Name: Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (divided); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp baking powder; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 8 oz butter, softened; 2½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1¼ cups brown sugar; ½ cup whipping cream; 5 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 5 reviews

I have to tell you about one of my absolute favorite treats: the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine a buttery graham cracker base with a smooth cream cheese frosting, all topped with a dreamy salted caramel glaze that takes every bite to the next level. Every time I make this recipe, it feels like a little celebration in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share how you can recreate this indulgence right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

One of the things I adore most about these cookies is the flavor combination. The marriage of the graham cracker base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and luscious salted caramel topping creates a beautifully balanced taste experience. It’s sweet but not overly so, with just the right hint of salt to keep your palate intrigued. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it impossible to stop at just one cookie.

On top of the amazing flavor, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward to make. I love recipes that don’t require endless complicated steps or exotic ingredients, and this is exactly that. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion—whether you want an impressive dessert for a dinner party, a sweet treat for a cozy weekend, or a delicious homemade gift. These cookies truly stand out because of their unique layers and luscious textures, which never fail to wow anyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several round cookies with a crumbly light brown base layer. On top of each cookie, there is a thick layer of smooth, creamy white frosting spread evenly in a circular shape. Drizzled over the white frosting are thin, shiny lines of golden caramel sauce, creating stripes across the top. The cookies are placed on crinkled parchment paper with some cookie crumbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one adds a special touch to the flavors and textures, from the rich cream cheese to the crumbly graham crackers and the smooth caramel sauce.

Butter (¾ cup softened): Provides a silky richness and helps create a tender, buttery cookie base.
Sugar (⅓ cup) and Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness with a hint of caramel notes from the brown sugar.
Eggs (2): Help bind the dough and ensure a soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
Flour (1½ cups): Forms the structure of the cookies without weighing them down.
Graham crackers (1½ cups crushed plus ½ cup for rolling): Adds that signature crunch and classic flavor reminiscent of cheesecake crust.
Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Baking soda (¼ tsp) and baking powder (½ tsp): Give the cookies just enough lift and softness.
Cream cheese (8 oz softened): Essential for making the creamy frosting that defines the cheesecake feel.
Powdered sugar (2½ cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect piping consistency.
Whipping cream (½ cup): Integral to the caramel topping, adding richness and a smooth texture.
Additional caramel ingredients (brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt): Combine to create the decadent topping that finishes each cookie beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Setting this up early makes the baking process smoother.

Step 2: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then add in the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Next, slowly fold in the 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers, being careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out the dough, then roll each ball in the remaining ½ cup of crushed graham crackers. Place the coated dough balls on the lined baking sheets, then gently flatten each one until about ¾ inch thick.

Step 5: Bake one sheet at a time in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Look for edges that are slightly golden but the centers should remain soft. Don’t overbake!

Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key before adding the frosting, so it doesn’t melt.

Step 7: For the cream cheese frosting, beat together softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for piping.

Step 8: Using a piping bag with a round tip, swirl the cream cheese frosting on top of each cooled cookie, starting from the center and working outward in a circular motion.

Step 9: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, and whipping cream. Bring to a boil and stir constantly for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 10: Let the caramel cool for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens a bit. Drizzle each frosted cookie with the caramel sauce using a spoon, creating a luscious, glossy finish.

Step 11: Allow the caramel to set for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. These cookies can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 18 medium-sized cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring over several days. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, which feels totally manageable given how incredible the results are. Baking takes around 8 to 10 minutes per batch, and you’ll want to account for about 30 minutes of cooling and setting time so each layer can shine. Altogether, set aside close to an hour from start to finish, and trust me, it’s worth every minute.

How to Serve This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies arranged in rows on crinkled parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a golden-brown crumbly base layer topped with a thick, smooth layer of light cream-colored frosting. Over the frosting, there are drizzles of shiny caramel sauce in uneven stripes, adding a glossy, rich amber color on top. Some crumbs are scattered lightly around the cookies, emphasizing their crumbly texture. The arrangement is neat, and the view looks slightly from above, showing the full round shape of each cookie. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these cookies alongside a simple cup of coffee or a rich latte. The bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy layers of the cookie. For a special occasion, try serving them on a pretty dessert plate garnished with extra crushed graham crackers or a sprinkle of sea salt to highlight the caramel’s flavor nuances.

If you want to elevate the presentation for a party, place the cookies on a tiered dessert stand and add fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color and freshness. These cookies also taste fantastic chilled slightly, making them a refreshing treat during warmer days or served at room temperature when hosting a cozy gathering.

For a fun twist, pair them with a glass of dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling or a sparkling cocktail with caramel or vanilla notes. They’re also great to pack in lunchboxes or bring to potlucks where their unique flavor and texture always get rave reviews.

Variations

One thing I enjoy about this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer a gluten-free option, swapping regular flour for a gluten-free blend works well, and just make sure your graham crackers are gluten-free too. For those who avoid dairy, you can substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter; the texture shifts a bit but the flavors stay decadent.

If you want to play with the flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spice note. Some days, I like to sprinkle chopped pecans or toasted coconut on top of the caramel for extra crunch and interest. You can also experiment with a drizzle of dark chocolate instead of caramel for a richer treat.

For a different cooking method, these cookies can be frozen before baking — just flatten the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen but add a couple of minutes to the baking time. It’s a handy way to have fresh-tasting cookies ready on demand.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep these cookies fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerating is best; just be sure the container is airtight to prevent the cookies from drying out. The cream cheese frosting and caramel remain luscious when chilled but may firm up, so bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze these cookies, especially if you want to prep ahead. Freeze the fully assembled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect creamy consistency.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy these cookies warm, I recommend reheating them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just until the frosting softens slightly but not melts away. Avoid heating in the oven, as it can dry out the cookies and harden the frosting. A quick warm-up makes the caramel extra gooey and the overall experience just like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it before baking, or bake and frost the cookies a day in advance. Just keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If freezing, make sure to thaw fully before frosting for best results.

What can I substitute for graham crackers?

If you can’t find graham crackers, you can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Both provide a similar sweet, crunchy texture and complement the cheesecake flavor beautifully.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Always allow the caramel to cool at room temperature and don’t refrigerate immediately after drizzling it on the cookies. Also, stirring constantly while cooking helps keep it smooth. If it begins to harden too much, warming it gently again with a splash of cream can restore its softness.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These cookies have a very approachable sweetness and creamy texture that kids love. Just be mindful of the salted caramel topping, which has a slight saltiness, but it usually balances well with the other flavors.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, you can make dairy-free versions by using vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives. Coconut cream can replace whipping cream for the caramel topping. Expect a slightly different texture but still delicious results.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s fun to make and irresistibly delicious, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. It’s a treat that brings together the best of creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements in every bite. I promise it will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for sharing with friends, family, or just indulging on your own. Happy baking!