Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These indulgent Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies deliver the perfect blend of caramel sweetness, creamy cheesecake frosting, and buttery cookie base. Inspired by Crumbl’s iconic cookies, they’re perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Decadent: Creamy cheesecake frosting and caramel topping make these cookies a luxurious treat.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The graham cracker-infused dough creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These gourmet-style cookies impress family and friends.
• Customizable: Add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor or experiment with other toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• ¾ cup butter, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups graham crackers, crushed
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder

For the Cheesecake Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 5 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Gradually add the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until just combined.
4. Slowly incorporate 1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers into the dough, mixing until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

1. Scoop the dough using a 2-inch cookie scoop. Roll each ball in the remaining crushed graham crackers.
2. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball to about ¾-inch thickness.
3. Bake one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Topping

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, whipping cream, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
2. Bring to a gentle boil and let simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

1. Frost each cooled cookie with the cheesecake frosting.
2. Drizzle the caramel topping over the frosting. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
3. Let the caramel set slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 373 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Sodium: 308 mg
• Sugar: 31 g

Variations

• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the caramel topping for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel topping for added texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the frosting for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers and flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used for convenience.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.

3. What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest flavor and texture for the frosting.

4. How can I ensure the cookies stay soft?

Avoid overbaking and store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness.

5. Can I use pre-crushed graham crackers?

Yes, pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs save time and work well in this recipe.

6. What if my caramel is too thick?

Warm it gently and add a splash of cream to thin it out.

7. Can I use a piping bag for the frosting?

Yes, a piping bag can create a more polished look for the frosting.

8. Can I reduce the sugar?

Reducing sugar may affect the texture and sweetness, but you can try reducing the caramel or frosting sugar slightly.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger batches.

10. What’s the best way to crush graham crackers?

Use a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Conclusion

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. With their soft cookie base, creamy cheesecake frosting, and luscious caramel topping, they’re perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you’re craving a bakery-quality treat at home!

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