Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a mind-blowing treat that combines the richness of cheesecake, the gooey goodness of caramel, and the comforting texture of cookies, then you simply must try this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These little pockets of joy are soft, creamy, and have just the right balance of sweet and salty to satisfy any dessert craving. Once you bite into these cookies, you’ll find a luscious cheesecake center wrapped in buttery cookie dough, crowned with a drizzle of thick caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes every bite to the next level. Trust me, once you make these, they will become your go-to dessert for sharing — or savoring all by yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and luckily, they’re quite straightforward. Each one plays an essential role: from creating the perfect dough texture to delivering that rich, creamy cheesecake flavor and the irresistible salty caramel finish.

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cookie dough, providing structure and tenderness.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps your cookies rise and become nicely airy.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a lift that keeps the cookies light yet soft.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Gives the dough that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful cookie texture.
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor to the dough.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while contributing to tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth to the cookie dough.
• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake filling — rich, tangy, and creamy.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cheesecake filling with aromatic flavor.
• ½ cup (120ml) thick caramel sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce to add that luscious, sticky sweetness.
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: Elevates the sweet profile by adding a touch of savory crunch on top.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by blending together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat until everything is smooth and creamy—this luscious filling will be the heart of your cookies. To make it easier to work with in the next steps, transfer it to a piping bag or a ziplock bag and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. This slight firming up ensures it holds its shape when wrapped inside the cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix will give your cookies just the right rise and tenderness you want in a classic yet rich cookie. Having these combined beforehand makes the next steps smooth and effortless.

Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial because it aerates the dough, delivering soft, tender cookies with a slight chew. Don’t rush this step—about 2 to 3 minutes should do the trick.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and that cozy vanilla aroma we all love in homemade cookies. Make sure the mixture is uniformly blended before moving on to the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as you want your cookies tender, not tough, which can happen with too much gluten development.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Now comes the fun part. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly into a thick disc. Add about 1 teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling into the center of this disc. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely so that the cheesecake is fully encased inside. Shape the dough into a slightly domed ball for even baking.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place your perfectly shaped cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop them into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling phase stops the cookies from spreading too much while baking, so the result is perfectly thick and tender bites.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. The cheesecake inside will stay delightfully creamy, while the cookie exterior develops a tender, buttery crumb. Be sure to let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Add the Final Touches

Once cooled, top each cookie with a swirl of remaining cheesecake filling for an extra creamy boost. Drizzle generously with thick caramel sauce and finish with flaky sea salt sprinkled on top. These final toppings deliver a symphony of flavor — the sweet caramel melding perfectly with the slightly salty crunch to create irresistible bites.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe even further, consider adding finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist. A light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder can add subtle warmth and complexity to your presentation, making these cookies invite lingering glances and hungry hands.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. If you want to serve them as a dessert, consider adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream on the side. The cool creaminess complements the rich caramel and cheesecake flavors perfectly, turning a simple cookie into a mini indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, place the cookies on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment and drizzle a bit more caramel over the top tableside. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cheesecake filling for a double-decker treat. Wrapping them in cellophane with a twine bow makes charming homemade gifts, perfect for impressing friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their soft texture, layer them with parchment paper between each cookie so they don’t stick together or lose their delicate shape.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual dough balls tightly before the first bake or freeze baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container. To thaw, just leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours or give them a quick zap in the microwave to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

Reheating

For that just-baked flavor when enjoying cookies from storage, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This will soften the cookie and make your caramel drizzle even more gooey — a delightful treat every time.

FAQs

Can I use regular caramel sauce, or do I need to make it from scratch?

You can absolutely use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, as long as it’s thick enough to hold on the cookie topping. Homemade caramel is lovely too, but not necessary to enjoy the magic of this recipe.

Is it okay to substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone?

Yes! Mascarpone will give a slightly different but equally delicious creamy texture and mild flavor, making your cookies a bit more luxurious and smooth.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking during baking?

Chilling the dough balls before baking is key. Also, make sure to seal the cookie dough completely around the cheesecake filling to avoid leaks. This recipe’s method does a great job ensuring it stays inside where it belongs.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cream cheese and butter for its signature flavor and texture. However, with vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes, you could experiment, though the flavor and texture might differ slightly.

How long will the cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will taste great for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, so freezing extras is your best bet!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, a perfect marriage of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or craving a personal sweet treat, these cookies deliver in every bite. Give it a try and watch as your friends and family fall in love with each soft, gooey, and sweet-salty mouthful. Happy baking, and even happier tasting!

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