Hey, friend! Ever sink your teeth into a cookie so rich and creamy it feels like a cheesecake and a caramel sundae had a delicious lovechild? Let me introduce you to Crumbl salted caramel cheesecake cookies, a sweet-salty masterpiece that’s pure indulgence. I baked these for a girls’ night last week, and they disappeared faster than my self-control around a dessert tray! Ready to whip up a batch that’ll make your kitchen smell like a gourmet bakery? Let’s get mixing!
Why These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Are a Total Winner
So, what’s the hype with these cookies? They’re not just cookies—they’re soft, creamy dreamboats with a tangy cheesecake vibe and a salted caramel kick. I mean, who can resist that sweet-salty combo? Here’s why this recipe rocks:
- Quick to Make: Done in 40 minutes, perfect for parties or sudden cravings.
- Decadent Flavor: Cream cheese and salted caramel create a luxurious treat.
- Gorgeous Look: Caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of salt make them Instagram-worthy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for desserts, gifting, or impressing your friends.
Ever wonder why salted caramel is so addictive? It’s that perfect balance of sweet and salty that makes these cheesecake cookies a star.
The Magic of Cheesecake and Caramel
The stars here are cream cheese and salted caramel, which blend into a soft cookie with a rich, tangy base and a gooey topping. Brown sugar adds depth, while a touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness. I learned the hard way that overbaking kills the softness—watch the clock! It’s like a dessert shop in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses pantry staples to create that Crumbl-inspired flavor. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)
- Optional: 2 tbsp caramel chips for extra decadence 🙂
Substitutions That Work
No cream cheese? Mascarpone works, but cream cheese’s tang is key, IMO. Out of salted caramel sauce? Make your own with sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt. Want it gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour with a 1:1 ratio. The key is that cheesecake-caramel vibe, so don’t skip the cream cheese or caramel!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Ready to bake? This is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Here’s how to nail it:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in caramel chips if using, for extra caramel flavor.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Scoop dough into 2-tbsp balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
- Flatten slightly with your hand or a glass for a cookie shape.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and centers are soft.
Step 4: Top and Serve
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Serve warm for maximum gooeyness!
Pro tip: I once drizzled too much caramel, and my cookies looked like a sticky art project gone wild. Use a light hand with the caramel drizzle for that perfect sweet-salty balance!
Tips for Nailing Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Wanna make these cookies next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temp for easy mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix dough just until combined for a soft texture.
- Chill if Sticky: Refrigerate dough for 15 minutes if it’s hard to shape.
- Use Quality Caramel: Salted caramel sauce adds the best flavor—don’t skimp!
- Bake Just Right: Pull cookies out when centers are soft for a chewy bite.
Ever wonder why salted caramel desserts are so irresistible? It’s that sweet-salty dance with a creamy cheesecake base that makes these cookies a total hit.
Variations to Mix It Up
Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things fresh:
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Mix in ¼ cup chopped pecans for a crunchy, nutty vibe.
Spiced Caramel Cookies
Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced kick.
Vegan Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Use vegan butter, cream cheese, and egg replacer for a plant-based version.
Storing and Reusing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep those cookies fresh:
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies (without caramel drizzle) for up to 3 months.
- Reusing: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5 minutes, then drizzle fresh caramel.
I’ve turned leftover cookies into a dessert parfait with whipped cream, and it was a total game-changer. Keep them airtight for that creamy, caramel vibe!
FAQs About Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:
Can I use unsalted caramel sauce?
Yup! Add a pinch of sea salt to keep that sweet-salty balance.
Why are my cookies flat?
You might’ve overmixed or used too-warm butter. Chill the dough if needed.
Can I make these ahead?
Totally! Prep dough up to 2 days ahead and bake when ready.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Check your caramel sauce too!
What’s a good pairing for these?
These cookies shine with coffee, hot cocoa, or chai tea. I love them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.
Related Recipes:
- German Chocolate Cookies: Easy, Chewy, and Coconut-Pecan Recipe
- Lemon Poundcake Cookies: Easy, Zesty, and Buttery Recipe
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—Crumbl salted caramel cheesecake cookies, the ultimate creamy, sweet-salty treat that’s ready to steal the show at any gathering. It’s like a cheesecake and a caramel candy bar collided in your kitchen, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, these cookies deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your cream cheese, fire up the oven, and get ready for a batch that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. What’s stopping you from baking these tonight? 🙂
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Easy, Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Cookies
- ½ cup butter softened (salted or unsalted)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham crackers finely crushed (about 7 sheets)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup graham crackers finely crushed (about 2 sheets) for coating
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 tablespoons butter softened (salted or unsalted)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Topping
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
- Add flour, graham cracker crumbs, salt, baking soda, and baking powder; mix until just combined.
- Scoop dough into 8 large balls; roll each in the remaining crushed graham crackers.
- Place on baking sheet, gently flatten to about ½ inch thickness.
- Bake for 10 minutes; let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread frosting on cooled cookies.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over frosting and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes
- Use finely crushed graham crackers for authentic texture and flavor.
- Do not overbake—the cookies should be soft and chewy.
- Adjust sea salt to taste for balanced sweetness.
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