If you’re looking to surprise your taste buds with a delightful twist on classic cookies, this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Soft, chewy cookies with rich caramel-infused dough cradle a luscious cheesecake filling drizzled with extra caramel sauce. Each bite is a perfect harmony of sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just an everyday treat, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element plays a key role—from the creamy butter that enriches the dough to the smooth cream cheese that delivers that unmistakable cheesecake texture and tang. Let’s break down what you’ll need to create these irresistible treats.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base of your cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just right for a soft, chewy texture.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweetness, balancing flavor perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Infuses rich flavor and keeps the dough moist.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely cookie bite.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Contributes a deep, caramel note and chewiness to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Brightens the dough and cheesecake filling with warm, aromatic notes.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough while aiding in a tender crumb.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 oz total): The star of the cheesecake filling for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Caramel sauce (¾ cup total, divided): Blends into both dough and filling, giving those iconic caramel cheesecake flavors.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake filling for that luscious texture.
- Optional garnishes (sea salt or chopped nuts): Adds texture and depth, perfectly complementing the sweet caramel.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking, ensuring your cookies bake evenly and release easily.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt—the essential dry trio that forms the backbone of your cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until light, fluffy, and beautifully combined. This step is key for that wonderfully tender and chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, Cream Cheese, and Caramel
Blend in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well before incorporating the softened cream cheese and caramel sauce. This creates a luxuriously smooth dough brimming with rich caramel flavor.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully blended. The dough should feel thick and velvety, ready to be shaped into individual cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Whip together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce until silky smooth. This luscious filling will nestle into the center of each cookie for a decadent surprise.
Step 8: Fill the Cookies
Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball using your finger or a spoon. Spoon about one teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into each well, ensuring every bite has that creamy cheesecake center.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft and inviting. This balance guarantees a tender chew with a gooey filling.
Step 10: Cool and Garnish
Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle generously with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts if you like an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or finely chopped nuts on top not only enhances the look but also perfectly balances the sweet, creamy caramel and cheesecake flavors. The saltiness cuts through the richness, while nuts add a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a creamy latte, which complements the caramel notes beautifully. A glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate this into a full dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, arrange these cookies on a cake stand drizzled further with warm caramel and sprinkled with edible gold flakes for a touch of elegance. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cheesecake filling for an indulgent treat that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and irresistibly chewy, saving the best for later.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Baked cookies freeze well for up to two months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their gooey, freshly-baked texture and enhance that cheesecake filling’s creamy appeal.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and butter for its signature texture and flavor, you can experiment with dairy-free substitutes like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture might shift slightly but can still be delicious!
Is it okay to use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce is a fantastic choice, offering you control over sweetness and richness. It will elevate the cookies even further with your personal touch.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?
Make sure to chill your cream cheese filling well before using it. Also, press the indentation firmly but gently so the filling nests securely without spilling during baking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the recipe is easy and perfect for gatherings. Just keep an eye on bake time, as oven performance can vary with larger batches.
What is the best way to achieve a soft cookie texture?
Using softened butter and cream cheese, along with not overbaking, ensures your cookies stay tender and chewy. The caramel sauce in the dough adds moisture, making every bite delightfully soft.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is such a joyous treat that combines the best elements of cookies, caramel, and cheesecake into one extraordinary bite. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll find yourself sharing it with friends and family again and again because its flavors truly bring people together. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and creamy Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combining the rich flavors of caramel, cream cheese, and buttery cookie dough. These treats feature a luscious cheesecake filling nestled inside each cookie, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and optional sea salt or nuts for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cookie Dough
- 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
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
For Garnish
- Extra caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Optional: Sea salt or 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 ensure the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dough.
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Then, beat in the softened cream cheese and caramel sauce until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a thick and creamy cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Form the cookie dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow space for spreading.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce until the filling is smooth and creamy, perfect for spooning.
- Assemble the cookies: Using your finger or the back of a spoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball. Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into each indentation, careful not to overfill.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly golden and the cookie centers remain soft and slightly puffy.
- Cool and garnish: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets to firm up. Once cooled, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts as desired for added flavor and texture.
- Serve and enjoy: These cookies are best served at room temperature to enjoy the perfect blend of chewy cookie and creamy cheesecake center.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough and filling.
- Do not overbake; cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Use good quality caramel sauce for best flavor, or make your own homemade caramel if preferred.
- Optional garnishes like sea salt enhance the caramel flavor by adding a hint of savory contrast.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
