Are you a devoted fan of Crumbl Cookies, especially their outrageously delicious caramel and chocolate creations? Do you find yourself craving that perfect blend of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, rich milk chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of a TWIX® bar? What if I told you that you could recreate that magic in your own kitchen with a recipe that’s not just a copycat, but a genuine masterpiece? Get ready to unlock the secrets to making the best Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies you’ve ever tasted – a true Twix-inspired dream come true!
This isn’t just another cookie recipe; it’s an experience designed to transport your taste buds straight to your favorite gourmet cookie shop. Imagine biting into a generously sized cookie, perfectly soft and chewy, studded with real TWIX® pieces, then greeted by a luscious layer of melted caramel, a decadent swirl of milk chocolate, and finally, a sprinkle of even more chopped TWIX®. Sounds like heaven, right?
As an expert recipe developer and passionate home baker, I’ve dedicated countless hours to dissecting the Crumbl cookie phenomenon, experimenting with textures, flavors, and techniques to bring you a truly authentic replication. This recipe is meticulously crafted not only for incredible taste but also with Google Discover in mind – promising visually stunning results that will have everyone reaching for their screens (and then their aprons!). Prepare for a cookie adventure that’s as rewarding to bake as it is to devour.
Why You Absolutely Need These Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies In Your Life
Let’s be honest, there are a million cookie recipes out there. So, what makes these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies stand head and shoulders above the rest?
- Unmistakable Crumbl Vibe: From their generous size to their signature soft, chewy texture, these cookies scream “Crumbl.” You’ll feel like a gourmet baker in your own kitchen.
- The Ultimate Twix Experience: We’re not just hinting at Twix; we’re embracing it! With chopped TWIX® bars folded into the dough AND sprinkled on top, every bite delivers that iconic caramel, shortbread, and chocolate combination.
- Gooey Caramel Perfection: A thick, luscious layer of smooth, melt-in-your-mouth caramel takes these cookies from great to absolutely extraordinary. It’s the kind of caramel pull you dream about.
- Rich Milk Chocolate Finish: A delicate swirl of milk chocolate adds another layer of decadence, perfectly complementing the caramel and shortbread without being overly sweet.
- A Joy to Bake & Share: While they look impressive, the steps are straightforward. The biggest challenge? Waiting for them to cool! These cookies are perfect for parties, gifting, or simply treating yourself to something truly special.
Deconstructing the Crumbl Magic: What Makes Their Cookies So Irresistible?
Before we dive into our Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies, let’s unpack what makes Crumbl Cookies such a sensation. Understanding their appeal helps us replicate it perfectly.
Crumbl has mastered the art of the gourmet cookie experience. Their cookies are known for:
- Size Matters: They’re famously large, making them feel like a true indulgence. This recipe aims for that generous, shareable (or not!) portion.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Unlike crisp cookies, Crumbl excels at a thick, often underbaked-in-the-center, soft-chewy texture. Our recipe achieves this through precise ingredient ratios and baking times.
- Bold, Innovative Flavors: They constantly rotate unique and exciting flavors. The Caramel Shortbread, with its clear inspiration from the classic TWIX® bar, is a testament to this creative approach.
- Presentation: Their cookies are always beautifully topped and decorated, making them highly Instagrammable and appealing to the eye. We’ll mimic this with our elegant caramel, chocolate, and TWIX® topping.
My approach to this Crumbl copycat recipe combines the best elements of a classic shortbread (for that buttery, crumbly yet chewy base) with techniques to ensure that signature soft, thick Crumbl texture. We’re using both melted butter and a touch of oil to achieve the perfect chewiness and rich flavor, along with chilling the dough – a non-negotiable step for that thick, bakery-style finish.
The Essential Ingredients for Bakery-Style Perfection (and Smart Substitutions!)
Every great cookie starts with great ingredients. For our Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies, quality matters, but knowing the role of each component is key.
- Butter & Oil: The Dynamic Duo
- Unsalted Butter (Melted & Cooled): Using melted butter contributes to a chewier cookie and a richer, more profound buttery flavor. Ensure it’s fully cooled before mixing to prevent prematurely cooking the eggs. Unsalted gives you control over the overall saltiness.
- Neutral Oil (Canola or Vegetable): A touch of neutral oil helps keep the cookies incredibly soft and moist, even days after baking. It also contributes to that signature spread and chewiness. Don’t skip it!
- Substitution Note: While you can use all butter, the oil truly helps achieve that specific Crumbl texture.
- Sugars & Eggs: Structure and Sweetness
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the spread and crispness of the edges, contributing to the chewy center.
