Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. With a buttery graham cracker base, creamy cheesecake frosting, and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, these cookies taste just like the real thing, if not better! Perfect for gatherings, bake sales, or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: These cookies combine rich cheesecake and sweet caramel for an unforgettable taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
• Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a delightful snack at home.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful layers and drizzle of caramel make these cookies a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft cookie base paired with creamy frosting and a slight crunch from graham cracker crumbs.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything organized will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for a light and fluffy cookie texture.
• Cookie scoop: Helps portion out uniform cookies, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

• ¾ cup butter (softened)
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cup flour
• 1½ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 8 oz butter (softened)
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce

• 1¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup whipping cream
• 5 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gradually stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until fully incorporated.
4. Slowly add 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers into the mixture; mix just until combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Using a 2-inch cookie scoop, portion out dough balls.
2. Roll each ball in remaining crushed graham crackers before placing them on prepared cookie sheets.
3. Gently flatten each dough ball to about ¾ inch thick.
4. Bake one sheet at a time for 8–10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden brown.

Step 4: Cool Before Frosting

Once baked, let cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before adding frosting.

Now that you have your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies ready to go, enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family!

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are not just delicious; they can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing that enhances the creamy flavors of the cheesecake frosting.

Warmed Up

• Slightly warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This makes the caramel sauce gooey and enhances the overall flavor.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create an ice cream sandwich. Choose your favorite flavor of ice cream to complement the salted caramel.

Coffee Companion

• Serve these cookies alongside your favorite coffee or espresso. The sweetness of the cookie balances nicely with the rich coffee flavors.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange your cookies on a decorative platter with other desserts like brownies or bars for a dessert spread that’s perfect for gatherings.

Garnished with Sea Salt

• Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before serving. This enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds an appealing touch.

How to Perfect Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

To ensure your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.

• Don’t overmix: Mix your dough just until combined when adding flour and graham crackers. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the dough: If time allows, chill your dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.

• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them when they’re slightly golden around the edges to prevent overbaking.

• Store correctly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

• Experiment with toppings: Try adding mini chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture and flavor variations in your recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with these delectable cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some perfect options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, creating a creamy balance against the sweet and salty notes of the cookie.

3. Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert offers a luxurious touch that complements the flavors without overshadowing them.

4. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and is perfect for those who enjoy creamy textures alongside their cookies.

5. Coffee Cake: Consider serving slices of coffee cake; its crumbly texture works well with the soft, chewy nature of the cookies.

6. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites echo the cheesecake frosting on the cookies, creating a consistent theme throughout dessert.

7. Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty flavor of pecan pie bars provides an interesting contrast while still being sweet enough to match with any cookie desserts.

8. Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These add elegance and a hint of tartness that balances well with the sweetness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even small oversights can affect the outcome of your Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy texture in your dough.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in dense cookies instead of soft ones.
• Not measuring accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts. Too much flour or sugar can throw off the balance of your recipe.
• Skipping parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown edge.
• Not cooling cookies properly: Let the cookies cool on a wire rack after baking. Cooling helps them set, making it easier to frost without damaging them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying or reheating.

Reheating Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for the best texture.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making these delicious cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions.

How do I make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use dairy-free cream cheese. For eggs, try flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacement.

What is the best way to store Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Can I use different flavors for my cheesecake frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon zest for unique flavors in your frosting.

How can I customize my Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit into the cookie dough before baking for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. With their creamy frosting and buttery graham cracker base, they offer a perfect balance of flavors. Don’t hesitate to personalize your batch with different toppings or mix-ins. Enjoy this versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!