As the aroma of warm cookies wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for those little bakery gems I’d often indulge in. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a delightful treat that merges soft, chewy cookie goodness with creamy frosting and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser; it’s also a quick and satisfying way to satisfy a sweet tooth without the hassle of a complicated bake. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend gathering or simply treating yourself to a cozy snack, these cookies promise to be a hit. Curious about how to make this indulgent dessert a reality? Let’s dive in!
Why Crumbl Cookies Are So Irresistible?
Indulgent flavor awaits you with these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies! Perfectly balanced sweetness from the salted caramel and cream cheese frosting makes each bite a treat. Quick and easy to make, they require minimal prep time for maximum delight. Versatile options allow for doodles of creative mix-ins to suit your palate. Whether for a cozy night in or a lively gathering, these cookies guarantee to be a standout dessert. Dive into this mouthwatering recipe today to bring a bit of bakery magic into your home!
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Salted Butter – Provides richness and enhances flavors; can substitute with unsalted butter, adding a pinch of salt.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; no direct substitutes recommended.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a deeper flavor; light brown sugar may be used as an alternative.
• Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; can replace with flax eggs for a vegan version.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; avoid imitation extract for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies their main structure; can use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
• Crushed Graham Crackers – Adds a signature flavor and texture; honey biscuits may serve as a substitute.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents for proper rising; ensure both are fresh for best results.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; no substitution necessary.
For the Frosting
• Cream Cheese – Provides a rich and creamy texture; can use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan alternative.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting; ensure it’s sifted for a smooth consistency.
• Marshmallow Creme – Adds lightness to the frosting; can omit if unavailable or replace with whipped cream.
For the Topping
• Caramel Dip – Delivers sweetness and flavor; store-bought can be used for convenience.
• Coarse Sea Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; a sprinkle over the cookies ties everything together beautifully.
Get ready to enjoy the delightful experience of crafting these Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures a perfectly baked outcome for your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. While the oven heats up, gather your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture indicates that you’re on the right track to creating delicious cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until well combined. This process will incorporate air into the batter, giving your cookies a delightful rise and texture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula to fold them together gently. Aim to combine until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, grab portions of the cookie dough and shape them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, flattening them slightly to ensure even baking. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread out while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will remain soft, ensuring a chewy texture in each bite. Keep an eye on them as they bake to achieve the perfect doneness.
Step 7: Cool Cookies on Baking Sheets
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them. Then, carefully move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aromatic scent that fills your kitchen as they cool.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting by whipping the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Fold in the marshmallow crème gently, creating a light and creamy frosting that will perfectly top your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
Step 9: Frost and Drizzle
Once the cookies are cooled, use a piping bag or a spatula to generously frost each cookie with the cream cheese mixture. After frosting, drizzle store-bought caramel dip over the top of each cookie, allowing the rich caramel to flow beautifully. Finish with a light sprinkle of coarse sea salt for that perfect salted finish.
How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious for snacking!
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, you can refrigerate these cookies for up to a week. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: To maintain freshness for longer, freeze un-frosted cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: For a warm cookie experience, pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until slightly warmed through, enhancing the flavors of the Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cookie experience with these delightful variations!
-
Vegan: Substitute regular butter and cream cheese with plant-based versions for a dairy-free delight.
Creating this vegan twist not only keeps the cookie’s tenderness but makes it accessible for everyone! -
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free cookie option.
With this adjustment, your gluten-sensitive friends can savor the same rich taste without worry. -
Chocolate Chip Boost: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the dough for an extra layer of sweetness.
Imagine biting into a chewy cookie and discovering pockets of melting chocolate—pure bliss! -
Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and earthy richness.
The addition of nuts brings in a contrasting texture that elevates each treat to something special. -
Spiced Variation: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy flavor.
These spices will transport you to a fall festival with every bite, even on a hot summer day! -
Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a touch of tropical flair and chewiness in your cookies.
Each cookie will remind you of sunny beaches while indulging in that creamy frosting. -
Caramelized Banana: Mash a ripe banana and swap it for one egg to introduce flavor and moisture.
This not only adds a sweet banana undertone but also rounds out the cookie’s texture beautifully! -
Salted Caramel Pretzel: Add crushed pretzels to the batter for a sweet and salty crunch that excites the palate.
The combination of caramel, creamy frosting, and salty pretzel pieces creates a merry medley that’s hard to resist!
These delightful variations will allow you to showcase your creativity and satisfy a range of tastes, making these delectable cookies even more special. For further inspiration, don’t forget to check out my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe or explore delicious variations of classic desserts for more baking fun!
What to Serve with Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these decadent cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance every delicious bite.
- Cold Milk: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast that’s simply irresistible.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream smoothly offsets the warm, chewy texture of the cookies, making every scoop even more luxurious.
- Fresh Berries: Their tartness cuts through the sweetness, adding a pop of color and a fresh element that balances the richness of the cookies beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a dreamy touch to each bite, enhancing the creamy frosting with a delightful cloud of softness.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can create a heavenly chocolate and caramel combination that will wow everyone.
- Coffee or Espresso: A steaming cup of coffee or a shot of espresso complements the sweet and salty flavors, enhancing your dessert experience with a delightful contrast.
- Creamy Cheesecake Dip: For an extra touch of fun, serve the cookies alongside a cheesecake dip for a dip-and-serve experience that creates a unique twist on tradition.
- Caramel Sauce: A small bowl of warm caramel sauce allows for dipping or additional drizzling, intensifying the already rich flavors in a golden, gooey way.
Make Ahead Options
These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For even longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. To bake, simply place frozen dough on a baking sheet straight from the freezer and add an extra minute to the baking time. This way, you'll have warm, freshly baked cookies in no time, making them just as delicious as if they were made from scratch that day!
Expert Tips for Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking soda and baking powder to ensure proper rising. Stale leavening agents can lead to dense cookies.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and incorporation into the dough, yielding a softer texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing activates the gluten, making them chewy rather than soft.
- Chill Dough (Optional): If you prefer firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- Perfect Frosting Consistency: Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth frosting. Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Customize Flavor: Experiment with different flavored extracts in the dough or frosting to personalize your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies to your taste.
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for the cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients like eggs, make sure they’re fresh with no cracks or off smells. For the butter, look for a nice creamy texture and a pale yellow color. If using cream cheese, ensure it's softened and spreadable; this not only enhances the frosting but also ensures a smooth consistency.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to keep them sealed to maintain that delightful softness!
Can I freeze these cookies, and how?
Very! To freeze the cookie dough, scoop individual dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply take them straight from the freezer and bake for an additional couple of minutes!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too tough?
If you encounter tough cookies, it’s often due to overmixing the dough. To avoid this, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, ensure your leavening agents like baking soda and baking powder are fresh, as stale ones can lead to denser cookies. Don’t be discouraged; it happens to the best of us!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, you can swap regular butter with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Flax eggs can easily replace traditional eggs if you're aiming for a vegan recipe. Always check ingredient labels to avoid any allergens that might affect you or your loved ones!
How can I adjust the measurements if I want to make a smaller batch?
You can definitely scale the recipe down! For a smaller batch, simply divide the ingredients in half. For example, use ¼ cup salted butter instead of ½ cup. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly; start checking a few minutes earlier than the directed time to avoid overbaking.
Indulgent Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the salted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
- Shape the dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While cookies cool, whip the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar, fold in marshmallow crème.
- Frost cooled cookies generously and drizzle with caramel dip, finishing with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt.
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