Who doesn’t love the rich, creamy decadence of cheesecake and the sweet, buttery goodness of caramel? Now imagine both combined into a soft, chewy cookie. Yes, you read that right—Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are here to change your dessert game! These cookies are the perfect blend of tangy cream cheese, sweet caramel, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds). Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday treat, or just because you deserve something delicious, trust me, this recipe is a total winner.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, impressing friends, or indulging in some sweet comfort, these cookies fit the occasion perfectly. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen! This recipe comes together quickly, making it great for busy days.
Customizable: Add a sprinkle of sea salt, mix in some chocolate chips, or drizzle extra caramel on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dessert can satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies come together with a handful of simple yet magical ingredients. Let’s break it down:
Cream Cheese: The key to that rich, tangy cheesecake flavor. Softened cream cheese blends beautifully into the dough, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
Butter: Adds that classic buttery flavor and helps create the perfect soft and chewy consistency.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramel notes and keeps the cookies moist.
Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and adds a slight crispness to the edges.
Egg: Provides structure and moisture, making the cookies light yet chewy.
Vanilla Extract: A small touch that adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookies, giving them structure without making them too dense.
Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Caramel Sauce: The star ingredient! Swirled into the dough and drizzled on top for an irresistible gooey finish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and the perfect texture.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Swirl in the Caramel: Gently fold in the caramel sauce, creating swirls throughout the dough. This ensures gooey pockets of caramel in every bite.
Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Cool and Drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Drizzle extra caramel over the top for that extra wow factor.
Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate caramel cheesecake experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 cookies Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 12 minutes Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are a treat on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are some fun serving ideas:
With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for a next-level dessert.
With Coffee or Tea: The perfect companion for your morning or afternoon break.
Dipped in Chocolate: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an elegant touch.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes everything better!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures smooth mixing and a better final texture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes for even better flavor and texture.
Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat for Freshness: Pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back the gooey caramel goodness.
FAQ’s
Can I use salted caramel instead of regular caramel sauce? Yes! It adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container and enjoy whenever you like.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze it in scooped portions, then bake straight from the freezer (add 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time).
What can I use instead of cream cheese? Mascarpone works as a great substitute for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce? Of course! It will taste even better with homemade caramel.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps keep them from spreading too thin.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips? Definitely! Chopped pecans or white chocolate chips are great additions.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer? A whisk and some elbow grease work fine—just make sure the mixture is smooth.
How do I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are everything you love about cheesecake and caramel, wrapped into a soft, chewy cookie that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a dessert that’s bound to become a new favorite. Happy baking!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, creamy, and packed with a delicious caramel flavor. They feature a buttery cookie base, a rich cheesecake filling, and a gooey caramel drizzle, making them a perfect indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (120g) caramel sauce
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
-
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Set aside.
-
Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll cookie dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each).
- Flatten slightly and make a small indentation in the center.
- Spoon about ½ teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the indentation.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
-
Add the Caramel Topping:
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce.
- You can freeze these cookies for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg