Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, chewy goodness of cookies. These indulgent treats feature a surprise caramel center that melts in your mouth, making them perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave something decadent.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for filling)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- ¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: Sea salt flakes for garnish, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of white chocolate
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the cheesecake filling by mixing the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whip until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe into 7 small mounds on parchment paper, then freeze for 20–30 minutes to help the filling hold its shape while baking.
- Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough by beating together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Step 3: Scoop the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake mound and a small spoonful of caramel in the center, then cover with another flattened dough piece. Seal the edges well and roll into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Freezing the cheesecake filling is essential to keep the creamy center intact during baking.
- Try drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking to balance the caramel’s sweetness.
- Substitute the caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a richer flavor variation.
Storage
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave briefly to restore the gooey caramel center.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter, cream cheese, and caramel sauce with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure the cheesecake filling is well frozen before assembly, and chill the assembled cookies briefly if your kitchen is warm. Also, avoid over-mixing the dough to keep cookies from spreading excessively.
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Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 7 generous cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in these decadent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, featuring a buttery cookie dough encasing a creamy cheesecake center and a luscious caramel surprise. Perfectly soft with golden edges and optional sea salt or graham cracker toppings, these cookies offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to disappear quickly.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel:
- ¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers
- Drizzle of white chocolate
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe the filling into 7 small mounds on parchment paper, then freeze for 20–30 minutes to help the filling hold its shape during baking.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form the dough.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk in your palm. Place one frozen cheesecake mound and a small spoonful of caramel sauce in the center of a dough disk. Cover with another dough disk, seal the edges carefully to encase the filling, and roll the assembled cookie into a smooth ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake and Cool: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the cookies about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembly is crucial to prevent spreading and maintain a gooey center.
- Use softened butter and cream cheese for the best texture and mixing ease.
- Optional toppings like sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers add a nice finishing touch and enhance flavor contrast.
- These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, soft cookies, caramel filled cookies, creamy cheesecake center, homemade cookies, dessert recipes, easy cookie recipe
