Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe
If you’re on a mission to recreate bakery-style magic right at home, then this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie is about to make you the star of every dessert table. Imagine a soft, giant graham cracker cookie base, crowned with a thick swirl of tangy cream cheese and marshmallow frosting, then drizzled with golden caramel and finished off with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds! This decadent treat brings together a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures that’ll have your friends and family convinced you’ve got a direct line to Crumbl’s secret recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, classic ingredients truly shine in each layer of the cookie, giving it both a nostalgic and luxurious taste. Each item plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture of your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie masterpiece.
- Salted Butter: Using salted butter gives the cookie a rich, enhanced depth and that irresistible hint of savory.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds light sweetness and helps the cookies spread perfectly while baking.
- Brown Sugar: Brings warmth and moisture, giving each bite its chewy, soft texture.
- Eggs: The structure-builders, eggs bind the dough and add moisture to keep cookies supple.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds a classic bakery aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: Reliable flour for a sturdy yet tender cookie base.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed grahams provide that cheesecake crust essence and a subtle crunch.
- Baking Soda: Works with the brown sugar to give just enough lift for a pillowy bite.
- Baking Powder: Helps achieve that signature thick cookie rise.
- Salt: Elevates every flavor, making the sweet taste sing.
- Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake topping, making it tangy and creamy.
- Marshmallow Creme: Lightens the cheesecake frosting with sweet fluffiness.
- Powdered Sugar: Gives the frosting its silky, smooth sweetness.
- Caramel Dip: Ready-to-use, thick caramel for effortless drizzle and bold flavor.
- Coarse Sea Salt: The finishing touch for that irresistible sweet-salty bite.
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This trick ensures your cookies bake evenly. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal and quick cleanup—trust me, you’ll want to make as many of these as your oven can handle!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. The goal is a fluffy, light mixture filled with air—this sets the foundation for a tender, chewy cookie base. Don’t skimp on the mixing time here!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. Let the mixer run until the batter is noticeably lighter in color and super creamy, which tells you the wet ingredients are perfectly combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Time to bring in the dry team! Add the all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers (those crumbs are key for that flirty cheesecake flavor), baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined into a thick, lovely dough—don’t overwork it or you might lose that soft, cakey texture.
Step 5: Portion and Shape the Cookies
Here comes the signature Crumbl size! Use a generous 1/2 cup scoop for each portion, then roll into balls and place six on each baking sheet. Lightly press each ball to about 1-inch thick—the dough won’t spread much, so this step is crucial for that iconic look.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cookies start turning golden brown around the edges. They should look just set in the center for that irresistible softness.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes. They finish cooking and settle into that perfect texture. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool while you whip up the dreamy cheesecake topping.
Step 8: Make the Cheesecake Frosting
Beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time—this step is key for avoiding lumps. Once the sugar is totally mixed in, fold in the marshmallow creme until the whole mixture is billowy and luscious.
Step 9: Frost the Cookies
Spoon the cheesecake frosting into a large zip-top bag, snip a corner, and pipe a gorgeous spiral onto each warm cookie. The warmth will allow the frosting to settle just a little bit, giving an inviting, bakery-worthy finish.
Step 10: Add Caramel and Sea Salt
Fill another zip-top bag with caramel dip, cut a tiny corner, and zigzag a generous drizzle over the frosted cookies. Finish each one with a pinch of coarse sea salt to make those flavors pop. Serve warm and get ready for all the compliments!
How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie
Garnishes
This cookie is a showstopper on its own, but consider a light dusting of extra crushed graham crackers for a rustic touch, or a drizzle of white chocolate for an added layer of flavor and flair. A little extra sea salt can also really set off the caramel and cheesecake notes for serious wow-factor.
Side Dishes
These cookies are rich, so a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte makes the perfect pairing. If you’re going all-out for a dessert spread, pile these next to fresh fruit or some bright citrus sorbet to balance out the sweetness. They even shine alongside a fresh cup of hot coffee for a true café experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice these oversized cookies into wedges and serve on a tiered stand for a unique twist. Tuck a parchment-wrapped cookie into a gift bag with a handwritten tag for a homemade treat that says “you’re special.” Or build a “cookie sundae” station with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel for a decadent, interactive dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with extra Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie treats, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cheesecake topping stays fresh and creamy for up to four days, ensuring every bite remains as dreamy as the first.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these to enjoy later. For best results, freeze the cookies and the frosting separately. Flat-freeze frosted cookies (unstacked) until solid, then transfer to an airtight zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a fresh-baked experience whenever cravings strike!
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a bit warm, pop one (unfrosted) cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. After heating, add frosting, caramel, and sea salt as usual. The cookie base returns to that just-baked, melt-in-your-mouth texture while keeping the topping cool and creamy.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Definitely! Just reduce your dough scoops for smaller cookies—adjust the baking time down to 8-10 minutes, and watch carefully so they stay soft and chewy.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel dip?
Absolutely. If you love making caramel from scratch, by all means use it here! Just be sure it’s cooled enough to drizzle easily and isn’t too thin, or it could run right off the frosting.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No worries! You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. The flavor profile will be a bit different, but you’ll still get that “cheesecake crust” vibe.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and use gluten-free graham crackers. The Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie will be just as indulgent and delicious.
How do I get my cookies to stay thick and not spread too much?
Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm or your dough feels sticky. Cold dough helps cookies hold their shape for that iconic bakery-style look.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about taking a beloved bakery treat and bringing it to life in your own kitchen, and this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie nails it every single time. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and a little bit of “wow” to any occasion. Happy baking—don’t forget to save one for yourself!
Print
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of salted caramel, cheesecake, and graham crackers in a soft and chewy cookie.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups (333g) salted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup (173g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (369g) packed brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 3 3/4 cups (570g) all-purpose flour
- 2 sleeves (300g) graham crackers, crushed (approx 2 1/2 cups of crumbs)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Cheesecake Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 7 oz marshmallow creme
- 2 cups (214g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (102g) caramel dip
- coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until light in color and creamy.
- Add in the dry ingredients. Mix into the dough until completely combined.
- Portion out the dough into balls and flatten. Arrange on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the frosting. Whip cream cheese, add powdered sugar and marshmallow cream.
- Pipe frosting onto cookies.
- Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with sea salt. Serve warm.
Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
Notes
- You can customize the cookie size to your preference.
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Adjust sea salt to taste for the perfect sweet-salty balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Copycat Crumbl, Salted Caramel, Cheesecake, Cookies, Dessert, Recipe
