There’s nothing quite like the moment when a warm, freshly baked cookie comes out of the oven, filling your kitchen with the sweet aroma of melting caramel and rich cheesecake. Today, I’m excited to share my Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a decadent treat that’s both bakery-style indulgence and a delightful home project. These cookies are uniquely thick and gooey, combining a buttery cookie base with a luscious cheesecake filling, then drizzled with caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Not only are they fun to make, but they’re also a crowd-pleaser that can easily be customized to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert or a reason to impress friends at your next gathering, these cookies are sure to steal the show. Curious to see how easy it is to whip up this delightful recipe? Let’s dive in!
Why are Salted Caramel Cookies a must-try?
Decadent Indulgence: These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies truly deliver on flavor, combining sweet and salty notes for an unforgettable taste experience.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, any home cook can whip these up effortlessly.
Customizable Treat: Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, nuts, or unique flavors, this recipe allows for delightful substitutions to satisfy every palate.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for parties, these cookies will impress your guests as they bite into the gooey cheesecake filling and luscious caramel.
Make Ahead Convenience: Freeze the dough or prepared cookies to enjoy fresh-baked treats anytime, avoiding the hassle of last-minute baking.
Try serving these alongside our Banana Pudding Cookies for an impressive dessert platter that showcases your baking skills!
Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and a soft texture; swapping in margarine may change the final result.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a deep flavor; light brown sugar can work if you want a lighter taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Contributes sweetness and structure; it’s best left unchanged unless you’re reducing sugar overall.
- Eggs – Binds the dough and helps with leavening; for a vegan option, use flaxseed meal (1 tbsp + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall sweetness; choose pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the main structure of the cookies; can be substituted with a 1:1 gluten-free flour for those needing gluten-free options.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents; check freshness for optimal rise.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; essential to the recipe with no valid substitutions.
• For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese – Key to the rich filling; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing, or use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free variation.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling for a delightful taste; substituting isn’t recommended for best results.
• For the Topping
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Imparts that classic cheesecake crust flavor; opt for gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
- Caramel Sauce – Adds richness and a beautiful drizzle; homemade is preferred for thickness, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Flaky Sea Salt – The finishing touch that enhances the flavor; other salts can be substituted, but flaky sea salt really shines.
These Salted Caramel Cookies are an indulgent treat, perfect for anyone seeking a little sweetness in their day!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Once well mixed, scoop the mixture into teaspoon-sized balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes, allowing the cheesecake filling to firm up thoroughly before integrating it into the cookies.
Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing well until combined. The dough should be smooth and slightly airy, setting the perfect base for your Salted Caramel Cookies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamed butter and sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky, ready to envelop the frozen cheesecake filling with its buttery embrace.
Step 4: Assemble Cookies
Using your hands, scoop out roughly 2-3 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, wrapping the dough around it completely until sealed. Repeat the process, placing the assembled cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving ample space between them to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once heated, place the cookie trays in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the centers remain soft. The gooey middle will provide that delightful texture characteristic of these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, so don’t overbake to achieve that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, sprinkle a generous amount of graham cracker crumbs over each cookie, drizzle with warm caramel sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These final touches elevate the cookies, giving them the signature salted caramel flavors that make them irresistible.
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies
Fridge: Store your baked Salted Caramel Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining that gooey cheesecake filling.
Freezer (Baked): For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months.
Freezer (Dough): You can also freeze cookie dough balls! Shape and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to indulge, bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before serving.
Salted Caramel Cookies: Delightful Variations
Feel free to add your unique spin to these indulgent cookies and let your creativity shine through!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese to ensure a rich and creamy filling without any dairy.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for an added crunch and deeper flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out caramel for a luscious chocolate ganache drizzle for an irresistible chocolatey version.
- Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the cookie dough for a refreshing citrus note that balances the sweetness.
- Spiced Flavor: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour to replace all-purpose flour, ensuring everyone can enjoy these indulgent treats.
- Reduced Sugar: For a lighter option, reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute to create a less sweet version that still satisfies.
- Add extra layers: Mix in mini chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the cookie dough for unexpected bursts of sweetness, just like our beloved Chocolate Chip Cookies.
With endless possibilities, you’re sure to find the perfect variation that makes these Salted Caramel Cookies uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Imagine indulging in a decadent meal that leaves every taste bud tingling with delight.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The silken texture and cold temperature create a heavenly contrast to the warm cookies, enhancing their decadent flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries like raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing burst and balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Rich and creamy, the chocolatey goodness makes for a nostalgic pairing that kids and adults alike will love.
- Espresso or Coffee: A bold cup of coffee brings out the buttery notes in the cookies, creating a delightful afternoon treat moment.
- Whipped Cream Topping: A light, sweet dollop adds airy fluffiness, complementing the rich cheesecake filling in a unique way.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle extra sauce over each cookie for another layer of indulgence—because you can never have too much caramel!
- Pecan Pie Bars: Introduce new textures with these chewy bars that share similar flavors, creating a dessert table to impress any gathering.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing palate cleanser amidst the richness of the cookies, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Their salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies, delivering a perfect sweet-and-salty combo.
- Fruit Tart: A light, fruity dessert option that adds a vibrant touch and balances the richer flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Make Ahead Options
These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the cheesecake filling (8 oz cream cheese, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla) up to 24 hours in advance by freezing it in teaspoon-sized balls. Additionally, you can make the cookie dough (butter, sugars, eggs, and dry ingredients) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just remember to wrap it tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply wrap the cookie dough around the frozen cheesecake filling, place them on a baking sheet, and bake as instructed for delicious, freshly baked cookies anytime!
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies
• Chill the Filling: Ensure you freeze the cheesecake filling far enough in advance. This prevents it from melting into the cookie dough during baking, keeping the filling intact.
• Avoid Overbaking: For the perfect gooey texture, bake just until the edges are golden. The centers should remain slightly soft, as they’ll firm up while cooling.
• Flavor Boost: Vanilla extract enhances the cookies’ sweetness, but feel free to explore other flavored extracts. Almond or lemon can add a delightful twist to your salted caramel cookies.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality butter and pure vanilla extract creates a more flavorful cookie, elevating the overall taste of these indulgent treats.
• Store Correctly: Keep baked cookies in the refrigerator to maintain freshness due to the cheesecake filling. Warm them slightly before serving for that freshly-baked feel.
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for the cookie dough?
Absolutely, you want to use softened unsalted butter for a rich flavor. While margarine can be a substitute, I recommend avoiding it, as it may affect the texture and richness of your cookies.
How should I store leftover Salted Caramel Cookies?
To preserve the deliciousness of your cookies, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the gooey cheesecake filling. If you prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying!
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, you can pop them straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
What if my cookies are spreading too much during baking?
If your Salted Caramel Cookies are spreading too much, a few adjustments may help. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, when creaming with the sugars. Chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes prior to baking can also help maintain their shape in the oven.
Are there any dietary substitutions I should consider?
Definitely! For a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) and use vegan cream cheese for the filling. For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour can successfully replace all-purpose flour. Enjoy customizing your cookies to suit your dietary needs!
How long does the cheesecake filling need to freeze?
I recommend freezing the cheesecake filling balls for about 30 minutes. This ensures they are properly firm before being wrapped with cookie dough, which helps them retain their shape while baking, giving you that delightful surprise of creamy filling in every bite.
Ultimate Salted Caramel Cookies: A Chewy Dream Come True
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, then scoop into teaspoon-sized balls and freeze for 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Scoop out 2-3 tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it, place a cheesecake ball in the center, and wrap the dough around to seal. Repeat, placing cookies on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, drizzle with caramel, and add flaky sea salt.