Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished to bring the irresistible magic of Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies right into your own kitchen, today’s your lucky day! These indulgent cookies combine the perfect buttery base, crunchy graham cracker goodness, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, all topped with a silky salted caramel drizzle that elevates every bite. They’re more than just cookies—they’re a celebration of flavors and textures that feel both comforting and a little bit decadent. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself or planning to impress friends and family, these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies come together beautifully with easy-to-find, classic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich taste, creamy texture, and that perfect salty-sweet balance you’re aiming for.

• ¾ cup butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender cookies and luscious frosting.
• ⅓ cup sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance flavors.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like flavor and moisture to the cookies.
• 2 eggs: Helps bind ingredients while enriching the cookie’s texture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses each bite with warm, comforting aromas.
• 1½ cups flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft structure for the cookie base.
• 1½ cups crushed graham crackers: Adds delightful crunch and a hint of toasty sweetness.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• ¼ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and keep a light texture.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift and fluffiness to the dough.
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Brings tanginess and smooth creaminess to the frosting.
• 8 oz butter (softened): Ensures a rich, velvety texture in the frosting.
• 2½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfectly pipeable consistency.
• 1¼ cup brown sugar (for caramel): Creates the deliciously deep flavor in the caramel topping.
• ½ cup whipping cream: Adds a silky smoothness to the caramel.
• 5 tbsp butter (for caramel): Enriches the caramel’s creamy texture and flavor.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for caramel): Lifts the caramel with warm, aromatic notes.
• ¼ tsp salt (for caramel): Perfectly balances the sweetness in the salted caramel drizzle.

How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep helps your cookies bake evenly and prevents them from sticking, setting the stage for flawless baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated. This step is where the cookie dough begins developing its luscious texture and sweet aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Once combined, gently fold in 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers until just blended. This mixture will yield the perfect balance of soft structure and delightful crunch from the graham crackers.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookie Dough

Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece in the remaining crushed graham crackers. This coating adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. Place the dough balls onto your lined baking sheets and gently flatten them to about ¾ of an inch thick — this helps them bake evenly and attain the ideal chew.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes, or until you notice the edges turn slightly golden brown. Keeping a close eye here ensures your cookies will be perfectly baked—soft in the middle and just a little crisp on the edges.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key before frosting so the frosting won’t melt and everything holds its shape beautifully.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until your frosting is light, fluffy, and ready to spread or pipe. This creates that signature cheesecake richness we all crave in these cookies.

Step 8: Pipe the Frosting

Fit a piping bag with a round tip and pipe the frosting onto each cookie in a circular motion, starting from the center and swirling outwards. This technique gives your cookies a professional appearance and ensures every bite has a proper frosting-to-cookie ratio.

Step 9: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

Combine butter, brown sugar, salt, and whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious caramel. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla for that warm, fragrant finish.

Step 10: Drizzle the Caramel

Let the caramel cool 15 to 20 minutes so it thickens enough to drizzle without running off. Using a spoon, carefully drizzle the caramel over each frosted cookie, then allow the caramel to set at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This finishing touch turns your cookies into an extraordinary sweet treat.

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

The salted caramel drizzle is already show-stopping, but if you want to add a personal flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop each cookie right after drizzling the caramel. This intensifies the salted caramel flavor. For an extra festive look, finely chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs work wonders too.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a simple glass of cold milk or a latte for a classic combo. If you’re serving at a party, setting out vanilla bean ice cream on the side is a fabulous choice—each bite dipped into creamy ice cream becomes a heavenly experience. A rich cup of hot cocoa also matches beautifully with the sweet and salty notes of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board with little ramekins of extra caramel sauce and sea salt flakes for guests to customize their sweetness. Another idea is to sandwich two cookies together with extra cream cheese frosting and a caramel drizzle in the middle—think of it as an elegant, portable dessert that will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their texture soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is an option to prevent the frosting and caramel from melting, though it can slightly firm up the cookie itself.

Freezing

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies freeze wonderfully. Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer at first to avoid sticking, then transfer them to an airtight container once solid. Frosted cookies can also be frozen, but it’s best to drizzle the caramel fresh after thawing to maintain texture and flavor. Frozen cookies thaw well overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these cookies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F) for 3-5 minutes. Warm cookies highlight the gooey caramel and soft cream cheese frosting, making every bite feel like a fresh batch straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

While cream cheese provides the signature tangy richness, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a milder flavor or use butter alone for a sweeter, classic buttercream. Just remember that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Do I have to use graham crackers in the dough?

Graham crackers are a key ingredient mimicking the original Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies’ signature crunch and flavor. If unavailable, you can try digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs, but the final taste will be a little different.

How do I know when the caramel sauce is ready?

Once the caramel mixture boils, it typically thickens after 5 to 7 minutes of constant stirring. It should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when drizzled. If it feels too runny, keep cooking briefly while stirring.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure your graham crackers are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What is the best way to pipe the cream cheese frosting?

A piping bag fitted with a round tip works best, but you can also use a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. The circular motion starting from the cookie’s center and moving outward creates that perfect classic look reminiscent of the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a homemade version of those dreamy Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. With their mix of buttery graham cracker base, fluffy cream cheese frosting, and luscious salted caramel drizzle, they’re an absolute showstopper for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the wonderful flavors that have made these cookies a beloved treat across kitchens. Happy baking!

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