I absolutely love sharing this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with you because it captures the magic of Crumbl’s famous treat right in your own kitchen. These cookies have that perfect balance of buttery graham cracker flavor, a creamy cheesecake frosting, and just the right touch of salted caramel drizzle that makes every bite irresistible. Whenever I want to impress guests or treat my family, this recipe is my go-to because it’s both fun to make and downright delicious.
You’ll find that these cookies work wonders for everything from a casual afternoon snack to special occasions like birthdays or holiday gatherings. The combination of textures—the soft chewy cookie, smooth frosting, and sticky caramel—makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, it’s going to be on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: It perfectly mimics the Crumbl bakery classic, so you get all the taste without the trip.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family or friends, everyone goes crazy for these rich, indulgent cookies.
- Easy to Bake at Home: With straightforward ingredients and steps, even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies make a thoughtful, homemade gift that shows you care.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in the simple yet complementary ingredients that come together to create something truly special. I always recommend using good-quality butter and cream cheese, as they really elevate the flavors in this recipe.
- Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds that slight savory note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar gives a crisp edge.
- Eggs: Helps bind everything and gives the dough richness.
- Vanilla: A little vanilla extract goes a long way for enhancing flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for your cookies, making them tender yet holding their shape.
- Graham Crackers (Crushed): This is the secret ingredient that gives the cookie that signature Crumbl taste and a subtle crunch.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: They work together to give the cookies the perfect rise and chew.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: For the frosting, make sure it’s room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Marshmallow Creme: Adds a light, fluffy texture and extra richness to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect pipeable consistency.
- Caramel Dip: The crowning glory drizzle that gives the cookies their iconic finish.
- Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top intensifies the salted caramel flavor and adds just the right crunch.
Variations
I love how versatile this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is, so I encourage you to make it your own! Playing around with mix-ins or adjusting toppings can keep the experience fresh—and fun.
- Nutty Twist: I once added chopped pecans sprinkled lightly into the cookie dough for an extra crunch, and my family couldn’t get enough.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swapping out caramel dip for melted dark chocolate creates a new flavor profile that’s equally addictive.
- Dairy-Free Version: Using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese worked surprisingly well when I made these for friends with allergies.
- Mini Cookies: I sometimes portion the dough smaller for bite-sized cookies—perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C)—this step is crucial so your oven reaches the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Then, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. I always take a moment here to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything gets fully mixed, which helps your cookies rise evenly.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition so the batter lightens in color and becomes nice and creamy. Then pour in the vanilla extract and give it a quick mix to infuse that lovely warm flavor. This is when your kitchen will start to smell like a dream!
Step 3: Mix In Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mix, blending until everything is just combined. I learned that overmixing here toughens the cookies, so keep it gentle but thorough. The crushed graham crackers are what give these cookies their signature flavor and slightly crumbly texture, so don’t skip this step!
Step 4: Portion and Bake
Use a ½ cup scoop (or your hands) to shape the dough into balls and place six per cookie sheet, spaced out comfortably. Then press down gently to flatten the balls to about 1 inch thick—I do this so they bake evenly and develop that perfect chewy texture without being too thick. Pop them into the oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown. A tip I’ve found helpful is to check at 12 minutes because ovens vary—cookies should look set but still soft in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare Frosting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—this helps them firm up without becoming dry. While that’s happening, whip your cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly add your powdered sugar in ½ cup increments, mixing thoroughly after each addition. When fully combined, fold in the marshmallow creme until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. This fluffy frosting adds that cheesecake richness and light texture that makes these cookies stand out.
Step 6: Frost, Drizzle, and Salt
Use a gallon-size zip-top bag as a piping bag by filling it with frosting and cutting a small corner off. Pipe the frosting onto each warm cookie in a spiral—this way it melts just slightly and tastes heavenly. Then, drizzle caramel dip over the frosting in a zigzag pattern and finish off with a pinch of coarse sea salt for that classic salted caramel finish. Serve these still a little warm if you can; that’s when they’re out of this world!
Pro Tips for Making Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the butter cream more easily and the cream cheese to whip into a silky frosting without lumps.