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding, moisture, and structure. They also add richness to the dough. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with the butter and sugar.
- Flour & Leavening: The Cookie’s Foundation
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie. Measuring flour correctly is vital! Too much flour leads to dry, crumbly cookies; too little results in excessive spreading. Pro Tip: Always spoon and level your flour, don’t scoop directly from the bag.
- Baking Powder: Our leavening agent. It provides lift and helps create that soft, slightly puffy texture that Crumbl cookies are known for.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Don’t underestimate its importance!
- The Stars of the Show: TWIX® Bars!
- Fun-Size TWIX® Bars: We use them twice! Once chopped small and folded into the dough, and again chopped fine for sprinkling on top. This ensures a delightful shortbread-caramel-chocolate crunch in every single bite. Using fun-size ensures consistent pieces.
- Substitution Note: While nothing truly replaces TWIX®, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try other caramel-shortbread candy bars.
- Decadent Toppings: Caramel & Chocolate
- Wrapped Soft Caramels (1 bag): The key to that glorious, gooey caramel layer. Soft, unwrapped caramels melt smoothly when combined with heavy cream.
- Heavy Cream: Thins the caramel slightly, making it perfectly spreadable and incredibly creamy.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Provides a smooth, sweet chocolate drizzle that balances the rich caramel and the cookie base.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to ensure your Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Prepare Your Dough
- Butter Base: Start by adding your melted and cooled unsalted butter to a large mixing bowl. It’s crucial that the butter isn’t hot, as this can affect the texture of your dough and even scramble your eggs.
- Sweet Start: Pour in the neutral oil and granulated sugar. Whisk these together vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly combined, thick, and looks almost creamy. This helps dissolve the sugar and incorporate air, contributing to the cookie’s final texture.
- Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue whisking for about 60 seconds until the mixture is smooth, pale, and well emulsified. This step adds richness and ensures a uniform dough.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl (or directly over the wet ingredients if you’re careful), combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Twix Time: Carefully fold in the small chopped TWIX® pieces. The dough will be quite soft at this stage, which is perfectly normal.
- Chill for Perfection
- The Golden Rule: This is a non-negotiable step for achieving that thick, bakery-style Crumbl texture. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. For the absolute best results and to prevent spreading, an overnight chill is ideal. Don’t skip this!
- Bake to Golden Goodness
- Preheat & Prep: Once your dough is properly chilled, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking. Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C).
- Scoop & Shape: Use a 1/3 cup cookie scoop or a 1/3 cup measuring cup to portion out 13 generously sized cookies. These are meant to be big, just like Crumbl’s!
- Flatten: Gently flatten each scoop into a disk about ¾” thick. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3” of space between each cookie to allow for proper spreading.
- Bake Time: Bake for 15-17 minutes. The cookies should appear set around the edges but still look quite soft and slightly underbaked in the center. The edges will be lightly golden. This slight underbake is key to their chewiness.
- Cool Completely: This step requires patience! Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before attempting to decorate them. Warm cookies will cause your caramel and chocolate toppings to melt and slide right off.
The Decadent Toppings: Caramel, Chocolate, and More TWIX®!
The toppings are where these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies truly shine and get their iconic look.
- Crafting the Caramel:
- Unwrap all your soft caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Be patient; it might take a few rounds. Don’t overheat, as this can make the caramel seize or become too hard.
- Once smooth, generously spoon about 1 tablespoon of this warm, gooey caramel onto the top of each cooled cookie. Gently spread it to the edges.
- Allow the caramel to set for a bit. You can pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed this up, or just let them sit at room temperature while you melt the chocolate.
- Melting the Chocolate:
- Place your milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful not to scorch it. Alternatively, you can melt it using a double boiler.
- The Finishing Touch:
- Once the caramel has slightly set, take a spoon or a piping bag with a small round tip and drizzle about ½ tablespoon of the melted milk chocolate over each cookie in an appealing swirl pattern.
- Immediately after drizzling the chocolate (before it sets), liberally sprinkle the finely chopped TWIX® pieces over the top of each cookie. This ensures they stick nicely.
- Allow the chocolate to set completely, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting.
Expert Tips for Crumbl Cookie Success Every Time
Achieving Crumbl-level perfection in your homemade cookies is within reach with these expert tips:
- Accurate Measuring is Key: Especially with flour. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results (16.25 ounces for flour) or the “spoon and level” method for volume measurements.
- Don’t Skimp on Chilling: The dough chilling is critical. It allows the butter to solidify, preventing excessive spreading and ensuring a thicker, chewier cookie. Cold dough also develops more flavor.
