I still remember the first time I bit into a Crumbl cookie. The richness, the size, and the indulgent layers of flavor immediately stood out, but what truly inspired me was the salted caramel cheesecake variety. It felt like two desserts in one – the comfort of a chewy cookie base paired with the creamy sweetness of cheesecake and the irresistible drizzle of caramel. That memory stayed with me, and I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen. After a few experiments, I finally came up with this recipe for homemade salted caramel cheesecake cookies that brings the same indulgent flavors into a treat you can make anytime.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these cookies. First, they are a show-stopping dessert perfect for sharing at gatherings, family dinners, or even as a gift for someone special. Second, they balance sweetness with a hint of salt, making every bite rich yet not overpowering. The chewy cookie base holds a velvety cheesecake topping, and the salted caramel drizzle ties everything together beautifully.
These cookies are also beginner-friendly and don’t require advanced baking skills. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can whip up a batch that tastes bakery-quality without leaving home. If you’re someone who loves cheesecake and caramel, you’ll find these cookies irresistible.
Versatile
Another reason I love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can adjust the size of the cookies depending on the occasion – make them bakery-style oversized for an impressive centerpiece or smaller for portion control and party platters. The toppings are also flexible. While the classic version features salted caramel, you could experiment with chocolate drizzle, fruit compote, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar. This makes the recipe adaptable to different tastes and seasons.
Affordable
Unlike store-bought gourmet cookies, which can be quite pricey, making these at home is cost-effective. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like flour, sugar, cream cheese, and butter. Even the salted caramel can be prepared from scratch or bought ready-made, depending on your budget and preference. For the price of a single box of Crumbl cookies, you can bake an entire batch to enjoy fresh, warm, and personalized.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Large eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Cream cheese, softened
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Powdered sugar
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Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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Flaky sea salt for garnish
How to Prepare This Recipe
When I set out to recreate these cookies, I wanted the process to be as straightforward as possible while still capturing that indulgent bakery-style quality. The secret lies in three layers: a buttery cookie base, a smooth cheesecake topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel with a sprinkle of flaky salt. Each component works together to create a perfectly balanced dessert that looks and tastes impressive.
The preparation may seem like it involves several steps, but each one is simple, and the final results are worth every minute. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will have a tray of golden cookies that rival the ones from Crumbl.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Prepare the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed and gives your cookies the right lift and texture. -
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a chewy and soft cookie base. The brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like depth of flavor. -
Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel. -
Incorporate dry ingredients
Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together. -
Shape and chill the dough
Scoop large portions of dough and shape them into balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the cookies keep their shape while baking. -
Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven and bake until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before adding toppings. This step is key – the cookies must be cool for the cheesecake layer to set properly. -
Make the cheesecake filling
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Whip until creamy and pipeable. This becomes the rich topping that transforms the cookies into cheesecake-style treats. -
Top the cookies
Once the cookies are cool, pipe a swirl or dollop of cheesecake filling onto each one. You can use a piping bag for a neat presentation or simply spoon it on for a rustic look. -
Add salted caramel
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake filling. You can use homemade caramel or a store-bought version to save time. For an extra special touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavor contrast.
Quick and Easy
Although this recipe has a few components, each step is beginner-friendly. The cookie dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you like. The cheesecake filling comes together in minutes, and the salted caramel drizzle requires no extra effort if you use a ready-made version.
Customizable
These cookies are highly customizable to suit different tastes. If you prefer a stronger caramel flavor, you can swirl caramel into the cookie dough before baking. For a lighter option, reduce the amount of cheesecake topping and keep the drizzle minimal. You could also switch up the drizzle with chocolate ganache, white chocolate, or even a fruit glaze like raspberry or strawberry for a fresh twist.
Popular with Many People
Salted caramel cheesecake cookies are always a crowd favorite. They combine flavors that nearly everyone enjoys: buttery cookies, creamy cheesecake, and sweet-salty caramel. They are ideal for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or any celebration where you want a dessert that feels both decadent and fun. The size and presentation make them look like they came straight from a bakery, which always impresses guests.
Print
Homemade Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Inspired by Crumbl
These homemade salted caramel cheesecake cookies combine a chewy cookie base, a creamy cheesecake topping, and a drizzle of salted caramel. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a bakery-style dessert at home.
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the cheesecake topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For garnish:
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop large balls of dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
- Pipe or spoon the cheesecake topping onto each cooled cookie.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
Notes
Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
For a neater look, use a piping bag with a round tip for the cheesecake topping.
If you prefer, you can prepare the caramel sauce at home or use a high-quality store-bought version.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 12
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking. You can also freeze baked cookies without toppings for up to three months, then thaw and add the cheesecake and caramel before serving.
Do I have to make the salted caramel from scratch?
Not at all. While homemade caramel has a deep, rich flavor, a good-quality store-bought sauce works just as well and saves time.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can cut back slightly on the sugar in the dough or reduce the amount of caramel drizzle. The cheesecake topping already provides balance with its creamy texture.
How do I store these cookies?
Once topped with cheesecake filling and caramel, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I make these cookies smaller?
Yes, you can portion the dough into smaller scoops for bite-sized treats. Just reduce the baking time slightly to prevent overbaking.