If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that feels like a hug in cookie form, then you absolutely must try the Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These irresistible cookies combine the buttery crunch of graham cracker-infused dough with a luxuriously creamy cheesecake frosting, crowned with gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and rich—an absolute showstopper that’s both fancy enough for special occasions and cozy enough for an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe starts with simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch, from the tender buttery dough to the tangy cream cheese frosting, making this cookie sing with flavor and texture.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives richness and moisture to the cookie base, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Imperial Sugar granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Adds essential sweetness and helps with the cookie’s classic crisp edges.
- Imperial Sugar brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a warm, caramel-like depth that complements the salted caramel perfectly.
- Egg (1): Binds the dough and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Adds aromatic warmth to both the cookie dough and frosting.
- All-purpose flour (1 & 1/3 cup): The sturdy canvas that holds the cookie together.
- Graham crackers (1 cup finely crushed + 1/3 cup for rolling): Introduce a delightful crunch and that signature graham taste that pairs wonderfully with caramel and cheesecake.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Baking soda (1/4 tsp) and baking powder (1/2 tsp): Give the cookies that perfect rise and tender crumb.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The heart of the frosting that lends a tangy creaminess crucial for authentic cheesecake flavor.
- Additional butter for frosting (4 tbsp, softened): Ensures smoothness and richness in the cream cheese topping.
- Imperial Sugar powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a luscious consistency.
- Caramel sauce (1/4 cup): The golden crowning glory that adds gooey sweetness and complements the salted aspect.
- Sea salt (for sprinkling): Elevates the caramel topping with a delicate salty crunch.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cream the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined—this is where your cookies get their buttery sweetness and soft texture. Then add the egg and vanilla extract for moisture and a fragrant base.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. These dry ingredients ensure your cookies have just the right texture and a subtle graham cracker crunch hidden in every bite. Add this mixture to your wet ingredients carefully, folding until just combined so you don’t overwork the dough.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Use a large cookie scoop to form 8 equal dough balls, then gently roll each one between your palms. After that, roll these dough balls in the extra crushed graham crackers for a beautiful texture and extra flavor on the outside—a simple step that makes the cookies stand out visually and taste-wise.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them to about half an inch thickness. Bake for 10 minutes, enough to get the edges crisp while keeping the centers soft and tender. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack—this helps them set without breaking.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until the texture is silky smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat at high speed until fluffy and light, about 2 to 3 minutes. This frosting is tangy and rich, the perfect complement to the sweet cookie base, bringing out that signature cheesecake flavor.
Step 6: Frost, Top, and Finish
Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip with your luscious cream cheese frosting. Pipe a generous swirl atop each cooled cookie, then drizzle with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce. Sprinkle a little sea salt over the caramel for just the right pop of flavor that highlights the salted caramel aspect brilliantly. Dive in and enjoy this sweet masterpiece!
How to Serve Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic sea salt sprinkle, you can garnish these cookies with finely chopped pecans or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and a nutty twist. A light dusting of cinnamon can bring a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a classic cup of coffee or a smooth latte, making your afternoon break feel like a café experience. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a delicate herbal tea, balancing sweetness with a refreshing sip.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dessert display, serve your cookies stacked on a vintage plate with caramel sauce artistically drizzled around them. You can even create mini ice cream sandwich treats by placing a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream between two cookies, freezing briefly before serving for an unforgettable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The graham cracker coating and frosting stay perfectly intact, and the flavors actually meld beautifully with time.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked and frosted cookies by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This method prevents them from sticking together and keeps their shape and flavor fresh for up to two months.
Reheating
Let frozen cookies thaw naturally at room temperature before enjoying. If you prefer them slightly warm, gently microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—but avoid overheating to keep the cream cheese frosting from melting too much.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either salted or unsalted butter in this Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Just be mindful of the added salt elsewhere in the recipe if you opt for salted butter.
Is it necessary to roll the cookie dough in crushed graham crackers?
Rolling the dough in crushed graham crackers adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, which is characteristic of this cookie. While it’s recommended, you can skip it if you prefer a smoother exterior.
Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! The frosting can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whip before piping to restore its light and fluffy texture.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
A thick, good-quality store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel works well. Avoid overly runny sauces as they can make the frosting slide off the cookies.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. Just thaw them slightly at room temperature before baking as directed, and you’ll have fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that makes it worth every minute in the kitchen. The balance of textures and flavors is downright addictive, and it’s a wonderful way to impress guests or treat yourself. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients and invite a little sweetness into your day with this unforgettable recipe!
PrintCrumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Indulge in these Crumbl-style Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, combining a soft, graham cracker-infused cookie base with a creamy, fluffy cream cheese frosting, topped with luscious caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these cookies make a delightful treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 1/3 cup Imperial Sugar granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Imperial Sugar brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 & 1/3 cups All-Purpose flour
- 1 cup graham crackers (finely crushed, about 7 sheets)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Coating
- 1/3 cup graham crackers (finely crushed, about 2 sheets)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 tbsp butter (softened, salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup Imperial Sugar powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy base for the cookie dough.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour mixture disappears to avoid overworking the dough and to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop and Coat Dough Balls: Using a large cookie scooper, portion out eight equally sized dough balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth, then coat each completely in the additional 1/3 cup of finely crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each to about 1/2 inch thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers are still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and helps maintain their shape.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, creating the base of the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and Top the Cookies: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip with the cream cheese frosting. Pipe a generous amount onto each cooled cookie. Drizzle each frosted cookie with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce, then sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the flavor. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For the caramel sauce, you can use store-bought or homemade caramel. If making homemade, allow it to cool slightly before adding to prevent melting the frosting.
- Softening butter and cream cheese to room temperature is key for smooth mixing and frosting consistency.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
