Name: Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (divided); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 oz butter, softened; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1¼ cups brown sugar; 5 tbsp butter; ½ cup whipping cream; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating a bakery favorite from the comfort of your own kitchen, you’re in for a real treat with this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with hints of rich graham cracker, all crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting and a decadent homemade salted caramel drizzle. This recipe captures every layer of flavor and texture you love from the original Crumbl cookie, making it an irresistible indulgence you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are surprisingly straightforward to make and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

There are many round cookies laid out on crinkled grey parchment paper. Each cookie has three visible layers: a crumbly light brown base, a creamy white thick frosting layer spread evenly on top, and a smooth caramel sauce drizzled in horizontal lines over the cream. The cookies are arranged closely together, with some crumbs scattered around on the parchment. The background is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins! Each element in this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe plays a vital role, from creating the perfect cookie base to topping it with creamy frosting and that signature salted caramel glaze.

¾ cup butter (softened): Provides a rich, tender crumb essential for soft cookies.
⅓ cup sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
⅓ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to softness.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, sweet aroma throughout the dough.
1½ cup flour: The foundation of the cookie, lending structure.
1½ cup graham crackers (crushed): Delivers that classic crisp, slightly nutty flavor unique to this treat.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweetness and balances flavor.
¼ tsp baking soda: Helps cookies rise perfectly and stay tender.
½ tsp baking powder: Adds a lift for a lighter texture.
8 oz cream cheese (softened): Essential for that creamy, tangy frosting layer.
8 oz butter (softened): Combines with cream cheese to create a silky frosting.
2½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese frosting to fluffy perfection.
1¼ cup brown sugar (for caramel): Gives the caramel its deep, rich sweetness.
½ cup whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture of the caramel.
5 tbsp butter (for caramel): Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s flavor with warmth and depth.
¼ tsp salt: The finishing touch for that perfect balance in the salted caramel.

How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies rise and stay soft.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. This will add richness and flavor to your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Graham Crackers

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Then, gently fold in 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers, mixing just until blended—this keeps the texture perfect.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop dough with a 2-inch cookie scoop, then roll each ball in the remaining graham cracker crumbs to coat. Place them on your prepared baking sheets and gently flatten each until they’re about ¾ inch thick.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden brown. This timing guarantees soft centers and crisp edges for that ideal cookie bite.

Step 7: Cool Before Frosting

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Frosting warm cookies can cause the frosting to melt, so patience here is key.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting becomes light and fluffy, perfect for piping.

Step 9: Frost the Cookies

Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, swirl the frosting in a circular motion on each cooled cookie, starting at the center and working outward. This adds a professional touch to your homemade treats.

Step 10: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, and whipping cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for a perfectly balanced caramel.

Step 11: Drizzle and Set the Caramel

Let the caramel cool for 15-20 minutes before carefully drizzling it over each frosted cookie with a spoon. Allow it to set for 20-30 minutes to ensure that iconic sticky, luscious finish.

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows round cookies with a light brown, crumbly base as the first layer. On top of each cookie, there is a thick, smooth layer of white cream spread evenly, making the second layer. Over the white cream, there are thin, light caramel-colored stripes drizzled in a neat pattern, creating the third layer. The cookies are placed directly on a crinkled, gray parchment paper that has some scattered crumbs around. The overall look is soft and inviting, with clear color contrasts between the brown cookie, white cream, and caramel drizzle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle not only boosts the “salted” aspect but also adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast. For a festive twist, try a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs or edible gold dust.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For adult gatherings, a rich cup of espresso or creme brûlée latte can elevate the experience and complement the salted caramel’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra caramel and whipped cream for dipping. You can also stack them into a cookie tower tied with twine for gift-giving or party centerpieces. The possibilities for delightful presentation are endless with this recipe’s charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their soft texture and rich flavors for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying over several afternoons.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze unfrosted cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Freeze frosting separately in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw and assemble as described for fresh-baked indulgence.

Reheating

To enjoy these cookies warm, gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or briefly in a low-temperature oven. Add the caramel drizzle after warming for perfectly gooey and irresistible bites.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in this recipe?

While you can substitute, brown sugar is key here because it adds moisture and a richer caramel flavor that white sugar alone can’t replicate. For the best Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe experience, stick with brown sugar where called for.

Is cream cheese essential for the frosting?

Yes! The cream cheese brings that wonderful tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness of the caramel and cookie. Without it, the frosting would lack the signature cheesecake flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free graham crackers. Just make sure the blend measures cup-for-cup to maintain the right texture.

How thick should I flatten the cookie dough balls?

About ¾ of an inch thick is ideal. This thickness helps the cookies bake evenly with a soft, chewy center and slightly crisp edges.

What’s the best way to drizzle the caramel?

Use the back of a spoon to control the flow, allowing you to create thin, elegant lines or larger pools of caramel depending on your preference. Just be sure to let the caramel cool enough to thicken slightly so it doesn’t run off too quickly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about baking a Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe at home. It’s not just about replicating a favorite treat; it’s about creating moments to share with loved ones and savoring every bite of those melt-in-your-mouth layers. So grab your ingredients, follow these friendly steps, and enjoy the sweet rewards of this irresistible cookie adventure!