I absolutely love how this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe brings together the nostalgia of graham cracker cookies with rich cheesecake frosting and a luscious caramel drizzle. It’s one of those treats that tastes extra special but isn’t intimidating to make, perfect for impressing friends or simply indulging yourself on a weekend afternoon.

When I first tried making these at home, I was amazed at how close they come to the famous Crumbl version — but with the comfort of knowing exactly what’s inside. Plus, it’s great for those times when you want a dessert that combines buttery, tangy, and sweet in every bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Texture and Flavor: The graham cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch, balancing the creamy cheesecake frosting perfectly.
  • Easy to Make at Home: With basic baking staples and straightforward steps, you can recreate this bakery favorite without fuss.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, a cozy night in, or a special treat, this cookie hits all the right notes.
  • Show-Stopping Presentation: The salted caramel drizzle topped with sea salt elevates these cookies into a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe works in harmony to create that signature rich, cakey, and flavorful cookie. Using crushed graham crackers instead of just flour adds that special touch you’ll notice immediately.

  • Salted Butter: Using salted butter enhances the caramel and cheesecake notes and keeps the flavor balanced.
  • Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
  • Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together and give the cookie its soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Always a classic — it brightens the overall flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides the cookie’s body.
  • Graham Crackers (Crushed): Adds crunch and that signature graham flavor that makes this cookie so special.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both work together to give the cookie just the right amount of rise and softness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding a tangy creaminess you’ll love.
  • Marshmallow Creme: This lightens the frosting and adds a touch of sweetness and fluffiness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect piping consistency.
  • Caramel Dip: Sweet and buttery caramel brings it all together and adds gooey texture.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top balances the caramel’s sweetness for that irresistible salted caramel flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe to suit different tastes. Feel free to tweak the frosting or switch up the drizzle to create your own signature version!

  • Add Nuts: Sprinkling crushed pecans or walnuts into the dough gives a satisfying crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with caramel.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Swap out caramel dip for melted dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent twist.
  • Salted Caramel Without Cheese: You can omit the cream cheese frosting and simply drizzle caramel and sea salt for a quicker treat that’s still delicious.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your graham crackers are gluten-free to enjoy this recipe without worry.

How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Cream Your Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by softening your salted butter — room temperature works best for even creaming. Beat the butter together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture turns light in color and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. This step is essential because it traps air, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture you’ll love.

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will become creamier and smoother, setting the stage for the dry ingredients to blend in seamlessly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Into Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, crushed graham crackers, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix here — you want tender cookies, not tough ones!

Step 4: Shape Your Cookies and Bake

Portion the dough into ½ cup-sized balls — I use a measuring cup for consistency, which helps them bake evenly. Place six balls per cookie sheet and gently press down to flatten them to about 1 inch thick. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes, watching for edges to turn a beautiful golden brown but the centers still soft. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Then fold in the marshmallow creme until your frosting is thick, fluffy, and easy to pipe. This frosting is what makes these cookies so irresistible — creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once!

Step 6: Frost, Drizzle, and Sprinkle

Fill a gallon-sized zip-top bag with the frosting and snip off a corner for piping. Squeeze the frosting in gentle spirals over each warm cookie — the warmth helps it soften slightly for an amazing texture. Then drizzle caramel dip using another zip-top bag fitted the same way, zig-zagging it over the top. Finish with a pinch of coarse sea salt to really make each bite pop. Serve warm and get ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and cream cheese soften evenly and mix better, giving smoother dough and frosting.
  • Don’t Skip Crushing the Graham Crackers: The texture they add is key to nailing that perfect Crumbl feel.
  • Pipe Frosting on Warm Cookies: It softens just enough to melt slightly for a luscious bite without becoming runny.
  • Watch Your Bake Time Closely: Overbaking dries them out — pull the cookies as soon as edges turn golden and centers look set but soft.

How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra coarse sea salt over the caramel drizzle right before serving to bring out that perfect balance of salty and sweet. Occasionally, I add some finely chopped toasted pecans or a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra wow factor!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for dipping. I’ve also served them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert trio that my family goes crazy for.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel and sea salt so guests can customize their bites. During holidays, adding edible gold flakes or festive sprinkles on top of the frosting makes them feel extra special and gift-ready.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find it best to store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator since the cream cheese frosting needs to stay cool. They keep well for up to 4 days this way, and the flavors even deepen slightly overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a sealed container. Then, when you’re ready, thaw and add the cheesecake frosting and caramel before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

Warm your leftover cookies gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting off completely. A quick zap brings out the gooey caramel and softens the cream cheese frosting just right.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies dairy-free?

    Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version, swap regular butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives in the frosting. Just keep in mind these substitutions might slightly change the flavor and texture, but they’ll still taste delicious.

  2. How do I crush graham crackers easily?

    I like to place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin until I get fine crumbs. This method ensures even texture without making a mess!

  3. Can I store frosted cookies at room temperature?

    Since this recipe uses cream cheese in the frosting, it’s best to store them in the fridge to prevent spoilage. Room temperature storage is fine only if you plan to eat them within a few hours.

  4. What’s the best way to pipe the frosting?

    I recommend filling a gallon-sized zip-top bag with frosting, snipping a small corner, and gently squeezing in a circular motion to create the signature spiral pattern. This technique is simple and gives you great control.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite homemade treats because it combines comfort food vibes with a little bit of luxe. I hope you give it a try soon — there’s nothing quite like pulling warm cookies from the oven, swirling creamy cheesecake frosting on top, and finishing with caramel and salt. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to sweet to impress or just satisfy your own cravings!

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Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 144 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie recipe combines the perfect blend of graham cracker cookie base with a creamy cheesecake frosting and a luscious caramel drizzle, finished with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Deliciously soft and rich, these cookies are an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Graham Cracker Cookie

  • 1 1/2 cups (333g) salted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (173g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (369g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 3 3/4 cups (570g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 sleeves (300g) graham crackers, crushed (approx 2 1/2 cups of crumbs)
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Cheesecake Frosting and Drizzle

  • 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 7 oz marshmallow creme
  • 2 cups (214g) powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup (98g) caramel dip
  • Coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1 1/2 cups softened salted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until the mixture is light in color and creamy in texture.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients — 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 sleeves crushed graham crackers (about 2 1/2 cups crumbs), 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt—until the dough is completely combined.
  5. Form Cookies: Portion out the dough into 1/2 cup portions. Roll each into a ball and arrange 6 on each cookie sheet. Press down slightly to flatten cookies to about 1 inch thickness.
  6. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges start turning golden brown.
  7. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Make Frosting: While the cookies cool, whip 16 oz of room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time, mixing completely before adding more. Then fold in 7 oz marshmallow creme until fully incorporated.
  9. Pipe Frosting: Transfer the frosting to a gallon-sized zip-top bag, cut a corner, and pipe the frosting onto the warm cookies in a spiral pattern.
  10. Add Caramel Drizzle and Salt: Put 1/3 cup caramel dip in a small zip-top bag, cut the corner, and zig-zag drizzle over the frosting. Sprinkle cookies with coarse sea salt.
  11. Serve: Enjoy your delicious salted caramel cheesecake cookies warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • For softer cookies, slightly underbake and cool on the pan before transferring.
  • You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuit crumbs if desired.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before making frosting for a smooth texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Warm cookies before serving to enhance the gooey caramel and creamy frosting experience.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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