If you have a sweet tooth that craves something a little special, then this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your day. Imagine soft, tender cookies bursting with luscious caramel and tangy cheesecake filling all in one delightful bite. These cookies bring together the best of both worlds—rich, creamy cheesecake and sweet, buttery caramel—making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or indulging yourself, they never fail to impress and satisfy that dessert craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is such an important part of creating these irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe treats. Each element plays a starring role, whether it’s the buttery richness, the sweet chewiness, or the luscious cheesecake center, so make sure to have everything ready before you start baking.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich, creamy flavor and a soft, tender bite.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds clarity in sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a hint of molasses flavor for depth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for a chewy texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Used twice—once in the dough and again in the cheesecake filling—for that irresistible creamy tang.
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Infuses the dough with luscious caramel goodness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling perfectly.
- ÂĽ cup caramel sauce (for the filling): Swirls of caramel inside add extra decadence.
- Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling): The finishing touch that makes these cookies look and taste gourmet.
- Optional: Sea salt or chopped nuts for garnish: Elevates flavor with a crunchy or salty contrast.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Keeping these dry components ready separately helps ensure they incorporate evenly into the dough, so your cookies bake with a perfect texture throughout.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because it introduces air into the dough, giving your cookies a lighter bite.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients to Cookie Dough
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, then add the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of caramel sauce. Mixing these in thoroughly creates a rich, creamy dough with pockets of caramel flavor that make these cookies truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. The dough should feel thick and creamy—this texture will give your cookies their tender-yet-sturdy form.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Dough Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure you space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking together.
Step 7: Prepare Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ÂĽ cup caramel sauce until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 8: Fill the Cookies
Use your finger or a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Spoon about one teaspoon of the cheesecake filling right into the center, giving each cookie that signature gooey surprise.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll want to watch for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft—this is the sweet spot for that perfect chewy-soft contrast.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack—that way, they set just right. Once cooled, drizzle generously with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts if you like a little crunch or salty-sweet contrast.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a handful of finely chopped nuts bring out the subtle caramel and cream cheese notes, making each cookie bite more complex and delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. The creamy, warm beverage beautifully complements the sugary richness and balances the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these cookies on a beautiful platter drizzled with caramel sauce, or even stack them with parchment paper between layers for a charming gift box. Adding edible gold leaf or dusting with powdered sugar can also turn these treats into stunning party favors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps them stay soft and moist without drying out or losing their decadent flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag once firm. They’ll keep well for up to two months, making it easy to enjoy these treats anytime you want.
Reheating
To warm up frozen or refrigerated cookies, just pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Reheating revives their soft texture and brings back that melty caramel charm.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and can make the cookies taste even richer. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold within the dough and filling without making them too wet.
What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Low-fat versions tend to be less smooth and can affect the richness of the cookies.
Can I substitute brown sugar with all granulated sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor that complements the caramel beautifully. If you use only granulated sugar, the cookies might be a little less chewy and complex in flavor.
How do I make sure the cookies don’t spread too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is only softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes if needed. Also, spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet helps them keep their shape during baking.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, you can enjoy gluten-free Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Just make sure your blend includes a binding agent to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about baking and sharing these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with loved ones. They’re soft, creamy, and decadently sweet, offering a little celebration in every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just to treat yourself after a long day, these cookies are destined to become a favorite. Go ahead and try the recipe—you’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable taste!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
Description
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine a soft, buttery cookie base with a luscious caramel cream cheese filling. Baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and optional sea salt or nuts, they offer a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ÂĽ cup caramel sauce
Garnish (Optional)
- Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Sea salt
- Chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream the wet ingredients for dough: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate.
- Add cream cheese and caramel to dough: Beat in the softened cream cheese and ½ cup caramel sauce into the wet ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy dough base.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until the dough becomes thick and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully integrated without overmixing.
- Form cookie dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ÂĽ cup caramel sauce until the filling is smooth and creamy, perfect for spooning into the cookies.
- Assemble the cookies: Using your finger or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the indentation carefully.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
- Cool and garnish: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cookies and optionally sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Your caramel cheesecake cookies are ready to be enjoyed fresh, perfect with a cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert treat.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough and filling.
- Spacing cookies adequately on the baking sheet prevents them from merging during baking.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- For a richer caramel flavor, consider using homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Feel free to substitute nuts with your favorite variety such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
