Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a soft, creamy bite wrapped up in a chewy, caramel-drizzled package. Imagine your favorite cheesecake and buttery caramel meeting in the form of a cookie you can enjoy with your fingers—or share with friends if you’re feeling generous. With lush cream cheese dough, gooey caramel centers, and a crispy graham cracker topping, these are the cookies that disappear first at any gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Caramel Cheesecake Cookies is that they require only a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in building up the dreamy flavors and textures. You probably have most of these waiting in your pantry and fridge, ready to make something unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour: The building block of the dough, creating structure without weighing the cookies down.
- Baking powder: Gives the cookies just the right lift for a soft, pillowy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every glorious flavor note.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb, letting the other ingredients shine.
- Cream cheese, softened: The secret to that irresistible cheesecake tang and decadently creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens everything and helps the cookies bake up soft and chewy.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds to its lovely soft center.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and rounds out the cheesecake flavor.
- Caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): Silky, sticky, sweet—this is the star swirl that makes the cookies sing.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Sprinkled on top for a nod to classic cheesecake crust and a subtle crunch.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Having everything ready before you mix keeps the process stress-free, and parchment guarantees that your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies won’t stick or over-brown on the bottom.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures that your leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite is perfectly balanced and rises just so.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aeration is key: it leads to tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a slightly tangy cheesecake flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well blended. The egg keeps the dough cohesive while the vanilla infuses those luscious cheesecake notes that set these cookies apart.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture. Mix just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms; you want to avoid over-mixing, which can make cookies tough. If the dough feels a bit loose, don’t worry—that’s perfect for pillowy cookies.
Step 6: Chill for Easy Handling
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick rest firms everything up, making the dough easier to shape and helping the cookies keep their form during baking.
Step 7: Shape and Fill
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each room to spread. Gently press a thumbprint into the center of each ball, then fill the indents with about 1/2 teaspoon of caramel sauce. Sprinkle the tops lightly with graham cracker crumbs for that iconic cheesecake touch.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden. The centers will look a bit soft—that’s exactly how you want them! Rest the cookies on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel
Once the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are completely cool, drizzle them generously with extra caramel sauce for an irresistible final flourish. Let the caramel set, if you can wait, or dive in right away for ultimate gooeyness!
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Garnishes
Add a finishing touch with a shower of graham cracker crumbs or a dusting of powdered sugar. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled over the caramel amplifies all the sweet and tangy flavors to new heights.
Side Dishes
These cookies are outstanding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re hosting, pair Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with a platter of fresh berries or serve alongside coffee or espresso for an afternoon boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies in bakery-style stacks tied with ribbon for gifting, or serve them on a tiered dessert stand for a party. For a decadent dessert plate, top a cookie with caramel and fresh fruit, or create a DIY cookie sundae bar for guests to build their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to three days for a soft, gooey center, or tuck them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer, slightly chewier bite.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies after baking—simply arrange them in a single layer between sheets of parchment, seal in an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying; a quick drizzle of fresh caramel brings them back to life.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked texture, pop a cookie in the microwave for 5–10 seconds, or warm a tray in a low oven for a few minutes. The caramel softens beautifully and the aroma alone will tempt anyone nearby!
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds an amazing depth that elevates Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Just ensure your sauce is thick enough so it doesn’t run off during baking.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling isn’t strictly mandatory, but it makes shaping much easier and helps the cookies stay thick and chewy instead of spreading too much.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free graham crackers. The flavor and texture stay deliciously close to the original.
What’s the best way to drizzle the caramel?
For neat, Instagram-worthy cookies, use a spoon or small zip-top bag with the tip snipped off to control your drizzle. Or go rustic and just swirl it on with a flick of your wrist—no one will complain!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 48 hours in advance. Let it soften slightly before shaping for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s a crowd-pleaser and a little out of the ordinary, Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are calling your name. Every batch feels like a treat you’d find in a cozy bakery, but they’re delightfully simple to make at home. Give them a try—you just might discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that perfectly blend the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and buttery graham cracker crumbs in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat butter, cream cheese, and sugar until creamy. Add egg, vanilla, and dry ingredients. Chill dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into balls, make a thumbprint, fill with caramel, and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs.
- Bake: Bake for 12–14 minutes until golden. Cool on rack.
- Drizzle: Drizzle with more caramel sauce once cooled.
Notes
- Use a thick caramel sauce to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
- For a firmer center, melt store-bought caramel bits with a splash of cream.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator for a firmer texture or at room temperature for softer centers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