- Cool Butter for Best Texture: Ensure your melted butter is fully cooled to room temperature, not just slightly warm, before adding it to the sugar and oil.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It ensures even baking, prevents sticking, and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it helps the cookies retain their shape.
- Avoid Overbaking: Crumbl cookies are known for their soft centers. Bake until the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Room Temperature Ingredients (Eggs): Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother, more uniform dough.
- Gentle Folding: When adding flour and TWIX® pieces, fold gently with a spatula. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
Troubleshooting Common Cookie Conundrums
Even experienced bakers run into issues. Here’s how to tackle common problems you might encounter with these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies:
- Cookies Spreading Too Much:
- Culprit: Dough wasn’t chilled long enough (or at all!).
- Fix: Ensure a minimum 2-hour chill, preferably overnight. Your melted butter might also have been too warm. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer; a too-low oven can cause spreading.
- Cookies Too Dry/Crumbly:
- Culprit: Too much flour, or overbaked.
- Fix: Measure flour precisely. Reduce baking time slightly in your next batch. Remember, they set more as they cool.
- Caramel Hardening or Seizing:
- Culprit: Overheating the caramel, or not enough heavy cream.
- Fix: Microwave in short bursts (15-30 seconds) and stir well each time. If it hardens, try adding another teaspoon of heavy cream and very gently re-melting.
- Chocolate Not Smooth:
- Culprit: Overheated chocolate or water exposure.
- Fix: Melt chocolate very slowly in short bursts. If it seizes, try stirring in a tiny bit of neutral oil or shortening until smooth again.
Storing Your Crumbl Copycat Creations & Make-Ahead Magic
These decadent Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies are so good, you’ll want to enjoy them for as long as possible!
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerated: For slightly longer freshness, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled and decorated, freeze cookies individually on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: You can scoop the dough into disks and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen (add a few minutes to bake time) or thaw in the fridge first.
Creative Twists: Variations on Your Caramel Shortbread Cookies
While this recipe is a perfect Crumbl copycat, there’s always room to get creative!
- Different Candy Bars: Instead of TWIX®, try Snickers, Milky Way, or even a different type of Kit Kat for a unique twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an extra layer of texture.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the milk chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer can beautifully enhance the flavors.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Decadent Cookies
These rich, satisfying Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies deserve equally delicious accompaniments.
- A Tall Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! The cool milk perfectly cuts through the sweetness and richness of the cookie.
- Hot Coffee or Espresso: For a sophisticated treat, enjoy your cookie with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a shot of espresso. The bitterness complements the sweet caramel and chocolate.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm your cookie slightly and serve it with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: Double down on the cozy factor by pairing these cookies with a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies
Can I use homemade caramel for these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies?
While homemade caramel can be delicious, for the authentic Crumbl experience and ease of replication, we recommend using pre-made soft caramels as specified. They melt consistently and provide that signature gooey, chewy texture that Crumbl cookies are known for. If you do use homemade, ensure it’s a thick, spreadable consistency that won’t run off the cookie.
Can I freeze the cookie dough for these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it into disks, and then freeze the unbaked disks on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen (they might need a few extra minutes in the oven) or let them thaw slightly in the fridge first.
What if I can’t find fun-size TWIX® bars or want to substitute them?
Fun-size TWIX® bars are perfect for distributing the cookie and caramel crunch evenly. If you can’t find them, you can chop regular-sized TWIX® bars into smaller pieces. For a substitute, while it won’t be a direct Crumbl copycat, you could experiment with other caramel-shortbread-chocolate candy bars or even just chopped shortbread cookies and mini chocolate chips.
Why are my Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies spreading too much?
There are a few common reasons for cookies spreading: 1) The dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling is crucial for setting the butter and preventing excessive spread. 2) Your butter was too warm when mixing, or the melted butter wasn’t fully cooled. 3) Too much flour was used, or the flour wasn’t measured correctly (always spoon and level!). 4) Your oven temperature might be off. Consider using an oven thermometer to verify accuracy.
How long do these Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If freezing baked cookies, allow them to thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying to regain their soft texture.
Your New Favorite Crumbl Copycat is Here!
There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Crumbl Copycat Caramel Shortbread Cookies, ready to be baked and devoured in your own home! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a labor of love, perfected to bring you that irresistible blend of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy TWIX®.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your family, or simply satisfy a serious cookie craving, these cookies deliver on every front. They’re big, they’re beautiful, and they taste absolutely heavenly. Don’t wait another moment – gather your ingredients, follow these expert tips, and embark on a delicious baking adventure.
If you make these decadent cookies, be sure to share your creations and tag us on social media! We love seeing your baking triumphs. Happy baking!
