Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Sink your teeth into the perfect marriage of gooey caramel, tangy cheesecake, and irresistibly soft cookies with Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. These little gems deliver everything you love about indulgent desserts in a fun, handheld treat. Whether you’re an old pro at cookie baking or just looking for your next sweet obsession, this recipe balances rich, creamy filling and buttery cookies with a salty-sweet kick. One bite and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been baking these beauties on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list is filled with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, but each one brings something special to every bite! From creamy dairy to sweet caramel, it’s the combo that gives Caramel Cheesecake Cookies their soft centers, gorgeous golden edges, and unforgettable flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Brings richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a luscious, tangy element that makes these cookies taste just like cheesecake.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Delivers the perfect sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp exterior.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and keeps the cookies tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the structure of the cookie, making each one soft and chewy.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a little lift so the cookies bake up beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The true star—fills each cookie with gooey, caramel goodness.
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish: A sprinkle on top gives you that perfect salty-sweet finish every time.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep your cookies from sticking. This small step is a game changer, ensuring every Caramel Cheesecake Cookie comes off the tray with its delicate indentation intact.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat these together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. You’re looking for that classic airy base—this will guarantee soft, luxuriously textured cookies, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Give it another good mix until everything is silky smooth. At this point, your kitchen will already smell like heaven, and you’re halfway to true cookie magic!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution and prevents lumps. Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be gentle here—overmixing can make cookies tough, and we want them cloud-soft.
Step 5: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, divide the dough into small, even portions. Place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Then, use the back of a spoon or your thumb to make a little indentation in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce. This is where the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies start to live up to their name!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slip the trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies turn lightly golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them—you want the centers to stay soft and chewy, with those caramel pools glistening and bubbly.
Step 7: Cool, Drizzle, and Garnish
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll firm up a bit but stay soft inside). Once they’re cool enough, transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with more caramel sauce and, if you like, a pinch of flaky sea salt for the most luscious finish. Your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are now ready to share—if you can stop yourself from eating them all first!
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Garnishes
Go classic with an extra caramel drizzle right before serving, or add a pinch of flaky sea salt for that irresistible salty-sweet combo. If you’re feeling festive, a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped pecans can elevate these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies to bakery-level beautiful!
Side Dishes
These cookies hold their own solo, but why not create a dreamy dessert platter? Pair with fresh berries for a bright contrast, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish. A cup of strong coffee or a hot latte is the perfect partner to balance every creamy, caramel bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them tall on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, tuck a few into clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gift-giving, or serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies warm with tiny dessert spoons at your next soirée. You can even sandwich two cookies with a layer of caramel in between for next-level decadence!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Cheesecake Cookies store beautifully at room temperature. Just place them in an airtight container and keep them out of direct sunlight—they’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to three days. A layer of parchment between the cookies helps keep the caramel filling in place.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange un-drizzled cookies in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and keep them for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the finishing drizzle of caramel.
Reheating
If you love your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies a little warm and gooey, just pop them in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. This gently melts the caramel and makes the cookie even softer—like they just came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. Feel free to use homemade if you want a personal touch, but either way, your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies will have that signature gooey center.
Do I really need to chill the dough?
Chilling is optional, but it does help if you want a firmer, more structured cookie. If you’re in a hurry, go ahead and bake right away—they’ll still be deliciously soft and chewy!
What’s the best way to make the indentations in the cookies?
You can use the back of a teaspoon, a rounded measuring spoon, or your thumb. The key is to create enough of a well to hold the caramel without poking straight through to the baking sheet.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, finely chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon would all pair nicely with the caramel and cheesecake flavors. Just be mindful not to overload the dough so the cookies keep their shape.
Are Caramel Cheesecake Cookies good for gifting?
They’re wonderful for gifting! Their lovely appearance and decadent flavor make them a standout in any cookie box. Let the caramel set before packaging, and use parchment to separate layers to keep them pristine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping but straightforward dessert that delivers on all counts, give these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies a try. With each bite, you’ll taste soft cookie, creamy cheesecake, and runny caramel all in one. Bake a batch for friends, family, or just because—it’s always the right time for a warm, homemade treat!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and gooey caramel with these irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Scoop and fill: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make an indentation in each cookie and fill with caramel sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Cool and garnish: Let cool on baking sheet, then drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes
- For a firmer cookie, chill the dough before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Freeze cookies before adding caramel for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
