Better Than Crumbl? These Cookies Are Changing the Game

1. Introduction: The Cookie Craze That’s Sweeping the Nation

In recent years, Crumbl Cookies has taken the dessert world by storm—serving up oversized, indulgent treats with ever-changing weekly flavors that have built a cult-like following. From TikTok taste tests to viral unboxings, Crumbl has become synonymous with the modern cookie craze. But while Crumbl remains a household name, a wave of Crumbl cookie alternatives is quickly gaining traction.

These gourmet cookies are turning heads with unique flavor profiles, small-batch quality, and fan-favorite twists that rival—if not surpass—the Crumbl experience. Foodies and dessert lovers across the country are buzzing about the next big thing in baked goods.

So, the question everyone’s asking: Are these trending cookie brands actually better than Crumbl? Let’s take a bite and find out.

2. What Makes These Cookies Different (and Better?)

What sets these rising cookie brands apart isn’t just hype—it’s innovation. While Crumbl is known for its large, frosted cookies and rotating weekly menu, these better-than-Crumbl contenders are raising the bar with more refined approaches to flavor, texture, and overall quality.

From soft cookies with perfectly chewy centers to gourmet cookie textures that balance crisp edges with melty middles, the difference is clear from the first bite. Many of these brands are ditching artificial flavors in favor of premium ingredients like browned butter, organic vanilla, and hand-chopped chocolate chunks. Some even offer gluten-free or vegan options without sacrificing taste.

Unlike Crumbl’s mass-production model, these cookies are often crafted in small batches, ensuring better quality control and a homemade feel. Add to that the use of bold, unique cookie flavors—think matcha white chocolate, dulce de leche pecan, or miso caramel—and you’ve got a new wave of cookies that feel as exciting as they are delicious.

3. Top Trending Cookie Brands to Watch

As the cookie competition heats up, several new cookie shops and best cookie delivery brands are stepping into the spotlight—many with viral buzz and devoted fanbases of their own. Here are a few cookie brands challenging Crumbl that you should definitely have on your radar in 2025:

1. Last Crumb (Los Angeles, CA)

Known as the “Rolex of cookies,” Last Crumb delivers luxury with every bite. Their exclusive drops sell out fast, and flavors like “Netflix and Crunch” (a cinnamon toast cereal cookie) and “When Life Gives You Lemons” (a lemon bar-inspired treat) are as bold as their branding. These cookies don’t come cheap, but fans swear the experience is worth it.

2. Dirty Dough

With a tagline like “Every cookie has a story,” Dirty Dough has gone viral for its stuffed cookies—layers of fillings packed into thick, gooey dough. The brand emphasizes real ingredients and an indulgent bite that makes each cookie feel like a dessert adventure. They’re quickly expanding locations and delivery options across the U.S.

3. Crave Cookies

Offering both in-store and delivery options, Crave Cookies is building momentum with its rotating menu, just like Crumbl—but with its own flavor spin. Think red velvet cheesecake or Nutella-stuffed snickerdoodles. Their TikTok presence and consistently positive reviews are helping them become a serious contender.

4. Levain Bakery (Expanding Nationally)

Though not new, Levain Bakery is gaining renewed attention thanks to its national shipping and wider reach in 2025. Their massive, underbaked cookies have long been a favorite among cookie purists. Known for minimal ingredients and a rich, homemade feel, Levain offers a classic take that never goes out of style.

Each of these brands brings something fresh to the table—whether it’s innovative flavors, social media virality, or nationwide cookie delivery. And in many cases, they’re giving Crumbl a serious run for its money.

4. Taste Test: Are They Really Better Than Crumbl?

There’s no denying that Crumbl has set the standard for indulgent, over-the-top cookies—but are these trending brands actually better than Crumbl when it comes down to taste, texture, and variety? We conducted an honest cookie review of several popular contenders, comparing each brand on key factors like flavor complexity, sweetness balance, and overall eating experience.

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Flavor Variety: Who Wins the Creativity Crown?

Crumbl’s weekly rotating menu offers a constantly changing selection—from frosted sugar cookies to cereal-themed creations. However, some critics argue that the flavors can be repetitive or overly reliant on frosting and sugary toppings.

Enter brands like Dirty Dough and Last Crumb, which take creativity to the next level. Dirty Dough’s layered, stuffed cookies (think peanut butter core inside a brownie cookie shell) offer a surprising and satisfying flavor journey with every bite. Meanwhile, Last Crumb elevates their lineup with names like “Donkey Kong” (banana cream pie) and “S’mores Sans Campfire”—flavors that feel crafted for a premium experience.

Verdict: Tie. Crumbl wins for quantity of new releases, but competitors deliver more thoughtful and daring combinations.

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Texture and Sweetness: Gooey, Chewy, or Overwhelming?

Crumbl cookies are known for their soft centers and thick textures—but some find them too doughy or overly sweet. In our cookie taste test, Levain Bakery stood out for its rich, almost cake-like texture that strikes a balance between chew and crumble. It’s less sugary and more decadent, making it a favorite for cookie purists.

Crave Cookies and Dirty Dough also impressed with textures that felt freshly baked and less manufactured than Crumbl’s sometimes mass-produced feel. Crave’s Nutella-stuffed Snickerdoodle offered just enough sweetness without overpowering the flavor. Dirty Dough’s gooey centers and crispy edges created a memorable bite that felt more “homemade” than Crumbl’s frosted fare.

Verdict: Competitors win. While Crumbl’s texture is consistent, the others offer a more complex, satisfying mouthfeel with better balance in sweetness.

