If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a Crumbl Cookies store, you’ve probably encountered the legendary Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie—an indulgent treat that effortlessly combines the sweetness of cheesecake, the richness of caramel, and the soft texture of freshly baked cookies. This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie recipe brings that delicious creation right into your kitchen, so you can enjoy a batch of these mouthwatering cookies at home.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about creating these cookies, from the ingredients and instructions to tips, variations, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
Why Crumbl’s Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Are So Special
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Crumbl’s Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies so special. For many, Crumbl has become the go-to place for unique, over-the-top cookie creations. Their Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine a perfectly soft, chewy base with a luscious cheesecake frosting, and the pièce de résistance—a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
What sets this cookie apart is the perfect balance of salty and sweet flavors. The salted caramel provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, smooth cheesecake frosting, while the cookie base remains soft and chewy, making it a treat that’s hard to resist. By recreating this at home, you can customize it to your liking and share it with your family and friends.
Key Ingredients for the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
The key to making these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies is using the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookies requires regular all-purpose flour to achieve that perfect chewy texture. If you need gluten-free options, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them a light, soft texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: This helps balance out the sweetness of the cookie base and brings out the flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: The butter creates a rich and smooth base for the cookies, ensuring they are soft and chewy.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor to the cookies, as well as moisture, helping them stay soft.
- 1 large egg: The egg provides structure to the dough and helps it bind together.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This adds a subtle warmth to the cookies and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 tbsp milk: If the dough feels a bit too thick, adding a tablespoon of milk will help loosen it up and make it easier to work with.
For the Cheesecake Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the key ingredient that gives the frosting its rich, smooth texture, as well as its signature cheesecake flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is essential for achieving a creamy and smooth frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the frosting without adding graininess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: This enhances the flavor of the frosting, making it even more delicious.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: Heavy cream adds richness and helps make the frosting extra smooth and spreadable.
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce: You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade version. The sauce adds the signature salty-sweet flavor that ties everything together.
- Pinch of sea salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to make your own batch of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
-
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick to the pan.
-
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
-
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and chewy texture.
-
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
-
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
-
Adjust dough consistency: If the dough feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it up slightly.
-
Shape the dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Flatten the dough: Gently press each dough ball with the back of a spoon to flatten it slightly. This helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
-
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first take them out of the oven.
-
Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help prevent the frosting from melting when you spread it on.
Step 2: Making the Cheesecake Frosting
-
Beat the cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
-
Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
-
Add vanilla and heavy cream: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more heavy cream if you prefer a thinner frosting.
-
Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the cheesecake frosting onto each cookie, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Adding the Salted Caramel Drizzle
-
Warm the caramel sauce: Gently warm the salted caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s pourable. Be careful not to overheat it.
-
Drizzle the caramel: Drizzle the warm salted caramel over the top of the frosted cookies. Don’t be shy with the caramel—this is what makes the cookies so indulgent!
-
Sprinkle with sea salt: Finally, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the top of each cookie. The salt enhances the flavor of the caramel and creates that perfect sweet-salty balance.
-
Serve and enjoy: Now your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are ready to be devoured! These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just enjoying with a cup of coffee on your own.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
-
Chill the dough: If the cookie dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
-
Make ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time. You can store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate them for up to a week. The frosting and caramel drizzle can be made in advance as well.
-
Customize the frosting: If you love a more tangy cheesecake flavor, feel free to add a little more cream cheese to the frosting. You can also experiment with adding different extracts like almond or cinnamon for a unique twist.
-
Caramel options: While store-bought salted caramel sauce is convenient, homemade salted caramel can elevate the flavor. If you’re looking for a recipe for homemade salted caramel sauce, try this one for the ultimate indulgence.
FAQs About Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate for the salt content in the butter.
Can I make the cookies without the frosting?
While the cheesecake frosting adds richness and flavor to the cookies, you could skip it if you prefer a simpler salted caramel cookie. However, it’s the combination of the frosting and salted caramel that makes this treat so irresistible!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To store leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Cookie Recipe
With this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie recipe, you can now recreate the bakery-quality cookies in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of the soft, chewy cookie base, the rich cheesecake frosting, and the salted caramel drizzle creates a flavor profile that’s perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.
If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, try exploring our collection of easy cookie recipes or dive into other indulgent recipes like chocolate chip cookie variations and cookie bar recipes!