Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies opened a new door in my kitchen. I’m a passionate home cook who loves turning bakery magic into weeknight wins. When life is busy, these cookies feel like a warm hug. Soft centers meet a tangy cheesecake frosting and a glossy caramel drizzle. I share time-saving tips and substitutions to keep you cooking. From the mixing bowl to the plate, this recipe fits busy moms and pros. Read on to discover a dessert you’ll return to, again and again, with confidence and pride. I built in tips for make-ahead prep. Simple substitutions let you bake with what you have. It’s bakery magic without the fuss. Trust me, your family will taste the love. You’ll want seconds, and maybe thirds.
Table of Contents
what make this Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies special
I’m always chasing cookies that feel bakery-fresh, yet ready fast. This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies scratches that itch in minutes. It’s the perfect quick solution for a busy day. It’s a treat for guests. It ends a long day with a comforting note.
The Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies experience
The flavors come together like a sweet duet. The chewy cookie embraces tangy cheesecake frosting, while warm caramel ties it all up. It tastes like Crumbl, but in my own kitchen, with everyday ingredients and a dash of home-baked love.
Texture and balance you’ll notice in Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
The cookie stays soft in the center. The frosting adds creaminess. The caramel glints with a glossy finish. Together, they sing of sweet, tang, and salt in perfect harmony.
Why it fits a busy reader’s life
You can make ahead: chill the dough, freeze portions, or blend frosting in advance. It scales up for a crowd, or halves neatly for a smaller family. And you can serve now or freeze for later—the caramel keeps its shine when thawed properly.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Speed and ease with Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
I love how quickly Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies come together. Fast mixing and simple steps keep me sane on busy days. I use minimal equipment, so cleanup is quick.
Crowd-pleasing flavor profile in Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies deliver a crowd-pleasing combo: sweet cookies with tangy cheesecake frosting. The caramel brightness adds a glossy, bakery-worthy finish. Friends and family swoon at the creamy, chewy, and salty balance.
Make-ahead and storage for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Dough can be chilled for easier scooping, up to 30 minutes or longer if needed. Frosting and caramel can be prepared ahead, then stored in the fridge for quick finishing. Baked cookies freeze well, making weeknight prep a breeze.

Ingredients
Here are the exact ingredients you’ll need, with quick notes. Exact quantities are included at the bottom of the article for printing.
Dry ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour — the sturdy base that holds all the goodies.
- ½ tsp baking soda — gives a gentle lift and helps with texture.
- ½ tsp salt — balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
Wet base
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened — richness and moisture.
- ½ cup granulated sugar — sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup brown sugar — adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg — binds the dough.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract — aromatic warmth.
Cheesecake frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened — tangy creaminess.
- ¼ cup butter, softened — helps the frosting stay silky.
- 1 cup powdered sugar — sweet, smooth frosting texture.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract — flavor boost.
Caramel component
- ½ cup soft caramels or caramel bits — caramel-pop bites in every cookie.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream — to loosen caramel for drizzle.
Garnish
- Flaky sea salt for garnish — a spark of salt on top.
Optional substitutions
- Dairy-free cream cheese or butter substitutes.
- Gluten-free flour option — keep an eye on dough texture.
- Light or dark brown sugar swap — adjust moisture and color.
- Use caramel sauce if caramels aren’t available.
Bottom-printed quantities are available for printing.
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1 – Prep the dry ingredients
I measure 2 ½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt into a bowl.
I whisk until evenly blended, then set aside.
This keeps an even cookie texture and avoids clumps in the batter.
Step 2 – Cream butter and sugars
In a large bowl, I beat ½ cup butter with the sugars.
Beat until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3 – Add egg and vanilla
I add 1 large egg and 2 tsp vanilla, mixing until smooth.
Wet ingredients should be just combined.
Step 4 – Combine dry with wet to form the dough
I gradually add the dry mix to the wet.
Mix until a soft dough forms, but don’t overwork.
Keep it shaggy.
Step 5 – Scoop, shape, and bake
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Roll into balls and flatten slightly.
Bake 10–12 minutes at 350°F.
Cool completely on the sheet before frosting.
Step 6 – Make the cheesecake frosting
Beat 8 oz cream cheese and ¼ cup butter until smooth.
Stir in 1 cup powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla.
Frosting should be fluffy and easy to spread.
Step 7 – Melt caramel and finish
Melt soft caramels with 2 tbsp heavy cream in the microwave.
Stir until smooth, then spoon or drizzle while warm.
Step 8 – Frost, drizzle, and finish with sea salt
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Frost with cheesecake frosting, then drizzle warm caramel over.
Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Optional: Chill the dough for easier scooping
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if sticky.

