Pin it
These cookies are pure dessert magic! I love how they combine everything wonderful about cheesecake and caramel into one perfect treat. That buttery graham cracker base topped with creamy frosting and homemade caramel sauce creates something truly special. Every time I make them people can't believe they came from my kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in how all these flavors work together. Each bite gives you buttery cookie tangy cheesecake and sweet caramel. I make them for everything from family gatherings to bake sales and theres never a single cookie left.
Everything You Need
- Butter: Makes our cookies and caramel rich and moist.
- Sugar: Both brown and white for perfect sweetness.
- Eggs: Hold everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all our lovely flavors.
- Flour: Gives the cookies their perfect structure.
- Graham Crackers: Creates that amazing crust flavor.
- Cream Cheese: For our tangy creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and sweet.
- Heavy Cream: Creates silky caramel sauce.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness perfectly.
Lets Make Cookies
- Make Our Dough
- Start by creaming butter and sugars mix in eggs and vanilla then gradually add our dry ingredients and graham crackers. Roll in extra crumbs and flatten slightly.
- Time to Bake
- Into a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until theyre golden around the edges. Let them cool completely.
- Whip Up the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese butter and vanilla until fluffy then gradually add powdered sugar. Pipe beautiful swirls on each cooled cookie.
- Create the Caramel
- Cook butter sugar cream and salt stirring constantly until its thick and gorgeous. Add vanilla let it cool then drizzle over our cookies.
My Kitchen Secrets
Always use room temperature ingredients they mix so much better. Bake just one pan at a time for the most even results. Let those cookies cool completely before frosting or itll melt. And keep stirring that caramel it needs your attention to become perfectly silky.
Make Them Your Own
Sometimes I add chopped pecans to the dough for crunch. Try using cinnamon graham crackers for a warm spicy twist. A sprinkle of sea salt on the caramel makes them extra special. You can even play with different frosting flavors the possibilities are endless.
Pin it
Saving For Later
Keep your cookies in an airtight container theyll stay fresh for about 5 days on the counter or longer in the fridge. Want to plan ahead? Freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months just thaw and decorate when youre ready.
Why These Never Fail
These cookies give you that fancy bakery taste right from your own kitchen. The combination of buttery cookie tangy cream cheese frosting and homemade caramel just works. They're perfect for making any day feel special.
Cookie History
Did you know Crumbl started in Utah back in 2017? Now theyre everywhere! I love how they change their menu weekly keeping things exciting. Their creative combinations inspired me to make these cookies even more special.
Treat Yourself
While these are definitely indulgent thats what makes them special. You can make them a bit lighter with less sugar or low fat cream cheese but I think theyre perfect for those times when you want something really wonderful.
Perfect Pairings
We love these with coffee or cappuccino the warm drinks balance that sweetness perfectly. A cold glass of milk makes them feel nostalgic. For parties try serving them with dessert wine or caramel milkshakes pure heaven.
Make Them Beautiful
Get creative with your caramel drizzles make them look fancy. A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top gives them that professional touch. I like arranging them on pretty plates or platters lined with parchment they look like they came from a high end bakery.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make these cookies a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They taste great both at room temperature and chilled.
- → Why did my caramel sauce turn grainy?
- Grainy caramel usually happens when sugar crystallizes. To prevent this, avoid stirring too much while cooking and make sure all ingredients are well combined before bringing to a boil. Keep heat medium and stir constantly once boiling.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- You can freeze the baked cookie bases before frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the frosting and caramel. The completed cookies with frosting don't freeze well due to the cream cheese.
- → How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
- The cookies should be slightly golden brown around the edges after 8-10 minutes. They might seem soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. Don't overbake or they'll become too hard.
- → Why did my cream cheese frosting turn runny?
- Runny frosting usually happens if the cream cheese or butter is too warm. Make sure both are softened but still cool to touch. If frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before piping.