Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

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Introduction

If you’re a fan of Crumbl Cookies or simply love the combination of rich caramel and creamy cheesecake, you’re in for a treat with these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. This recipe takes inspiration from the famous Crumbl cookie and combines the rich flavors of salted caramel and cheesecake into a chewy, indulgent cookie. Whether you’re a fan of salty-sweet desserts or cheesecake lovers looking for a fun new twist, these cookies are the perfect way to satisfy both cravings.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their ability to blend two irresistible desserts: the velvety smoothness of cheesecake and the deep, rich sweetness of caramel. With just the right amount of salt to balance the sweetness, these cookies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. From family gatherings to a quiet evening at home, these cookies will always hit the spot.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies from scratch. We’ll also explore the reasons why these cookies are so irresistible, give you tips for perfecting them, and offer some fun variations to make this treat your own. Get ready to indulge in the perfect combination of sweetness, saltiness, and creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: These cookies combine the luxurious, creamy texture of cheesecake with the indulgent sweetness of salted caramel, creating a flavor experience that’s both unique and delicious.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The salted caramel topping adds a savory depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cheesecake filling, making every bite a little bit addictive.
• Chewy and Soft Texture: With a chewy, soft interior and a slightly crisp outer edge, these cookies have the perfect texture—just like your favorite bakery-style treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry staples, you don’t need any fancy ingredients to create these cookies. With a few basic components, you can enjoy bakery-worthy cookies at home.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a richer caramel flavor or want to add extra toppings, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your taste.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (30 minutes for prep, 1 hour for chilling, 15 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe yields about 12-16 cookies, depending on the size you prefer.
• Nutrition Facts (per cookie):
  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 2g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Sugar: 18g

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cookie dough and gives the cookies their structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and rise while baking.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds softness and helps the cookies maintain their chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The fat in the butter gives the cookies a rich, tender texture.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the caramel flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Helps the cookies spread and adds sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Provides structure and helps bind the dough together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The base of the cheesecake filling that gives it a rich, creamy texture.
• ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and ensures it’s smooth.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a pleasant vanilla flavor to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps the filling set and gives it structure when baked.

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

• ½ cup caramel sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel for this topping.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the sweetness of the caramel and balances the flavors.

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts): For extra crunch and flavor.
• Extra caramel sauce: Drizzle over the top just before serving for added sweetness.

Step-by-Step Preparation

First Step: MAKE THE COOKIE DOUGH

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
5. Chill the Dough: To ensure the cookies maintain their shape during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Second Step: MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING

1. Cream the Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Flour: Stir in the tablespoon of flour to help thicken the filling and make it easier to work with.
4. Chill the Cheesecake Filling: Place the cheesecake filling in the fridge for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the cookies. This will make it easier to handle when adding it to the dough.

Third Step: ASSEMBLE THE COOKIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out cookie dough. Roll the dough into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Make an Indentation: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. This will create space for the cheesecake filling.
4. Add the Cheesecake Filling: Take about a teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling and carefully place it into the indentation you made in the cookie dough. Be sure not to overfill, as the filling may spill over during baking.
5. Seal the Dough: Gently fold the edges of the cookie dough over the cheesecake filling to enclose it. Roll the dough back into a ball, ensuring the filling is fully contained inside.

Fourth Step: BAKE THE COOKIES

1. Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center should still be soft and slightly underbaked, as they will firm up as they cool.
2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Fifth Step: ADD THE CARAMEL TOPPING

1. Drizzle the Caramel: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of each cookie. Use as much or as little as you prefer for the perfect amount of sweetness.
2. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel topping. The salt will help balance the sweetness and enhance the caramel flavor.
3. Optional Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

1. As a Dessert for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or just a treat for a friend, these cookies are sure to impress. The combination of cheesecake and salted caramel is a crowd-pleaser that will make any event special.

2. With a Glass of Milk

These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk. The creamy, rich flavor of the cheesecake filling and the sweetness of the caramel complement the smooth milk beautifully.

3. Serve with Coffee or Tea

If you prefer a warm beverage, these cookies go wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The slight bitterness of coffee or the spiciness of chai tea enhances the cookies’ rich flavors.

4. As a Sweet Snack

These cookies also make for a delicious snack in between meals. Their chewy texture and indulgent flavors make them a great treat when you need a little something sweet.

Recipe Variations

While these cookies are fantastic as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes:

1. Make It Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the other ingredients for hidden gluten, such as in the caramel sauce.

2. Add Extra Caramel

If you’re a fan of caramel, you can increase the amount of caramel sauce in the filling or drizzle more on top of the cookies for an even more indulgent treat.

3. Try Different Nuts

Switch up the nuts used for garnish. Pecans or walnuts would be delicious alternatives to the more traditional salted topping, adding a different flavor and texture.

4. Add a Chocolate Twist

For a chocolatey version, you can drizzle the cookies with chocolate sauce instead of caramel or even incorporate chocolate chips into the cookie dough for extra richness.

Tips for Perfect Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

1. Chill the Dough and Filling: Be sure to chill both the cookie dough and cheesecake filling to make handling easier and to keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
2. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden on the edges but soft in the center. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
3. Use Quality Caramel Sauce: The flavor of the caramel is essential in these cookies, so use a high-quality caramel sauce or make your own for the best results.
4. Let the Cookies Cool Before Drizzling: Wait until the cookies are completely cool before adding the caramel and salt topping. This helps keep the toppings from melting into the cookies.

Conclusion

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious and unique treat that combines the best of both worlds: the indulgent flavor of salted caramel and the creamy richness of cheesecake. The soft, chewy cookies are complemented by the creamy cheesecake filling and topped with a perfect balance of sweet caramel and salty goodness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a casual snack, or just because, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors in every bite!