When it comes to baking, there’s nothing quite like creating a treat that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more. Enter the Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the delightful sweetness of caramel, all wrapped in a wonderfully soft and gooey cookie. If your sweet tooth calls for an explosion of flavors and textures, you’re about to embark on an unforgettable baking adventure that will impress anyone lucky enough to savor these cookies.
Why We Love This Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
The beauty of Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies lies in their extraordinary ability to satisfy multiple cravings at once. They seamlessly blend the flavors of cheesecake, caramel, and cookie dough, creating an experience that transcends typical cookies. Each bite offers a delightful combination of creaminess, sweetness, and a hint of saltiness that leaves you reaching for another.
You will adore how these cookies are perfect for various occasions—be it a casual get-together, a party, or a simple weeknight treat that you indulge in while binge-watching your favorite show. The charm of these cookies makes them a favorite among family and friends, ensuring that they’re always a conversation starter. With such a delectable dessert on hand, you may even find yourself crowned as the dessert champion among your peers.
Ingredients about Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
To embark on this culinary journey, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
How to Make Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Directions
Creating these delightful cookies requires a little time and effort, but the simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can achieve amazing results. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Start by making the cheesecake filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Once ready, scoop this mixture into teaspoon-sized portions and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This step is essential, as it will create that beloved cheesecake core when you bite into the cookie.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Next, add in the eggs and the tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. Your goal is a soft, cohesive cookie dough that holds its shape yet retains some stickiness.
- Encapsulate the Cheesecake Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). To assemble your cookies, take about a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake scoop in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring that it is fully enclosed. Place the formed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes. You want them to look slightly set but still soft in the middle. Don’t worry; they’ll finish cooking on the baking sheet as they cool down.
- Finishing Touches: As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, drizzle with caramel sauce, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. This step makes them even more visually appealing and enhances the flavor profile, creating that sweet-salty balance everyone loves.
How to Serve Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Once your cookies are baked and have cooled slightly, it’s time to serve them up! You can create a cookie platter, arranging these gooey delights next to a glass of milk, or even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
To impress your guests, consider stacking several cookies on a cake stand or serving dish, garnishing with extra caramel and a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs. The presentation is just as important as the taste, and this enticing display will have everyone reaching for a cookie before they even sit down.
These cookies can also serve as a wonderful homemade gift. Place them in a lovely box or cellophane bag and tie it with a ribbon. Your friends and family will appreciate the special touch of a homemade treat, especially one as delicious as these.
Expert Tips: Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Creating the perfect batch of cookies takes practice, but these expert tips can take your cookie-baking skills from good to great:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened. This helps create a creamy dough that blends well, resulting in a softer cookie.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until they are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before wrapping the cheesecake filling. This makes it easier to handle.
- Bake in Batches: If your oven tends to heat unevenly, it can help to bake your cookies in smaller batches for more consistent results.
- Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 12-minute mark. You want them to be just firm around the edges and still slightly soft in the center.
How to Store Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Storing your cookies correctly can help maintain their freshness and taste. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-5 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until fully frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and relish the taste of freshly baked cookies!
Variation of Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
While the classic recipe is truly delightful, don’t hesitate to mix it up a bit! Here are some variations you can try to customize your cookies:
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for added richness and sweetness.
- Nutty Flavor: Fold in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor. The nutty texture complements the gooey center beautifully.
- Reese’s Variation: Use peanut butter cups instead of cheesecake filling for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Infusion: Add diced strawberries or raspberries into the cheesecake filling to infuse fruity flavors into your cookies.
- Spiced-Up Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or cinnamon into the dough for an autumn-inspired treat.
FAQ
What Makes Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Unique?
What sets these cookies apart is their delightful contrast of textures and flavors. You have a soft, gooey cookie exterior with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, all balanced by the sweet caramel drizzle and savory sea salt finish. This combination creates a cookie experience unlike any other, making them truly irresistible.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheesecake filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to freeze the scoops before assembling your cookies.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye out for slightly golden edges and a puffy dough center. They might look underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
Can I use low-fat ingredients for this recipe?
While you can, keep in mind that low-fat substitutes might change the texture and flavor. Full-fat cream cheese and butter yield the best results for that creamy and rich texture.
How can I make my cookies even sweeter?
If you prefer an extra sweetness, consider adding more caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to the tops right when they come out of the oven.
Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish) to taste
Instructions
Preparation of Cheesecake Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop this mixture into teaspoon-sized portions and freeze for about 1-2 hours.
Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs and tablespoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully integrated.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together.
Encapsulate the Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take about a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen cheesecake scoop in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling.
- Place the formed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake
- Bake the cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes until slightly set but still soft in the middle.
Finishing Touches
- Upon removal from the oven, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, drizzle with caramel sauce, and finish with flaky sea salt.
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