Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

You know, there’s something utterly magical about the texture of a freshly baked cookie, especially when it’s infused with those luscious flavors of salted caramel and cheesecake. This recipe for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies has won my heart several times over. I remember the first time I tried it; the combination of chewy cookie, rich cream cheese frosting, and that sticky-sweet drizzle of caramel was a blissful experience. It’s like a warm hug from a dear friend—comforting, indulgent, and just a little bit fancy!

Cooking this recipe feels like a delightful ritual, a celebration of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extravagant. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake—the subtle notes of brown sugar and vanilla dancing together in the oven! Whenever I need a little pick-me-up or am looking to impress at gatherings, these cookies are my secret weapon.

Reasons to try it

Why are these cookies so special? For starters, they’re beautifully balanced—sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings, but with a salty kick that keeps you coming back for more. The crunchy graham cracker base provides a nostalgic nod to cheesecake while the cream cheese frosting wraps everything in a silky embrace. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to a friend, or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they definitely shine as a standout treat that’s worth the effort.

And let’s not forget about the richness of those layers! Each bite encapsulates that delicious tension between the sugary cookie base and the creamy frosting topped with a luscious homemade caramel drizzle. Plus, as a bonus, your friends will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen when, in reality, it’s all about following a few simple steps. Trust me; they’ll be raving about these cookies just like I am!

Gather these ingredients

Ready to get started? Here’s what you will need for this delightful baking adventure:

• ¾ cup softened butter: This will form the base of your cookie dough, lending richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened to room temp for effortless creaming!
• ⅓ cup sugar: Granulated sugar helps create a perfect initial sweetness, making these cookies delightfully light and chewy.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: The slight molasses flavor from brown sugar adds depth and chewiness, working wonders in combination with the vanilla.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the cookie dough—these will also help keep your cookies tender.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Because who doesn’t love that heavenly scent? It adds so much warmth and flavor to the mix.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookies! You need just the right amount to achieve that perfect cookie structure.
• 1½ cups crushed graham crackers: This little addition brings the taste of cheesecake right into your cookies.
• ½ tsp salt: It enhances the sweetness and rounds out all those flavors beautifully—don’t skip it!
• ¼ tsp baking soda: This helps your cookies rise and maintain a lovely texture, keeping them nice and chewy.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Similar to baking soda but gives it that extra lift. The combination is key!
• ½ cup extra crushed graham crackers: Roll the cookie dough balls in this before baking to achieve that delightful crunchy exterior.
• 8 oz softened cream cheese: The star of the frosting! It brings that rich, creamy flavor reminiscent of cheesecake.
• 8 oz softened butter (for frosting): The secret to fluffy frosting—with the right creaminess to hold up on the cookies.
• 2½ cups powdered sugar: Ah, sweet powdered sugar! This lends the frosting that irresistible sweetness and a smooth finish.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Because vanilla makes everything better!
• 1¼ cups brown sugar (for frosting): Adding richness and depth, brown sugar creates a deliciously indulgent frosting.
• ½ cup whipping cream: This brings the frosting to life, creating the perfect texture for spreading.
• 5 tbsp butter (for caramel): The foundation for that silky caramel drizzle on top.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for caramel): Just a touch enhances the flavor of your luxurious caramel sauce.
• ¼ tsp salt (for caramel): It highlights the sweetness of the caramel, giving it a well-rounded flavor.

Preparing Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Let’s dive into the baking process! Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. These cookies don’t stick, but it makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale—think of this as aerating your cookie base and building texture.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs—mixing until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix; we’re looking for a gentle blending!
4. Gradually add the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, stirring until barely blended. You want to keep it light and airy!
5. Fold in the 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs until they’re incorporated well. The crumbs lend that cheesecake taste, and we want them evenly distributed.
6. Scoop out the dough using a 2-inch cookie scoop, roll in the remaining graham cracker crumbs, and place on the prepared sheets, flattening them slightly for even baking.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until they’re slightly golden around the edges. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely while you whip up that luscious frosting.
9. For the cream cheese frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and brown sugar, then add whipping cream and vanilla until you reach your desired consistency. This frosting should be thick but spreadable—like clouds of cheesecake!
10. For the homemade caramel topping: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and whipping cream until bubbling—don’t forget to keep stirring!
11. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and salt. Allow it to cool slightly, creating that perfect drizzle consistency.
12. Frost cooled cookies generously with the cream cheese frosting, then drizzle with caramel and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top. Trust me; it elevates the flavor experience to a whole new level!

How to serve it

When it comes to serving, these cookies truly shine in their own right! Present a platter to your friends and family with cookies piled high—it really makes an impact. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic dessert experience, or why not serve them alongside a latte or a warm mug of cocoa? The balance of sweet and salty flavors in the cookies means they can stand alone, but everything’s better with a little something extra, right?

Storage and reheating tips

You’ll definitely want to keep some extras around, but how do you store these beauties? Once cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you are preparing in advance, these cookies freeze wonderfully! Just place them in a single layer on parchment paper, then freeze. Once solid, pack them into a zip-top bag—perfect for when the craving hits!

To enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just enough to rediscover that ooey-gooey texture!

Pro chef tips

• For even cookies, use a cookie scoop! It ensures they bake evenly and have that perfect shape.
• If you want an even deeper caramel flavor, let your caramel cook a little longer—it develops amazing complexity.
• Feel free to switch up the toppings! Chopped nuts, crumbled cookies, or even sprinkles can elevate your cookie game even further.

Creative Twists

Feeling like a celebrity chef? Here are some fun variations to personalize these cookies further:

• Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, decadent twist.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor depth.
• Fruit Fusion: Add a dollop of fruit preserves on top of the frosting before serving for a touch of tartness.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup softened butter
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups crushed graham crackers
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup extra crushed graham crackers
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 8 oz softened butter (for frosting)
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1¼ cups brown sugar (for frosting)
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 5 tbsp butter (for caramel)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for caramel)
• ¼ tsp salt (for caramel)

Directions to follow

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale.
3. Add in vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until just combined.
4. Gradually add in flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder, stirring until barely blended.
5. Fold in 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
6. Scoop out dough using a 2-inch cookie scoop, roll in remaining graham crackers, and place on prepared sheets, flattening slightly.
7. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.
8. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
9. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and brown sugar, then add whipping cream and vanilla until desired consistency.
10. In a saucepan, melt 5 tbsp of butter over medium heat, stirring in brown sugar and whipping cream until bubbling.
11. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and salt, letting cool slightly.
12. Frost cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt.

Your questions answered

• How long do these cookies last? Stored in an airtight container, they last up to a week; freeze them for longer storage.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely, stand it in the fridge for up to a day before baking!
• What if I don’t have graham crackers? You can swap them for crushed cookies or even vanilla wafers for a different twist.
• Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Sure, but your frosting might come out a bit thinner; just adjust with powdered sugar as needed.
• How about a gluten-free option? Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend and check the graham crackers for gluten-free options!

Creating these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies not only gives you a delicious treat but an adventure in your kitchen. I hope you’ll try this recipe—it’s an inviting journey that welcomes creativity and flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own touches. Let’s keep this passion for baking alive; I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you!

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