As I wandered through a cozy bakery one rainy afternoon, the aroma of fresh cookies filled the air, pulling me into a delightful reverie. Quickly, I found myself craving something indulgent and memorable, leading me to recreate those tempting treats right in my own kitchen. Enter the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies—an oversized, gooey sensation that combines a buttery cookie base with a creamy, cheesecake-filled surprise. Not only are these cookies a showstopper for gatherings, but they’re also perfect for those everyday cravings when you need a sweet pick-me-up. With a drizzle of rich caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite feels like a mini-celebration of flavors. Ready to make your own batch of homemade indulgence? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Why are these cookies so irresistible? Decadent Indulgence: Each bite of these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies brings a lavish mix of flavors that will have you swooning! Easy to Make: The straightforward steps let anyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros, whip up a batch effortlessly. Customizable Goodness: Feel free to swap the caramel for chocolate or experiment with flavored cream cheese—your creativity knows no bounds! Perfect for Sharing: These oversized treats are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Versatile Storage: Bake in bulk and store them in the fridge for an instant sweet treat anytime you need a pick-me-up! Dive into more delightful ideas with our Decadent Caramel Swirl brownies or treat yourself to a slice of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake for a sweet night in! Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base Butter – Provides richness and moisture; substitute with margarine or non-dairy butter for dairy-free options. Brown Sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; can replace half with white sugar for a lighter touch. Granulated Sugar – Sweetness and structure; consider a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. Eggs – Binds ingredients and contributes richness; can use flax eggs as a vegan alternative (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; using pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for gluten-free, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping cookies rise; no substitutions recommended. Baking Powder – Works with baking soda for optimal texture; ensure it’s fresh for best results. Salt – Balances sweetness perfectly; sea salt is recommended for a finishing touch. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – Delivers a creamy cheesecake filling; full-fat is ideal for richness, but low-fat is a lighter option. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling, ensuring a smooth texture; homemade powdered sugar works too. For the Topping Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides a nice crunch; crushed gluten-free crackers can be a suitable alternative. Caramel Sauce – Adds a rich topping; homemade is preferred, but store-bought works just fine! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the gooey decadence of these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, making them a sweet indulgence you won’t want to resist! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Step 1: Prepare Cheesecake Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Using a cookie scoop, portion out the filling and place each ball on a parchment-lined plate. Transfer the plate to the freezer and chill for at least 30 minutes, until the filling is firm and easy to handle. Step 2: Make Cookie Dough Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined to create a rich and creamy cookie dough. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky for your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Step 4: Assemble Cookies Remove the cheesecake filling from the freezer. Take a generous portion of the cookie dough and flatten it in your hand, then wrap it around each cheesecake ball completely, ensuring no filling is exposed. Roll the dough gently into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for expansion during baking. Step 5: Bake Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Take care not to overbake; the cookies should have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out, indicating a gooey texture that’s characteristic of the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Step 6: Add Toppings Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top while they are still warm. Drizzle rich caramel sauce over each cookie and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative and put your own spin on these decadent cookies! Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative for a delicious dairy-free option that everyone will love. You won’t even miss the original creamy filling when you add rich, plant-based cream cheese to the mix! Chocolate Drizzle: Replace caramel sauce with a drizzle of melted chocolate for a sweet twist. This adds a luxurious touch that chocolate lovers will absolutely swoon over. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra texture. The nutty bits give a delightful crunch that complements the chewy cookie perfectly. Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cookie dough for a warm flavor profile. This aromatic addition transforms these cookies into a cozy, spiced delight, perfect for the fall. Oreo Surprise: Use crushed Oreo cookies in place of graham cracker crumbs for a fun cookie crust. This switch brings a chocolatey richness that complements the flavors of the cheesecake filling wonderfully. Gluten-Free: Opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive friends. You can enjoy these gooey treats without sacrificing flavor or texture—guaranteed! Ultimately Cheesy: Swap plain cream cheese for flavored varieties, like strawberry or blueberry. This simple change takes your cookies to the next level, adding a burst of fruity goodness in every bite! Ready to explore more indulgent sweet creations? Check out our Lava Brownie Cookies for yet another delightful treat! How to Store and Freeze Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Fridge: Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This will keep the cheesecake filling fresh and delicious. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled cookie dough before baking. Wrap each cookie dough ball in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen for about 15-17 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave for 15-20 seconds until warm. Dough Storage: Pre-made cookie dough can be frozen and ultimately save time on busy days. Just scoop and freeze the dough balls for easy baking on demand! Make Ahead Options These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to streamline meal prep! