For many of us, myself included, Crumbl Cookies has become synonymous with cookies innovation. Their ever-rotating menu keeps us lurking at their doorstep, eager to discover what enticing creation they’ve concocted next. Among these, the Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar stands out as a testament to their mastery in pairing familiar flavors in a uniquely captivating way.

Now, imagine being able to recreate that magic in your very own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice hungry for a new adventure, this recipe is designed to guide you step by step into making a batch of these heavenly cookies yourself. From the creamy strawberry-infused center to the crunchy vanilla streusel topping, each element is a nod to the craftsmanship of Crumbl’s original delicacy yet leaves room for you to weave in your personal touch.

Table of Contents

How to make Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar

Crumbl Cookies’ Strawberry Ice Cream Bar is a seasonal cookie offering that combines the flavors of strawberry and cream in a cookie format. The cookie typically features a soft, buttery base with a strawberry flavor that’s often enhanced with white chocolate chips or a creamy filling. It’s designed to taste like a strawberry ice cream bar but in cookie form.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup strawberry jam or puree (for a more natural flavor)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional for consistency)

For the Vanilla Streusel:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Cookie Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until just combined.
Take roughly 2 tablespoons of dough and form round cookies, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to brown. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Strawberry Buttercream:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, strawberry jam/puree, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
Spread or pipe the buttercream generously onto the cooled cookies.

Vanilla Streusel:

In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Spread the mixture on a baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until golden. Let cool.

Assembly:

Sprinkle the cooled vanilla streusel over the frosted cookies.
For an added touch, sprinkle some crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top for color and a tangy taste.

Tips for the perfect Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar:

Ensure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for the cookie dough.
Do not overmix the cookie dough to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
You can adjust the amount of strawberry jam or puree in the buttercream according to your taste for a stronger or more subtle strawberry flavor.
Let the cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Feel free to customize the topping by adding white chocolate chips or drizzles for an extra layer of sweetness.

What to serve with

Serving Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bars can turn any gathering into an event that’s just as delightful as it is delicious. While these cookies are delectable on their own, you can elevate the overall dining experience and provide an array of choices for your guests by pairing them with complementary beverages and desserts. Here are some detailed and creative ideas on what to serve with your homemade Strawberry Ice Cream Bars:

1. Beverages:

For the kids:

Strawberry Milkshake: A creamy and frothy strawberry milkshake perfectly complements the strawberry flavor in the Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar. It’s also a hit with the younger crowd!
Fruit Punch: Offering a vibrant fruit punch can be refreshing and visually appealing, matching the playful nature of these cookies.

For the adults:

Sparkling White Wine: A glass of chilled sparkling white wine like Prosecco pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like these cookies, balancing the sweetness with its crispness.
Iced Coffee or Latte: Coffee and strawberries share a surprising affinity. An iced coffee or a creamy latte can be a great palate cleanser between bites of this sweet treat.

2. Desserts:

Vanilla Ice Cream: Simple vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that pairs nicely with almost any dessert, especially strawberry-themed cookies for an “ice cream sandwich” vibe.
Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad containing a mix of seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar‘ richness. Include berries, melon, and a splash of lime for an extra zing.

3. Cheese Platter:

Assorted Cheeses: A small platter with a selection of cheeses, like Brie, Gouda, and mild blue cheese, paired with nuts and honey, can add an elegant touch to your serving table and complement the fruity notes of the cookies.

4. Whipped Cream and Berry Sauce:

Homemade Whipped Cream: Serve a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. Guests can add a dollop on their cookie for an extra creamy bite.
Berry Coulis: Making a simple berry coulis by blending and straining raspberries or mixed berries can provide a delightful drizzle option that enhances the strawberry essence of the cookies.

5. More Playful Sides:

Chocolate Fondue: Serve chocolate fondue with a variety of dippers, including marshmallows, pretzels, and fruits. The fondue can also be used as a delicious dip or drizzle for cookies.
Cotton Candy: For a fun and whimsical addition, especially if kids are part of your guest list, cotton candy can be a playful nod to childhood delights and matches well with the dessert-style vibe of the cookies.

6. Tea Selection:

A Selection of Teas: Offer a selection of teas such as Earl Grey, chamomile, or a fruity herbal tea. The light, aromatic flavors of tea can complement the sweet and buttery flavors of the cookies nicely.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a homemade version of the Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar can be a delightful project. If you find yourself short on specific ingredients or if you’re catering to dietary restrictions, there are plenty of substitutes that can help you achieve a delicious result without compromising on taste or texture. Below are detailed substitutes for common ingredients you might need when making these cookies:

For the Strawberry Flavor:

Fresh Strawberries: If the recipe calls for a strawberry flavoring or extract and you prefer something natural, you can use fresh strawberries. Puree them and then reduce the puree on the stove to intensify the flavor.
Frozen Strawberries: Another alternative to strawberry flavoring or fresh strawberries. Thaw and puree or reduce as with fresh strawberries. Ensure to drain any excess liquid.

For the Cookie Base:

All-Purpose Flour Substitute: For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture of gluten.
Vegan Butter: If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan butter is a great alternative to regular butter. It’s designed to have a similar moisture content and fat ratio.
Egg Substitute: For those allergic to eggs or following a vegan diet, consider using flax eggs (a mix of ground flaxseed and water), chia eggs, or a commercial egg replacer.

For Sugar:

Coconut Sugar: This can substitute granulated sugar for those looking for a less refined option. Keep in mind it might alter the flavor slightly, bringing a caramel-like taste to the cookies.
Maple Syrup or Honey: If your recipe allows for liquid sweeteners, these can be good natural alternatives, though they will impact the moisture content of your dough.

For the Creamy Ice Cream Filling:

Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free and vegan alternative to cream or condensed milk, coconut cream provides a similar texture and adds a slight coconut flavor.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream: There are many dairy-free ice creams available made from almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk that can be used as a direct substitute for traditional ice cream.

Chocolate and Toppings:

Dairy-Free Chocolate: If the recipe calls for chocolate, use dairy-free chocolate chips or bars, available in most supermarkets, to keep it vegan.
Natural Food Coloring: To achieve the pink hue without artificial colors, consider using beet powder or a tiny bit of pureed beet. It won’t affect the flavor much but will give you a natural pink color.

Final Thoughts

Creating your version of Crumbl Cookies Strawberry Ice Cream Bar at home is not only a fun baking project but also a fantastic way to enjoy this delightful treat any time you crave it.

More Crumbl Cookies Recipes:

Copycat Crumbl Berry Trifle Cake Cup Recipe