Introduction
If you’re a fan of Crumbl cookies, you know they create some of the most decadent and irresistible treats. One of their standout flavors, Salted Caramel Cheesecake, is the perfect combination of rich, buttery cookie dough, velvety cream cheese frosting, and luscious homemade caramel. This recipe brings that indulgence into your kitchen, allowing you to recreate the magic at home.
Whether you’re a home baker looking for a show-stopping dessert or someone who simply loves sweet and salty flavors, these cookies are a must-try. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in a little self-care, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No special baking skills are required to whip up these gourmet cookies.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of buttery graham cracker cookie, tangy cream cheese frosting, and salted caramel is irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or weekend treat, these cookies are a guaranteed hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when needed.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups crushed graham crackers (plus ½ cup for rolling)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz butter, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1¼ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Small saucepan
- Piping bag with a round tip
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Slowly add 1½ cups of crushed graham crackers, mixing just until incorporated.
- Use a 2-inch cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
- Roll each dough ball in the remaining ½ cup of crushed graham crackers and place on the prepared baking sheets.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly to about ¾ inch thick.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe frosting in a circular motion from the center of each cooled cookie outward.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Topping
- In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, and heavy whipping cream.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Allow caramel to cool for 15-20 minutes before drizzling over cookies.
- Let the caramel set for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerated: Frosted cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel.
- Salted Caramel Lovers: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a bolder salted caramel flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour.
Perfect Pairings
- Coffee or Latte: The rich, creamy flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of ice cream for an over-the-top dessert.
- Warm Apple Cider: The spiced flavors complement the caramel notes in the cookies.
FAQ
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works just fine.
How do I prevent my frosting from melting?
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting. You can also chill the frosting before piping.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can spread the frosting with a knife or use a plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Conclusion
These Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, their soft, chewy texture, creamy frosting, and gooey caramel make every bite pure bliss.
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