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This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies recipe captures the perfect balance of crunchy graham cracker cookie base, creamy cheesecake frosting, and luscious salted caramel drizzle. These cookies are ideal for anyone who loves rich dessert flavors layered with texture and a touch of sea salt to elevate every bite.
I first made these cookies to recreate the Crumbl experience at home and quickly found they became a favorite for weekend baking sessions and special treats with friends.
Ingredients You Need
- All-purpose flour: provides the sturdy structure for the cookie base fresh and finely sifted flour works best
- Graham cracker crumbs: add a toasty flavor and crunch choose whole crumbs for the best texture
- Baking soda: ensures the cookies rise gently and stay soft
- Unsalted butter: creates richness and tenderness make sure it's softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: bring sweetness and a depth of flavor from molasses in the brown sugar
- Large egg: acts as a binder adding moisture and helps with structure
- Vanilla extract: for aromatic warmth and enhances other flavors
- Cream cheese: softened well for smooth creamy frosting that spreads easily
- Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting sifted for a lump-free finish
- Thick caramel sauce: should be rich and smooth homemade or high quality store-bought both work well
- Sea salt: to sprinkle on top provides a perfect finishing contrast that cuts through the sweetness
Detailed Cooking Directions
- Build The Cookie Dough:
- Whisk the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl to combine all dry ingredients evenly. In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about two to three minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat thoroughly until combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated to form a soft dough.
- Chill For Texture:
- Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. This helps the cookies maintain a thick, bakery-like texture during baking instead of spreading too thin.
- Shape And Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion about two tablespoons of dough into rounds. Place them spaced about two inches apart on the sheet. Gently press each ball slightly flat to encourage even baking. Bake for ten to twelve minutes until the edges are just turning golden. Cool cookies on the baking sheet five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whip The Frosting:
- While cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue to mix until the frosting is thick, silky, and spreadable.
- Assemble And Finish:
- Once cookies have cooled fully, spread or pipe a generous layer of cheesecake frosting on each cookie. Drizzle thick caramel sauce over the frosting and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
These cookies were the highlight at our family gatherings. My kids especially loved helping to drizzle caramel and sprinkle salt on top, turning the baking process into a fun tradition. The rich texture and sweet-salty combination always had everyone asking for seconds, making moments sweeter and cozier.
Smart Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh and to maintain the caramel’s consistency for up to four days. Bring cookies to room temperature before serving so the frosting and caramel soften slightly. Cookies can also be frozen after baking and cooling without frosting. Thaw completely and add frosting and caramel just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Ingredient Variations
Swap graham cracker crumbs with finely crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a subtle flavor twist. Replace caramel sauce with a salted dulce de leche or a thick butterscotch sauce to vary the topping. For the cheesecake frosting, experiment by folding in finely chopped toasted pecans or a hint of cinnamon to add warmth and crunch.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
A cup of strong coffee or espresso complements the sweet and salty flavors wonderfully. Try these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a slightly chilled dessert wine like Moscato for a charming dessert pairing. They also serve beautifully alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
Seasonal Makeovers
Add pumpkin pie spice or ginger to the cookie dough for cozy fall vibes. In the summer, try adding finely chopped mango or pineapple to the frosting for a tropical twist. Around the holidays, decorate the top with crushed peppermint or cinnamon sugar for festive flair.
Baking these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies always feels like a little celebration in the kitchen. The blend of textures, the sweet and salty symphony, and the creamy frosting make each bite a tiny indulgence worth savoring. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies bring out the joy in homemade treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives these cookies their soft, thick texture?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking helps the cookies maintain a thick, soft texture and prevents spreading.
- → Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs in the cookie base?
Graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch and flavor, but finely crushed digestive biscuits or similar cookies can work as alternatives.
- → How do I achieve a smooth cheesecake frosting?
Beating softened cream cheese thoroughly before adding powdered sugar and vanilla ensures the frosting is silky and spreadable.
- → What is the best way to drizzle salted caramel on the cookies?
Use a spoon or piping bag to gently drizzle thick caramel sauce over the frosted cookies for an even, decorative finish.
- → Why is sea salt added on top of the caramel?
The sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and balances the flavors, adding a subtle savory touch to the rich topping.