Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful twist on your traditional cookie, bringing together the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of caramel. These cookies promise a sensory adventure; with each bite, you will experience a divine combination of soft cookies, luscious frosting, and that satisfying sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If you are looking for a dessert that’s not only tasty but also brings smiles to your family’s faces, this is your go-to recipe! Plus, it’s crafted for you to follow along step-by-step, ensuring even novice bakers can create this masterpiece in their own kitchens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes that make it a winner in any household. First, it involves easy prep; the steps are straightforward and manageable, making these cookies perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. It’s a family-friendly recipe sure to please kids and adults, bringing together the enticing flavors of caramel and cheesecake. If you’re short on time, you’ll appreciate the relatively quick bake time, allowing more time for enjoyment, while the minimal ingredients involved mean less hassle when preparing your shopping list.
Ingredients for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing the perfect structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps create that desirable rise in each cookie.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder for a beautifully chewy texture.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor; a touch of salt goes a long way!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness galore, allowing the cookies to shine.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses and depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Essential for binding and moisture.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aroma.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of your frosting, providing richness and creaminess.
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting): Creamy and delicious, it complements the frosting.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a smooth texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Similar to the dough, to harmonize flavors.
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The luscious drizzle elevates the dessert.
- Flaky sea salt for topping: The finishing touch, adding a savory contrast to the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Set the stage for perfect cookie creation. Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
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Whisk together dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the dough.
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Cream butters and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. This aeration creates the perfect texture!
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Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add the large eggs (being mindful they should be at room temperature) along with the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined and smooth.
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Blend in dry ingredients: Gradually mix in your pre-whisked dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding over-mixing which can toughen the cookies.
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Shape the cookies: Scoop out large dough balls (about 3 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten the tops slightly for even baking.
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Bake: Place your tray in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers look soft; don’t worry if they look underbaked—they’ll firm up as they cool!
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Cool completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. This step is essential for frosting application to avoid melty frosting.
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Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
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Frost and top: Generously frost each cooled cookie with the cream cheese frosting. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Tips & Tricks
Elevate your baking game with these chef secrets and optional extras! Consider adding a splash of your favorite caramel-flavored coffee creamer to the frosting for a new twist, or fold in some crushed nuts like pecans or almonds to add crunch. For an added dimension of flavor, consider swapping half of the vanilla extract with almond extract. Don’t forget the special baking tools—using a cookie scoop will help you form even-sized cookies for uniform baking. Lastly, resist the urge to put warm frosting on hot cookies; letting them cool completely ensures that your frosting will stay beautifully intact.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies shine on their own, but they can also be paired with a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat any time of day. For a creative presentation, serve them on a rustic wooden board with fresh caramel sauce drizzled artistically over selected cookies. Add fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie is approximately 250-300 calories, depending on size and how generously you frost them. Don’t let the calorie count deter you; sometimes, indulgence is part of the experience! These cookies are perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or even just a well-deserved treat for yourself.
Storing Tips & Variations for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to enjoy them beyond that, create cookie dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies anytime! For healthier swaps, try using coconut oil in place of butter or substituting some of the regular flour with whole wheat flour. You can even switch up the flavored frosting or drizzle with different sauces!
Conclusion for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Now that you have this mouthwatering recipe for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, it’s time to bring a little extra joy into your life. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, and guarantee to get everyone’s attention. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may change the texture slightly, making the frosting a bit less creamy.
2. How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be measured cup-for-cup.
3. What can I use if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can make homemade caramel sauce using sugar and butter, or use a chocolate or butterscotch drizzle instead!
4. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. How should I store leftover cookies?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining rich cheesecake flavors with warm caramel and a touch of flaky sea salt.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Scoop large dough balls (about 3 tablespoons each) onto the baking sheets and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and centers look soft.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese frosting by beating together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Frost each cookie generously with the cream cheese frosting, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
Consider adding a splash of caramel-flavored coffee creamer to the frosting or folding in crushed nuts for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