- Don’t Skip Crushing the Graham Crackers: Coarsely ground crumbs add texture and that authentic flavor that sets this recipe apart.
- Pipe the Frosting on Warm Cookies: This slight melting effect creates a dreamy cheesecake swirl.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull cookies out when edges start turning golden but centers still look soft to keep them chewy.
How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these cookies with just the coarse sea salt because it contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and enhances the salted caramel notes. For a special touch, sometimes I add a tiny fresh mint leaf or a sprinkling of crushed graham cracker crumbs on top—just a little visual pop that also reminds you of that cookie base.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee—perfect for a cozy afternoon treat. If you want to turn it into a dessert platter, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or even fresh berries to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or gatherings, I’ve arranged these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with little caramel drizzle bowls on the side for extra indulgence. Another fun idea is to sandwich the frosting between two cookies for mini salted caramel cheesecake sandwiches—kids go nuts for those!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from drying out, I make sure the cookies are fully cooled before storing. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
Freezing
Freezing these cookies is totally doable! I freeze the un-frosted cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to freezer bags. When I want fresh cookies, I bake straight from frozen adding a couple extra minutes. As for frosted cookies, I flash freeze them first and then gently wrap to freeze, but I recommend thawing in the fridge to preserve the frosting texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover cookies back to life, heat them at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This warms the cookie and softens it without melting the frosting too much. If your frosting has firmed up in the fridge, a quick microwave zap (10 seconds) before serving works nicely but watch carefully!
FAQs
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Can I make the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative in the frosting. I’ve tried using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese, and while the texture differs slightly, the flavor still shines through beautifully.
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How do I crush the graham crackers properly for the cookie dough?
I usually place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin until coarsely ground. This keeps some texture while blending seamlessly into the dough. Avoid pulverizing them into a fine powder as it affects the cookie’s structure.
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Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the drizzle?
Yes, store-bought caramel dip or sauce works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled, and feel free to warm it slightly if it’s too stiff.
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What’s the best way to pipe the frosting if I don’t have decorating tools?
Using a gallon-size zip-top bag with a small corner cut off is my favorite hack for piping frosting. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for creating those classic spirals without fancy equipment.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is truly a labor of love that pays off with every bite—rich, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. When I first mastered this recipe, it quickly became a favorite that my family begged for again and again, and I’m confident you’ll find the same joy in making and sharing it. So grab your mixing bowls, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to these amazing cookies—you won’t regret it!
PrintCopycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie recipe combines a rich graham cracker cookie base with a luscious cream cheese frosting, finished with a salted caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Perfectly soft and chewy cookies with a decadent topping, these homemade treats make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Cookie
- 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 extract
- 3 3/4 cups (570g) all-purpose flour
- 2 sleeves (300g) graham crackers, crushed (approx 2 1/2 cups crumbs)
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Cheesecake Frosting and Drizzle
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 7 oz marshmallow creme
- 2 cups (214g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (98g) caramel dip
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth and light.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until the dough is well combined and uniform.
- Portion Dough: Divide the dough into 1/2 cup portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place 6 balls onto each cookie sheet. Press down each ball slightly to flatten to about 1 inch thick.
- Bake Cookies: Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies start turning golden brown around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cookies cool, whip the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments, mixing thoroughly each time until all 2 cups have been incorporated into the cream cheese.
- Incorporate Marshmallow Creme: Fold in the marshmallow creme and mix until the frosting is smooth and completely combined.
- Pipe Frosting: Transfer the frosting to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and cut off one corner to create a piping bag. Pipe a spiral of frosting onto each still-warm cookie.
- Add Caramel Drizzle and Salt: Place the caramel dip in a small zip-top bag, cut a corner, and drizzle the caramel over the frosting in a zigzag pattern. Finish by sprinkling coarse sea salt atop each cookie.
- Serve: Serve the cookies warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and salty flavors.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before making the frosting for smooth texture.
- Crush graham crackers finely for better incorporation into the dough.
- You can store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate the frosted cookies for up to 5 days.
- Reheat cookies slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey caramel and soft frosting experience.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting slightly to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg