies are versatile enough to pair with everything from classic breakfast staples to elegant desserts.

More Cookies Recipes:

• Copycat Blue Bell Ice Cream Cookie Cake Recipe
• Copycat Crumbl Skillet Cookie Recipe
• National Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
• Great American Cookie Recipe
• Homemade Chobani Cookie Dough Creamer Recipe