Crumbl Nilla Bean Float Cookie

Crumbl Nilla Bean Float Cookie
Price & Calories

Ingredients:

A symphony of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and chocolate, come together for our deliciously large gourmet desserts.

Allergy Information:

Contains: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Soy

Ingredients may contain: Peanuts

Our desserts are made onsite and may come into contact with different allergens during production. Please be advised that any of our products may contain allergens including peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, and sesame.

Nutrition Facts:

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Homemade Nilla Bean Float Cookie Recipe

Important Note

This is an independent homemade copycat recipe inspired by the flavor profile of Crumbl’s Nilla Bean Float Cookie. It is not the official Crumbl recipe. Ingredients, texture, sweetness, and appearance may vary depending on the brands and preparation methods used.

These cookies combine a soft chocolate-cola cookie base with chocolate-cola mousse, vanilla bean mousse, a crunchy wafer straw, and a fresh lemon garnish.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation time: 35 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 10–12 minutes
• Cooling and decorating: 45 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 2 hours
• Servings: 10 large cookies

Ingredients

For the Chocolate-Cola Cookies

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cola reduction
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cola Reduction

• 1 cup regular cola

For the Vanilla Bean Mousse

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream

For the Chocolate-Cola Mousse

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon cooled cola reduction
• ½ cup cold heavy whipping cream

For Garnishing

• Wafer rolls or wafer straws
• Fresh lemon wedges
• Chocolate shavings, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cola Reduction

Pour the cola into a small saucepan.

Simmer over medium-low heat until it reduces to approximately 3 tablespoons. This may take 15–20 minutes.

Transfer the reduction to a small bowl and allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a mixing bowl.

Beat for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of cooled cola reduction. Mix until smooth.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

Mix only until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing so the cookies remain tender.

4. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate it for approximately 30 minutes.

Chilling helps the cookies hold their thick shape while baking.

5. Shape and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the dough into 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten it into a thick round cookie.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft.

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Cool completely before adding the mousse.

Prepare the Vanilla Bean Mousse

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until medium peaks form.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream-cheese mixture.

Refrigerate the mousse while preparing the chocolate-cola portion.

Prepare the Chocolate-Cola Mousse

Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and cooled cola reduction until smooth.

Whip the cold heavy cream in a separate bowl until medium peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream gently into the chocolate mixture.

Refrigerate for approximately 15 minutes so the mousse becomes easier to pipe.

Create the Two-Flavor Swirl

Place the vanilla bean mousse and chocolate-cola mousse side by side inside one large piping bag.

Do not mix them completely because the two colors should create a marbled swirl.

Pipe a generous spiral of mousse onto each cooled cookie.

Decorate the Cookies

Cut wafer rolls into shorter pieces and place one piece into the mousse on each cookie.

Add a small lemon wedge or thin lemon quarter beside the wafer.

Serve immediately or keep chilled until serving.

Helpful Recipe Tips

Use regular cola rather than diet cola for a smoother reduction and fuller flavor.

Allow the cola reduction to cool completely before adding it to the dough or mousse.

Avoid overbaking the cookies so the centers remain soft.

Keep the heavy cream and mixing bowl cold for a stable mousse.

Add wafer straws shortly before serving so they remain crisp.

Pat the lemon pieces dry before placing them on the mousse.

Storage Instructions

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keep the wafer straws separate during storage and add them before serving.

Allow chilled cookies to rest at room temperature for approximately 10 minutes before eating.

Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Add freshly prepared mousse after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Nilla Bean Float Cookie taste like?

This homemade version combines a soft chocolate cookie with subtle cola notes, creamy vanilla bean mousse, chocolate-cola mousse, and a bright lemon finish.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes. Use one teaspoon of vanilla extract, although vanilla bean paste creates a stronger flavor and visible vanilla specks.

Does the cookie taste strongly like cola?

The cola flavor is mild. Reducing it concentrates its caramel and vanilla-like notes without making the cookie taste overly sweet.

Can I prepare the mousse ahead of time?

Yes. Both mousse flavors can be prepared one day ahead and refrigerated in airtight containers.

Can I skip the lemon garnish?

Yes. The lemon adds a bright contrast, but the cookie can also be served with only the mousse and wafer straw.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Nilla Bean Float Cookie combines chocolate, cola, vanilla bean, and citrus flavors in one creative dessert. The soft cookie, creamy two-tone mousse, crunchy wafer, and fresh lemon garnish create a fun soda-float-inspired presentation.