Tips for Success
- For Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, I bring ingredients to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Don’t overmix gently after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
- Soften cream cheese thoroughly for a silky frosting.
- Cool cookies before frosting to prevent melting.
- If caramels are thick, re-warm with a splash of cream for smooth drizzle.
- Keep utensils and workspace organized to speed up the bake and cleanup, and enjoy the process.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (standard and medium)
- Electric mixer or whisk and arm power
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet (rimmed)
- Microwave-safe bowl for caramel (or double boiler)
- Spatula and ladle for frosting and drizzle
Variations
- Gluten-free version: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies and watch texture; you may need a touch more liquid or a minute less bake time.
- Lighten up: Use light cream cheese or a half-fat cream cheese blend for a lighter frosting on Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar to keep the frosting tangy and creamy for Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
- Crunch factor: Add 1–2 tablespoons toasted pecans or chopped pretzels for extra crunch in Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
- Flavor finish: Drizzle chocolate instead of caramel for a different finish on Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with hot coffee or vanilla milk for dipping.
- Pair them with a simple dessert wine or a sparkling rosé to elevate the moment.
- Arrange on a platter with extra caramel drizzle for a party-ready display.
- Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
Going Beyond: Creative twists and value adds
Going beyond means treating leftovers as opportunities. If you have extra frosting, try freeze-drying it into tiny crystals. Or rebuild the frosting into mini cheesecake bites with a touch of cream cheese. Chill until firm, then nibble for a cool, dairy-decadent treat. These twists keep dessert exciting without adding stress. These ideas keep Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies exciting beyond the first bake.
Create mini cheesecake cookie sandwiches by pairing cookies with extra frosting in the center. Chill the filling for a clean, neat bite. They’re perfect for lunchboxes or party trays. Saving frosting for sandwiches keeps flavors together and prep simple. This approach streamlines weeknight baking while keeping taste intact.
Make a glossy finish with stove-top caramel sauce. Simmer caramels with a splash of cream, then store leftovers in a squeeze bottle. Parchment stacking helps gift boxes look neat and lift lunchbox presentation. I love tying a ribbon to make it feel special. And when friends ask for the recipe, you have a ready answer. Plus, the caramel bottle makes gifting effortless.

FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and watch the dough texture; you may need a touch more liquid or a minute less bake time.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Shape into balls, freeze on a sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
You can, but warming sauce with a splash of cream yields a smoother drizzle and better texture.
How long does frosting stay good?
Frosting stored in the fridge lasts up to 5–7 days in an airtight container.
Are these cookies vegan?
Not in this version due to cream cheese and dairy; for vegan, replace with vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes and use dairy-free caramels.
Final Thoughts
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies have become my personal baking compass on busy weeks. I love how soft centers meet tangy cheesecake frosting and a glossy caramel kiss, all in one bite. The aroma alone sparks smiles before the first taste. With a little planning, these cookies move from idea to plate in under an hour, even on hectic days. I treasure the make-ahead tips and the way leftovers vanish at school drop-off or in late meetings. It’s not just dessert; it’s confidence in the kitchen, proof that comfort and quality can share a single sheet pan. With pride.
Print
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies12TopWowYum.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – Soft, gooey, and irresistibly delicious, featuring a creamy cheesecake frosting and salted caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup soft caramels or caramel bits
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy.
- For the caramel: Melt caramels and heavy cream in the microwave (20-second intervals), stirring until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies with cheesecake frosting, drizzle with warm caramel, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened before frosting.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent melting.
- Dough can be chilled 30 minutes for easier scooping if it’s too sticky.
- If caramels are thick, warm with a splash more cream and stir until smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (1/12 of recipe)
Keywords: Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, Crumbl cookies, salted caramel drizzle, cheesecake frosting cookies, homemade cookies