There’s nothing quite like the aroma of caramel wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s mingling with the rich tang of cheesecake. That’s exactly the moment that inspired me to create my own version of the beloved Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Picture this: a soft, chewy cookie encasing a luscious cheesecake filling, all drizzled with velvety caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The first bite transports you to a cozy bakery where every cookie feels like a special occasion.
This homemade twist on a popular favorite allows you to skip the trip to the store while indulging in the decadence of gourmet cookies right from your own oven. Whether you’re looking for a treat to impress guests or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this simple recipe offers big flavor with minimal fuss. Join me as we dive into the delightful journey of creating these oversized delights that are sure to become a staple in your cookie repertoire!
Why love Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?
Indulgence in every bite: These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience of rich flavors and textures. Homemade goodness: Skip the lines and recreate the bakery vibe at home with this simple recipe. Showstopper treat: Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, they’ll impress anyone with their gourmet appeal. Versatile options: Customize with nuts or different extracts to make them your own. Decadent surprise: Sink your teeth into a gooey cheesecake center, complete with a drizzle of caramel and a hint of sea salt that elevates every sweet bite.
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter – Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies; opt for unsalted to control the saltiness.
- Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor and moisture; can substitute with coconut sugar for a unique twist.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture.
- Eggs – Essential for moisture and structure; ensure they’re at room temperature for thorough mixing.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the main structural component; a gluten-free 1:1 blend works as an alternative.
- Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps achieve the perfect rise.
- Baking Powder – Works in tandem with baking soda for a lighter texture.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts flavor depth.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese – Creates the delightfully creamy filling; use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling while achieving a smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds an extra layer of flavor to the creamy filling.
For Topping and Finishing
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Offers crunch and a classic cheesecake flavor; use homemade or store-bought.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzles beautifully over the cookies, adding rich sweetness; thick, homemade caramel is preferred.
- Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkled on top, it adds a wonderful salty contrast to the sweetness.
These Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that will make every bite an experience to savor!
How to Make Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture into small scoops and freeze them until firm, about 30 minutes.
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Create the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix.
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Assemble Your Cookies: Scoop out a portion of dough, flatten it slightly, and enclose a frozen cheesecake scoop within it. Shape the dough back into a ball, ensuring the cheesecake is fully covered.
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Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place your assembled cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden, but the centers remain soft.
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Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow cookies to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Optional: Serve warm for that gooey, decadent experience!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies and make them your own!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 blend for a safe option that’s just as delicious.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch that compliments the caramel.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a rich, chocolatey variation that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
- Fruit Infusion: Add chopped dried fruits like cranberries or cherries to the cookie dough to introduce a tangy balance against the sweet filling.
Expand your kitchen horizons with minimal effort. Each variation will bring its own charm. Enjoy finding your favorite!
Expert Tips for Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth cheesecake filling and properly mixed dough.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
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Chill Cheesecake Scoops: Freezing the cheesecake filling scoops is crucial; it prevents them from melting away during baking and ensures a gooey surprise.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be golden around the edges but soft in the center for the perfect texture.
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Store with Care: Due to the cheesecake filling, store your cookies in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
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Experiment Freely: Feel free to customize your Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with chocolate chips or different flavored extracts for a unique twist!
Make Ahead Options
Making Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies ahead of time is a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can prepare the cheesecake filling and freeze it in scoops up to 3 days in advance. Just beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then scoop and freeze. The cookie dough can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply form the cookies around the frozen cheesecake filling and bake them straight from the fridge. This preparation not only saves time but ensures that your cookies are just as delicious with that perfect gooey center when you bite in!
How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
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Fridge: To maintain freshness due to the cheesecake filling, keep baked cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls with cheesecake filling for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
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Reheating: To enjoy warm, place cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, ensuring that soft centers remain gooey.
What to Serve with Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?
Looking to elevate your dessert experience? Here are some perfect pairings to complement those decadent cookies.
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Rich Coffee: A smooth espresso or coffee enhances the sweet, creamy flavors of the cookies while balancing their richness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the chewy, gooey cookies; perfect for an indulgent treat.
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Fresh Berries: Sliced strawberries or raspberries provide a bright, tart freshness that cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, dreamy chocolate milkshake will satisfy any sweet tooth while bringing a nostalgic treat feeling to the table.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Serve extra caramel on the side for drizzling, inviting guests to enhance their cookies with a luxurious touch.
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Whipped Topping: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy lightness to the experience, making each bite even more heavenly.
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Hot Tea: Pairing with a warm cup of chai or earl grey creates a cozy atmosphere and adds depth to the dessert flavors.
These combinations promise to take your cookie enjoyment to the next level, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the last!
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs
What should I look for in butter?
Choosing unsalted butter is key to controlling the salt levels in your cookies. Look for butter that’s in a cool, firm state; if it’s soft or overly warm, it could lead to greasy dough, impacting the chewy texture you want in your cookies.
How should I store my cookies?
I recommend storing your baked cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain freshness due to the creamy cheesecake filling. If you’re planning to enjoy them over several days, it’s best to keep them chilled to prevent spoilage.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls filled with cheesecake for up to 3 months. To do this, simply scoop the assembled cookie balls onto a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for that perfect, gooey center!
What if the filling melts during baking?
If you notice your cheesecake filling melting out, it might be because the filling wasn’t frozen long enough. Ensure that your cheesecake scoops are frozen for at least 30 minutes before wrapping them in cookie dough. This will help keep the filling intact for that delightful surprise in every bite!
Are there any dietary considerations?
If you’re accommodating allergies, be mindful of the cream cheese, as it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. You could try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Additionally, be sure to use gluten-free flour if gluten sensitivity is a concern; many blends work wonderfully in cookie recipes!
What happens if I overbake my cookies?
Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies. For the best texture, aim for cookies with golden edges but soft centers, pulling them out of the oven around 12-15 minutes. If in doubt, it’s always better to underbake slightly, as they will continue to firm up as they cool!
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies to Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture into small scoops and freeze them until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Create the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms—be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble Your Cookies: Scoop out a portion of dough, flatten it slightly, and enclose a frozen cheesecake scoop within it. Shape the dough back into a ball, ensuring the cheesecake is fully covered.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place your assembled cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden, but the centers remain soft.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once baked, allow cookies to cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.