Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

 

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a dreamy blend of rich cheesecake, buttery graham crackers, and luscious salted caramel, you have to try this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie. This incredible treat captures the magic of the original Crumbl favorite with its perfectly soft yet sturdy cookie base, creamy cheesecake frosting, and that irresistible drizzle of salted caramel to finish it all off. It’s the kind of dessert that effortlessly impresses friends, satisfies serious sweet tooth cravings, and makes everyday moments feel like special occasions all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one plays a key role in delivering the signature flavor, texture, and visual appeal of this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie. From the rich softened butter lending softness to the dough, to the graham cracker crumbs adding that delightful crunch and depth, every component is carefully chosen to create the perfect harmony.

• Salted butter (1 1/2 cups, 333g): Softened to help create a tender and flavorful cookie base packed with richness.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup, 173g): Balances the sweetness and aids in achieving that classic cookie texture.
• Brown sugar (1 1/2 cups, 369g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone for depth.
• Eggs (2): Bind the dough while contributing to a chewy softness.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): A warm, inviting note that elevates all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups, 570g): The structure backbone, providing just the right amount of sturdiness.
• Graham cracker crumbs (2 sleeves, approx. 2 ½ cups): Crushed finely to add that iconic texture and flavor.
• Baking soda (2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and spread beautifully.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Works with soda to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the caramel notes.
• Cream cheese (16 oz, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake frosting for creamy indulgence.
• Marshmallow creme (7 oz): Adds extra fluff and a luscious texture to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups, 214g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to pipeable perfection.
• Caramel dip (1/3 cup, 98g): The finishing touch, drizzled atop for that irresistible salted caramel allure.
• Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled at the end to elevate flavors with a delightful crunch and contrast.

How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Begin Creaming

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) to get it ready for baking. Then, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and perfectly creamy. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for that rich buttery texture in the cookie.

Step 2: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Mixing until the batter lightens in color and becomes smooth ensures your cookie dough will be rich and well combined, giving every bite a perfectly moist texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

It’s time to bring in the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mixing these into the wet batter lets the dough come together with just the right balance of chewiness and crunch, thanks to the graham cracker crumbs enhancing both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into ½ cup portions and roll each into a ball. Arrange six dough balls per cookie sheet. Gently flatten each ball until it’s about 1 inch thick. This thickness allows the cookies to bake just right—soft in the middle but with golden edges.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for a beautiful golden-brown edge and a slightly soft center. After baking, allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period lets them firm up without losing their soft texture.

Step 6: Whip up the Cheesecake Frosting

Now for the luscious frosting. Beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, adding it in half-cup increments and ensuring it’s fully incorporated before adding more. Then fold in the marshmallow creme until the frosting reaches a fluffy consistency that’s perfect for piping.

Step 7: Frost and Finish with Caramel

Transfer the cheesecake frosting to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and snip a corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Pipe the frosting onto the warm cookies in spirals, which melts slightly into the cookie for an irresistible bite. Finally, drizzle the caramel dip over the frosting in a zigzag pattern and sprinkle with coarse sea salt for that classic copycat finish.

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie

Garnishes

While the sea salt and caramel drizzle are essential, consider adding a few mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cinnamon on top to bring extra flavor dimension. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but introduce nuanced layers to each bite.

Side Dishes

This cookie pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee. The creamy drink balances the sweet, salty, and tangy flavors perfectly, making it an ideal companion for a cozy afternoon treat or a decadent after-dinner dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel dip and sea salt alongside so guests can customize their indulgence. Alternatively, try stacking a trio of cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in between for an irresistible cookie ice cream sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie has been frosted, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the frosting’s freshness and keeps the cookies soft for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls by arranging them on a baking sheet and, once solid, transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For fully baked cookies, freeze them unfrosted too and add the frosting fresh after thawing for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm after storing or freezing, heat them gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes, then add the frosting and caramel as desired. This simple step revives the gooey, melty texture that makes this recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of room temperature cream cheese?

Using room temperature cream cheese is key for a smooth, lump-free frosting. Cold cream cheese can cause clumps and make mixing difficult, so allowing it to soften at room temperature before use is highly recommended.

Is it necessary to crush the graham crackers manually?

Crushed graham crackers are vital for texture, but whether you crush them by hand, in a food processor, or buy pre-crushed crumbs is up to you. Just make sure they’re finely crushed to blend seamlessly into the dough.

Can I substitute marshmallow creme in the frosting?

Marshmallow creme adds a fluffy lightness to the frosting and helps stabilize it. If unavailable, you can try whipped cream or a homemade meringue, but the texture and taste will be slightly different from the authentic Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie experience.

How salty should the sea salt topping be?

Use coarse sea salt sparingly so it adds a pleasant, balanced crunch without overpowering the sweet caramel and frosting. A light sprinkle is enough to make the flavors pop wonderfully.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for its signature flavor and texture, you could experiment with vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste may vary, but it’s a fun way to adapt the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie!

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sinking your teeth into a warm homemade Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie. From the perfectly soft cookie base to the dreamy cheesecake frosting and sweet-salty caramel drizzle, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and watch this cookie disappear faster than you can say “more please!”

 

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