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 3 days in advance and freeze it, ensuring it remains firm and easy to work with (just scoop, wrap, and place in the freezer). Additionally, the cookie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats, simply wrap the dough around the frozen cheesecake filling, bake, and top with your graham cracker crumbs and caramel sauce. This method guarantees you’ll have warm, gooey cookies at a moment’s notice, just as satisfying as the bakery version! Expert Tips for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Freeze Filling Firmly: Ensure your cheesecake filling is well-frozen before wrapping it in cookie dough; this helps maintain the perfect shape while baking. Watch the Bake Time: Baking for too long can lead to dry cookies; aim for a soft center for that gooey texture typical of the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Cool for Flavor: Let the cookies cool completely after baking; this enhances the flavor and texture, allowing the toppings to set perfectly. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! Use chocolate drizzle or flavored cream cheese for a delicious twist on this indulgent treat. Storage Tips: Keep your cookies refrigerated due to the cheesecake filling; you can also prep the dough ahead and freeze for fresh cookies anytime! What to Serve with Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Pairing your scrumptious cookies with complementary sides enhances the experience and elevates your indulgent treat to new heights. Rich Chocolate Milk: A luscious glass of chocolate milk brings a delightful creaminess that pairs perfectly with the gooey texture of the cookies. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cookies, creating a delightful balance of temperatures and flavors. Fresh Berries: Light and refreshing, tart berries like raspberries or strawberries cut through the richness of the cookies, adding a burst of bright flavor. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For those who crave extra sweetness, another drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes your dessert experience over the top, intensifying that indulgent flavor. Salted Caramel Latte: Enjoy these cookies with a comforting, warm latte that complements the creamy cheesecake and salty caramel notes, enhancing the overall indulgence. Nutty Snack Mix: Add a crunchy textural contrast with a homemade snack mix featuring nuts and chocolate; the mixture amplifies the decadent experience with every bite. Chocolate Dipped Fruit: Indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries or bananas for a sweet treat that complements both the flavors and textures of the cookies. Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing glass of lemon-flavored sparkling water cleanses the palate, allowing you to savor each decadent bite without feeling overwhelmed. Mini Cheesecakes: Keep with the cheesecake theme by serving these cookies alongside mini cheesecake bites, creating a delightful dessert platter for sharing. Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs What is the best way to ensure my butter is the right consistency? Absolutely! For the perfect consistency, your butter should be at room temperature—softened but not melted. Leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes before you start baking. If you accidentally melt it, you can refrigerate it briefly until it thickens up to the proper texture. How long can I store my Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies? You can keep your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the creamy cheesecake filling while keeping the cookie base delicious and soft. Can I freeze these cookies? Definitely! To freeze, wrap each assembled cookie dough ball tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them straight into the oven from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. What if my cookies come out too dry? If your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies end up dry, it might be due to overbaking. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—the cookies should be set around the edges but still soft in the center. If they have dark spots all over or feel hard, that’s a sign they’ve baked too long. Next time, aim for that slight jiggle in the center when you pull them out! Are these cookies suitable for those with gluten allergies? Yes! For a gluten-free option, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands are available that work wonderfully in the same quantity, providing the same great texture without the gluten. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the baking powder and graham cracker crumbs. Can pets safely eat these cookies? No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from your pets. Ingredients like chocolate, added sugars, and rich dairy can be harmful to animals. If you want to treat your furry friends, consider making them a separate dog-friendly snack using pet-safe ingredients. Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies You’ll Crave Indulge in these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, blending buttery cookies with creamy cheesecake and rich caramel. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 cup Butter Softened; substitute with margarine or non-dairy butter for dairy-free options1 cup Brown Sugar Adds depth of flavor; can replace half with white sugar1 cup Granulated Sugar Consider a sugar substitute for lower-calorie option2 large Eggs Can use flax eggs as a vegan alternative1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Using pure vanilla extract is recommended3 cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend1 teaspoon Baking Soda No substitutions recommended1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensure it's fresh for best results1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt is recommendedFor the Cheesecake Filling8 ounces Cream Cheese Full-fat is ideal for richness1 cup Powdered Sugar Homemade powdered sugar works tooFor the Topping1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Crushed gluten-free crackers can be a suitable alternative1 cup Caramel Sauce Homemade is preferred, but store-bought works Equipment mixing bowlBaking sheetParchment paperCookie ScoopFreezer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop into balls and freeze for at least 30 minutes.Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.Flatten a portion of cookie dough in your hand, wrap it around a cheesecake ball fully, and place on prepared baking sheet.Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden; centers should jiggle slightly.Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs and drizzle with caramel sauce immediately after baking. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and let cool. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg NotesEnsure your cheesecake filling is well-frozen before wrapping it in cookie dough to maintain shape while baking. Let cookies cool completely after baking for enhanced flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
