Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love a little surprise in every bite, this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These cookies combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the irresistible gooeyness of salted caramel, all wrapped in a soft, buttery cookie. Every cookie hides a luscious cheesecake center, making each bite a luxurious treat that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something extraordinary, these cookies deliver waves of flavor and texture that will have you reaching for seconds — trust me, you’ll want to keep this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe close at hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, classic components that together create magic. Each item has a special role, from the creamy cheesecake filling to the buttery dough, and the luscious caramel drizzle to the pinch of sea salt that elevates everything.

• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 280g): Provides the sturdy but soft base of the cookie dough.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and get that perfect texture.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a slight lift and lightness to the cookies.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup / 115g): Key for a rich, tender cookie structure.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g): Adds sweetness and helps with moisture.
• Light brown sugar, packed (½ cup / 100g): Contributes subtle caramel notes and chewiness.
• Large egg (1): Binds the dough and helps with moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor and aroma.
• Cream cheese, softened (4 oz / 115g): Creates the silky cheesecake filling inside.
• Granulated sugar for filling (¼ cup / 50g): Sweetens the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla extract for filling (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth to the cream cheese mixture.
• Thick caramel sauce (½ cup / 120ml): Use homemade or store-bought for drizzling over cookies.
• Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling): The final touch that brings out all the flavors.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Start by mixing softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until it becomes smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what transforms ordinary cookies into an unforgettable treat. Once combined, transfer it to a piping bag or ziplock bag, then refrigerate for 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the filling firm up, making it easier to work with when assembling the cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients balance one another to create the perfectly tender and fluffy cookie base that complements the rich cheesecake center.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes and is key for giving your cookies a wonderful texture that’s both soft and slightly chewy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. These ingredients help bind the dough and infuse it with a warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at a low speed until just combined. Overmixing here can make the cookies tough, so be gentle until you see no visible streaks of flour.

Step 6: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and gently flatten it into a thick disc with your hands. Place roughly a teaspoon of the chilled cheesecake filling in the center. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them tightly to seal it inside. Shape the dough into a slightly domed ball to keep it neat and ready for baking.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place the shaped dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Pop the tray into the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to chill. This crucial step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, keeping each one thick and soft.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chilled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Add the Cheesecake and Caramel Toppings

Once completely cooled, pipe a swirl of the remaining cheesecake filling onto the top of each cookie. Drizzle with thick caramel sauce and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This final flourish adds that dreamy combination of sweet and salty that makes this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so addictive.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle ensures every bite bursts with a perfect balance of salty-sweet goodness. For extra flair, consider a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few crunchy nuts like pecans or walnuts to add texture and dimension.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte — the bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness perfectly. For a non-caffeine option, try serving with a glass of cold milk or a soothing herbal tea like chamomile for a cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Present these beauties stacked in a clear glass jar, tied with a ribbon for gift-giving, or on a rustic wooden board with extra caramel sauce in a small dish for dipping. For parties, placing each cookie on mini cupcake liners adds charm and ease for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that their flavor and texture are best enjoyed within the first couple of days, as the cheesecake filling is freshest then.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cookie dough balls before baking. Place them on a baking sheet separated by parchment, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, bake straight from frozen by adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to revive their soft texture and bring out the sweet aroma. Be cautious with the caramel topping; a gentle warm-up is best to avoid melting it off completely.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

While low-fat cream cheese can work, it may make the filling less creamy and rich. For that signature luscious texture in this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, the full-fat version is definitely the way to go.

Is it possible to make homemade caramel sauce for these cookies?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce is delicious and adds a personal touch. Just be sure to use a thick, sticky caramel so it holds well on the cookies and doesn’t run too much.

Can I double the recipe to make more cookies?

Yes! This recipe scales nicely. Just keep an eye on the baking time as larger batches might need a minute or two extra in the oven, depending on your cookie size and oven variations.

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

Chilling the filled dough balls before baking is key. Make sure to seal the cheesecake filling tightly inside the dough to keep everything intact while the cookies bake.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Look for a blend that’s meant for baking cookies, and expect a slight difference in texture. The flavor of the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe will still shine through!

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a total showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand. Every bite delivers that heavenly combo of sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy that feels like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten any day and keep everyone asking for more. So, don’t wait — grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fall in love!

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