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Quality of Ingredients: Small-Batch vs Scale

Crumbl’s model is built on scale—quick production, national expansion, and eye-catching branding. But with that comes some compromise. Critics have pointed out that Crumbl cookies sometimes use artificial flavors or stabilizers to maintain consistency across franchises.

By contrast, many of Crumbl’s challengers lean into small-batch baking and premium ingredients. Last Crumb uses hand-picked, organic elements and ships in luxury-style packaging. Levain has kept its recipes simple and ingredient lists short for over 25 years. Dirty Dough’s fillings and mixes are crafted in-house and flash-frozen to preserve quality for delivery.

Influencer @SweetBiteswithSarah said in a recent TikTok review, “I love Crumbl, but the richness and depth of flavor in Dirty Dough is on a whole other level. It tastes like it was made just for me.”

Verdict: Competitors win, especially for cookie connoisseurs who value ingredient transparency and freshness.

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Customer Reactions: What Are Cookie Fans Saying?

Across social platforms and food forums, dessert lovers are sounding off. On Reddit, one user wrote:

“Crumbl used to be my go-to, but I tried Crave Cookies and I’m hooked. The flavors feel more balanced, and I don’t get that sugar overload crash after eating just one.”

On Instagram, food blogger @CookiesWithCam posted a side-by-side video comparison of Crumbl vs Levain, concluding:

“Levain is still the king for me. Crumbl looks flashier, but Levain tastes like comfort.”

Meanwhile, TikTok is flooded with “Dirty Dough vs Crumbl” blind taste tests—many of which declare the underdog the clear winner based on flavor alone.

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The Final Verdict: Who Takes the Cookie Crown?

After dozens of taste tests, ingredient deep-dives, and influencer opinions, the verdict is clear: Crumbl’s competitors are not just keeping up—they’re raising the bar. While Crumbl continues to dominate in branding and accessibility, brands like Dirty Dough, Levain, and Last Crumb are winning on substance, flavor balance, and creativity.

So, are they really better than Crumbl? For many cookie lovers, the answer is yes—especially if you’re craving cookies that offer more than just Instagram appeal. If you’re ready to explore cookies that go beyond the frosting, it might be time to give these rising stars a bite.

5. Final Verdict: Should You Ditch Crumbl for These Cookies?

When it comes to the modern cookie craze, Crumbl has undeniably made its mark. With its signature pink boxes, weekly flavor drops, and Instagram-worthy presentation, the brand has become a household name across the U.S. But as more cookie lovers search for deeper flavor, better ingredients, and a more artisanal touch, Crumbl’s once-unchallenged reign is being seriously questioned.

So, in this cookie brand comparison, should you stay loyal to Crumbl—or is it time to branch out and try the best cookies of 2025?

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Crumbl: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Mass appeal and easily recognizable branding
• Weekly rotating flavors keep the menu exciting
• Widely available in dozens of locations
• Ideal for parties, gifting, and social media content
• Convenient same-day pickup and delivery

Cons:

• Flavor fatigue—some offerings feel repetitive or overly sweet
• Texture can feel too doughy or underbaked for some palates
• Ingredient quality varies across locations
• Lacks diversity in dietary options (e.g., few gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar choices)
• Some customers report inconsistency between stores

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The Competitors: What Makes Them Worth Trying

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these Crumbl cookie alternatives not just different—but arguably better in many key areas.

• Dirty Dough: Offers a more indulgent, multi-layered cookie experience. The stuffed interiors and bold flavors deliver an adventurous twist Crumbl can’t replicate. Plus, they’re expanding rapidly while keeping a focus on ingredient quality.
• Crave Cookies: Similar in concept to Crumbl but with more balanced sweetness and richer textures. Customers say Crave feels “less commercial” and more like a local bakery gone national.
• Last Crumb: This brand is for the true connoisseur. Though pricey, the luxury packaging and elite flavor lineup make it a favorite for gift-giving and special occasions. Think of it as the “Rolex” of the cookie world.
• Levain Bakery: The gold standard of classic cookies. With fewer rotating flavors, Levain focuses on timeless quality and consistency, earning a loyal following that values substance over trends.

What these brands share is a commitment to premium ingredients, bold flavor development, and a personal touch. Many offer vegan, gluten-free, or unique flavor options that cater to dietary needs Crumbl has yet to fully embrace.

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So, Should You Make the Switch?

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to ditch Crumbl entirely. Crumbl is perfect for what it is—fun, flashy, and great for the occasional treat or celebration. But if you’re someone who appreciates:

• Sophisticated flavor profiles
• Fresh-baked texture that doesn’t rely on frosting
• Artisan techniques and small-batch quality
• Diet-friendly options (vegan, gluten-free, low sugar)
• Or simply something different from the cookie norm…

Then it might be time to expand your cookie horizons.

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The Cookie Challenge: Taste and Decide for Yourself

Here’s your call to action: Order a few cookies from these trending brands and do a side-by-side taste test at home. Whether you’re a cookie purist or a frosting fanatic, nothing beats a real-world flavor showdown.

Try Dirty Dough’s stuffed Peanut Butter Brookie, Crave’s Nutella Snickerdoodle, Last Crumb’s decadent Banana Cream cookie, or Levain’s iconic Chocolate Chip Walnut—and compare them to Crumbl’s weekly picks.

Snap a photo, tag your favorite brand, and let your taste buds be the judge.

🍪 Which cookie is truly king? Taste, compare, and see if Crumbl still holds the crown—or if one of these up-and-comers wins your heart (and stomach).