Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re a fan of sweet, salty, creamy, and indulgent desserts, these Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are your new favorite treat! Inspired by the famous Crumbl cookie bakery, these oversized cookies feature a soft, buttery base topped with a luscious cheesecake frosting, gooey salted caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the best elements of a cookie, cheesecake, and caramel into one decadent bite. Whether you’re recreating these cookies for a party, a bake sale, or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe will guide you step-by-step to make bakery-quality cookies right in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gourmet Flavor at Home: These cookies deliver bakery-quality flavor and presentation without the hefty price tag.
Soft and Chewy: The cookie base is rich, buttery, and perfectly soft, making it the ultimate canvas for the toppings.
Creamy Cheesecake Topping: The frosting adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
Sweet and Salty Perfection: The salted caramel and flaky sea salt elevate these cookies, creating an irresistible flavor profile.
Customizable: You can adapt this recipe to make smaller cookies, adjust the caramel sweetness, or add your own creative flair.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cooling and Assembly Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Yield: 12 large cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 390
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 35g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp flaky sea salt

For Garnish:

Extra flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop large portions of dough (about 3 tbsp each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass to create a thick, even disk.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Set the frosting aside or refrigerate it until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. The sugar will clump before melting into a smooth, amber-colored liquid.
Once the sugar is fully melted, carefully add the butter cubes, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously—keep stirring until the butter is fully combined.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious, as the caramel will bubble up again. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.
Stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cheesecake frosting over each cookie using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the frosting in a decorative pattern.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over each cookie for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cookies immediately, or refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting and caramel to set.
Enjoy your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!

Ingredient Background

Cornstarch: Adds softness to the cookies, creating a tender, bakery-style texture.
Cream Cheese: The tangy flavor and creamy consistency of cream cheese make it the ideal base for the frosting.
Flaky Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the overall flavor profile. Maldon or fleur de sel are excellent options.
Salted Caramel Sauce: A homemade caramel sauce elevates these cookies, providing a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy cheesecake topping.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the cookie dough can result in dense, tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the cookies are fully cooled before adding the frosting to prevent it from melting.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use softened butter and cream cheese to achieve a smooth, creamy frosting.
Perfect Caramel: Keep an eye on the sugar while making caramel—it can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
Use a Piping Bag: For a polished look, pipe the frosting onto the cookies using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies and use a dollop of frosting and caramel for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
Cookie Sandwiches: Spread frosting and caramel between two cookies to create decadent cookie sandwiches.
Drizzle Variation: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate drizzle alongside the caramel for a decorative touch.

Additional Tips for Success

Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Extra Caramel Drizzle: Serve the cookies with extra caramel sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate base.
Nutty Version: Top the caramel with chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch.
Espresso Cheesecake Cookies: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the cheesecake frosting for a coffee-flavored twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar in the cookie dough and frosting for a less-sweet version.
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Light Cream Cheese: Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter frosting.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Holiday Parties: Decorate the cookies with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a holiday-themed treat.
Dessert Tables: Display these cookies on a tiered stand alongside other Crumbl-inspired cookies for a stunning dessert table.
Gift Boxes: Wrap these cookies individually in parchment and place them in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Special Equipment

Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar, and making the frosting.
Offset Spatula: For spreading frosting evenly.
Piping Bag: Optional, for a professional look when decorating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch, but homemade caramel offers a richer, fresher flavor.

2. What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
You can use regular sea salt, but flaky sea salt provides a better texture and visual appeal.

3. Can I make these cookies smaller?
Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes for smaller cookies.

4. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?
If your caramel thickens too much, reheat it gently over low heat or microwave it in 10-second intervals until pourable.

5. Can I freeze assembled cookies?
It’s best to freeze the cookies unfrosted, as the frosting and caramel may not hold up well during thawing.

6. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before spreading.

7. How do I ensure soft cookies?
Avoid overbaking! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, folding in ½ cup of chocolate chips adds a delicious twist to the cookie base.

Conclusion

Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best flavors and textures. From the soft cookie base to the creamy cheesecake frosting and gooey salted caramel, every bite is an explosion of indulgence. Whether you’re recreating a Crumbl favorite or looking for a standout dessert for your next gathering, this recipe is a surefire winner. Try it today, and treat yourself to a bakery-quality cookie experience at home!

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