Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Delight in these decadent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, combining a soft and chewy cookie base with a creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a luscious caramel drizzle and an optional sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving a soft, chewy cookie base.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, creating the rich cheesecake flavor.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the sheet. Make a small indentation in each and spoon about a teaspoon of cheesecake filling into the center.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked but will firm up while cooling.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a perfect finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and cream cheese with vegan cream cheese.
- Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to granulated sugar.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- The caramel drizzle can be store-bought or homemade depending on preference and convenience.
- Sprinkling sea salt on top enhances flavor by balancing the sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: caramel cheesecake cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, caramel drizzle, cheesecake filling, dessert cookies