Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

It was one of those blustery fall afternoons when the sky couldn’t decide whether it wanted to rain or shine, and the smell of cinnamon seemed to hang in the air. That’s when I found myself longing for something cozy—something that reminded me of afternoons spent in line at Crumbl, peering into the display case at those thick, indulgent cookies that always felt a little like edible hugs.

These Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies aren’t just a sweet treat—they’re a memory. A soft, golden graham cracker cookie base reminds me of the crust of my grandmother’s famous cheesecake. The creamy cheesecake-inspired frosting is luxuriously rich, and the generous drizzle of salted caramel adds that perfect pop of decadence. Every bite balances nostalgia and indulgence in a way that makes you want to pause and savor.

What makes these cookies particularly special is that they feel both elevated and familiar—like something you’d serve at a holiday party, but also sneak from the fridge at midnight with a glass of milk. They’re the kind of cookies that make people smile, that bring neighbors to your door asking for the recipe, that spark traditions in the making.

Whether you’re baking them for a gathering, a holiday table, or just because you deserve something beautiful on a Wednesday, these cookies are everything comfort baking should be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-style results at home: Recreate the experience of a Crumbl bakery right in your own kitchen.
• Beautiful balance of flavors: Sweet, salty, creamy, and buttery in every bite.
• Perfect texture: Soft and thick with just the right hint of chew.
• Crowd-pleasing and photogenic: These cookies are as gorgeous as they are delicious.
• Easy to customize: Add crushed pecans, extra caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Graham Cracker Cookie Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

• ½ cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

HOW TO MAKE COPYCAT CRUMBL SALTED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE COOKIES

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—this takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand mixer. Beat in the egg and vanilla until fully combined. Slowly add in the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Tip from my own kitchen: If your dough feels a bit dry, a tablespoon of milk can help bring it together without making it too sticky.

2. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling helps the cookies keep their thick, bakery-style shape when baking.

3. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and gently press down to flatten just slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just golden brown.

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The centers will continue to set as they cool.

4. Make the Cheesecake Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and spreadable. You want it thick but smooth—like a pipeable cheesecake.

5. Decorate with Caramel and Salt

Once the cookies are completely cool, top each with a generous swirl of cheesecake frosting. Drizzle with your thick caramel sauce, then finish with a small pinch of sea salt right on top. The contrast of sweet and salty is what takes these over the top.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use a thick caramel: Runny caramel will slide off the frosting. If yours is too thin, warm it gently and let it thicken slightly before drizzling.
• Don’t skip chilling: This makes a big difference in texture and helps avoid spreading.
• Pipe or spread?: Use a piping bag for a clean swirl, or simply spread the frosting with a spoon for a rustic look.
• Want extra indulgence? Add crushed graham crackers or crushed toffee bits on top.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes chilling)
• Yield: 12–16 large cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but also taste incredible chilled. They’re a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties and stay soft even after refrigeration.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Cookie Estimate):

• Calories: 215
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 160mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake the cookies in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost and drizzle with caramel just before serving.

Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding frosting and caramel.

What’s the best caramel to use?
A thick, buttery caramel sauce works best—store-bought or homemade.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store the fully assembled cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers. For best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Salted Caramel Cake: A Sweet and Salty Celebration
• Cookies and Cream Cinnamon Rolls
• Decadent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – Crumbl Copycat
• Salted Caramel Cake: A Sweet Symphony of Comfort and Celebration

CONCLUSION:

Baking these Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies feels like a love letter to sweet memories. From the rich aroma of graham crackers to the silky frosting and golden caramel drizzle, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any kitchen. They’re the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into something worth remembering.

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