Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies is a story I love sharing with busy cooks who crave bakery-worthy treats without the fuss. As a chef who crafts practical meal plans for families and professionals, I get it. This scroll-stopping cookie travels well, stays chewy at the edges, and keeps a creamy center. We borrow Crumbl’s beloved flavors—graham crust, cheesecake frosting, and a glossy caramel drizzle—so you can deliver wow-factor dessert in minutes, not hours. My aim is quick, make-ahead dessert magic that still feels like a special occasion. Read on for an approachable version that fits a hectic week and tastes spectacular.

Table of Contents

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: What makes this recipe special

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are more than a sweet treat.

I made this recipe for busy weeks when I want bakery vibes without the fuss.

The flavor combo of a graham crust, creamy cheesecake frosting, and a drizzle of salted caramel feels like a homey celebration.

It’s forgiving, make-ahead friendly, and travels well for potlucks or late-night cravings.

Each bite brings a chewy edge, soft center, and a glossy caramel finish that still fits into a hectic schedule.

I love how pantry-friendly ingredients keep this recipe approachable.

It scales up for gatherings without losing its charm or joy.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies flavor profile

I picture this cookie as a mini dessert trilogy. First, a buttery graham crust crunch, then a silky cheesecake frosting, finally a glossy caramel kiss. In my kitchen, the trio sings together, making each bite feel like a celebration with family and friends.

Why this version works for busy lives

Between school runs and late meetings, I need recipes that come together fast. This version uses pantry staples, makes-ahead dough, and frosting that can be kept soft with a gentle chill. It fits weeknights and weekend gatherings alike, giving you bakery vibes without the chaos.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you need for this bakery-inspired treat. Exact quantities are at the bottom for printing and quick reference. I love how this lineup comes together—soft butter, crunchy graham, tangy cream cheese, and a glossy caramel finish.

Ingredient overview

The dough blends butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla with a sturdy flour base. Graham crumbs join the mix for that cookie-cracker crust vibe. The frosting uses cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Caramel and a pinch of sea salt finish the cookies with shine and balance.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract (for dough)
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 tsp sea salt

Flavor boosters and substitutions

Halal-friendly caramel sauce can be used.
Dairy-free option: use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
Gluten-free: substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour.
Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar to frosting, or leave as is for a milder finish.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Cream butter and sugars

I start by softening butter until it shines and tastes silky.

Cream it with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale.

Look for a light, airy texture and a faint ribbon that holds briefly when swirled.

Use a stand mixer or a strong whisk; the batter should look creamy.

Avoid melting the butter; if it looks greasy, chill the bowl briefly.

Measure by lightly packing sugar, then leveling with a straight edge.

The base keeps cookies tender after baking and cooling.

A few quick scrapes with a spatula ensure every bit blends in.

These steps lead to Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies you’ll love.

Tip: room temperature ingredients blend best for a smooth emulsion.

Step 2: Add egg and vanilla

I add a large egg and vanilla extract once the butter is creamed.

Use a room-temperature egg to prevent a curdled batter.

Beat until the mixture looks cohesive, about 30 seconds of steady mixing.

Scrape the bowl to incorporate every speck of floury goodness.

Don’t overbeat; just till combined, then stop.

This step helps create a soft, bakery-style foundation for the cream cheese frosting.

Step 3: Whisk dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, graham crumbs, baking powder, and salt.

Whisking distributes leavening evenly for uniform rise and texture.

Sifting flour if you have it lightens the mix.

If crumbs are large, break them down with your fingers or a whisk.

Pre-measuring dry ingredients helps keep the workflow calm.

The graham crumbs add that recognizable cookie-cracker crunch.

This layer sets the stage for a chewy center with brave edges.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry; form dough

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until dough forms.

Use low speed to avoid puffing flour dust everywhere.

Fold with a spatula to keep air in the dough.

Stop mixing as soon as it comes together; overmixing ruins tenderness.

If the dough looks dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk, not more flour.

Scoop dough into even rounds and lightly flatten for uniform baking.

Chill the dough briefly if it seems steep or sticky to handle.

These steps help you shape perfect cookies with confidence.

Step 5: Bake and cool; prepare frosting

Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line sheets with parchment.

