If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts that feel bakery-quality but can be made right in your kitchen, these Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with graham cracker crumbs, topped with a velvety cheesecake frosting, and finished with a drizzle of salted caramel. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy textures.
These cookies taste like a decadent dessert hybrid—the richness of cheesecake combined with the comfort of freshly baked cookies. Whether you’re looking for party-perfect desserts, family-friendly baking ideas, or indulgent holiday treats, this recipe captures everything people love about gourmet-style cookies while keeping the process simple enough for home bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bakery Style at Home: Inspired by Crumbl, these cookies taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.
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Perfect Flavor Combo: Sweet cheesecake topping paired with salted caramel drizzle is irresistible.
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Soft and Chewy Texture: Graham cracker crumbs add flavor and a subtle crunch.
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Crowd Pleaser: Great for birthdays, bake sales, holidays, or just because.
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Easy to Customize: Switch up the toppings or flavor base to suit your taste.
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Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped and stored for later without losing flavor.
Ingredient Breakdown
Butter: Softened unsalted butter creates a rich base and keeps cookies tender.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with hints of caramel.
Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread.
Eggs: Bind the dough and add structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cookie dough and cheesecake topping with warm flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda: Gives cookies a light rise and chewy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness in both the cookies and topping.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the graham cracker crumbs.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Infuse cookies with that cheesecake crust flavor.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the silky cheesecake topping.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the topping while keeping it smooth.
Caramel Sauce: The sweet drizzle that ties everything together.
Sea Salt: A finishing touch that enhances the caramel flavor.
Pro Tips
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Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers are soft—they’ll set as they cool.
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Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough 30 minutes before baking.
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Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensures smooth, lump-free frosting.
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Homemade Caramel Upgrade: While store-bought caramel works, homemade caramel sauce takes flavor to the next level.
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Even Drizzle: Use a piping bag or small spoon for a neat caramel drizzle.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
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Cheese Twist: Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a lighter topping.
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Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle with melted chocolate along with caramel for extra indulgence.
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Nutty Touch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.
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Spice It Up: Add nutmeg or cardamom to the cookie dough for a warm holiday twist.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified GF graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a latte for an afternoon treat.
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Serve on a dessert platter at parties or holiday gatherings.
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Enjoy as a late-night sweet indulgence with a glass of cold milk.
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Package in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Bake cookies a day in advance, then frost and drizzle just before serving.
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Refrigeration: Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost and drizzle before serving.
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Transport Tip: If taking to a party, assemble cookies on-site to prevent smudging.
A Sweet Cultural Note
Cheesecake-inspired desserts have been enjoyed since ancient Greece, but the modern cheesecake we know today became iconic in New York. This recipe takes that creamy, tangy cheesecake flavor and fuses it with the American classic: cookies. Adding caramel and sea salt is a nod to the modern dessert trend of combining sweet and savory elements for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese topping, store them in the fridge for freshness.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely. Store-bought works well, but if you have time, homemade caramel elevates the flavor.
Can I make the cookies smaller?
Yes—just reduce baking time slightly if making smaller, bite-sized cookies.
How do I keep the frosting from being runny?
Make sure cream cheese is softened, not melted. Beat until smooth and chill slightly before spreading.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. This recipe doubles easily, making it ideal for parties or holiday platters.
Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Scoop dough into balls, place on baking sheet, and slightly flatten.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cheesecake frosting over each cooled cookie.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Chill cookies for 10 minutes before serving.