Bake 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set and centers look just shy of done.

Let cookies rest on the sheet briefly, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Cooling is key; it prevents melting when you frost later.

While cookies cool, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

The frosting should be thick but spreadable, not runny.

These steps walk you through making Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies at home.

Step 6: Frosting, drizzle, finish with salt

Spread a thick, creamy layer of frosting over each cooled cookie.

Drizzle caramel sauce in a quick lattice or swoop so it shines.

If you want, drizzle more for an indulgent look, but balance with frosting.

Finish with a light pinch of sea salt to amplify the sweet-salty balance.

If frosting firms up, give it a minute at room temp before redrizzling.

For extra gloss, let the cookies sit a few minutes after drizzle.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Tips for Success

Use softened butter for full emulsification to keep cookies tender and fluffy; cream with sugars until pale.
Chill dough briefly if it’s sticky; firm dough makes scooping neat and baking even.
Bring cream cheese and butter to room temperature for a silky frosting that spreads easily.
Drizzle caramel while frosting is warm but not hot for a smooth, glossy finish.
Lightly sprinkle sea salt just before frosting sets to wake flavors.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls (one large, one small) — essential for cream-sugar stage and dry mix.
Electric mixer or whisk and strong arms — saves time; if you don’t have a mixer, use a whisk.
Baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone mats — for easy release.
Cooling rack — keeps bottoms crisp.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations

Dairy-free version using vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese. I test a dairy-free frosting by switching to plant-based cream cheese. The result remains creamy and tangy, with the same glossy look.
Gluten-free option with a 1:1 GF flour blend. I swap in a reliable gluten-free mix; graham crumbs can be replaced with crushed gluten-free crackers for texture that mimics the original crust.
Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture. I like a few dark chips or chopped pecans for texture and contrast.
Use golden caramel for a lighter drizzle or a salt-kissed finish with extra flaky sea salt. I keep caramel flow steady for a neat sheen and finish with a pinch of flaky salt for that salty punch.
Swap graham crumbs for crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread for a different flavor. I enjoy the buttery crunch of digestives or shortbread dust—just adjust crumbs to keep the dough cohesive.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Why You’ll Love Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

I reach for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies when my schedule’s tight and my sweet tooth is loud. They feel like bakery magic without the hassle—creamy cheesecake frosting, chewy edges, and a glossy caramel glow that makes me smile.

They freeze beautifully for make-ahead entertaining and stash neatly in the fridge for quick desserts between meetings or after-school pickups. Easy, indulgent, and reliably crowd-pleasing, they’re my go-to treat that never disappoints.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Serving Suggestions

Here are serving ideas to elevate Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Pair with a bold coffee or vanilla latte
Serve with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Arrange on a tray with a light dusting of sea salt for presentation
Offer a drizzle of extra caramel for guests who want more sweetness

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Make-ahead convenience is my secret weapon for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Frozen dough means last-minute baking without guilt.

Frosted cookies travel well, and storing them smartly keeps flavor bright.

Read on for simple steps you can mix into weekly prep.

Dough can be frozen on a parchment-lined tray. Store it in a freezer bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.
Freeze a full batch after cooling. Wrap cookies individually for quick dessert plates.
Frosted cookies do best in a single layer. Keep them airtight for up to three days; refrigerate to extend freshness.
Rewarm gently before serving to revive softness.

With these tricks, your kitchen stays calm while dessert shines.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies FAQs

Yes, Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies dough can be frozen for make-ahead.

Yes, dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations are possible with substitutes in Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies frosting stays fresh for a few days in an airtight container.

Yes, Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies; adjust caramel amount or flavor, but keep frosting balance.

Final Thoughts

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring bakery magic into my everyday kitchen without the stress. I adore how the creamy frosting glides over chewy edges, while the caramel drizzle catches the light and the sea salt gives that quick wink of contrast. This recipe travels well, so hosting a friends’ night or a school bake sale feels effortless rather than frantic. Make-ahead dough and make-ahead frosting mean I can pull dessert from the fridge with minutes to spare. In every batch, I taste comfort, joy, and a little brave creativity—proof that delicious moments can fit a busy life today.

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Epic Bold Wow 3.