Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine a soft, buttery cookie with a luscious cheesecake center and a rich caramel surprise. These indulgent treats are perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a decadent dessert with a gooey, creamy filling.
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
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake 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 cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whip until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe 7 small mounds onto parchment paper and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help keep the filling intact during baking.
- Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough by beating together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients and combine thoroughly.
- 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. Cover with another dough disk, seal the edges well, and gently roll into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or graham cracker crumbs.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until edges turn golden but centers remain soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembling helps maintain a creamy center and prevents spreading.
- Use a high-quality, thick caramel sauce for richer flavor and texture.
- If your kitchen is warm, chill the dough briefly to avoid excessive spreading during baking.
- Bake cookies until edges are set but centers are still soft for a chewy, gooey bite.
- Try adding dried apple bits to the dough and use spiced caramel for an autumn-inspired variation.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to a week. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the cheesecake center and caramel.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days before assembling and baking. Let it come to a slightly softer consistency before shaping.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works beautifully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold inside the cookie without running out during baking.
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Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 7 generous cookies 1x
Description
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine rich, creamy cheesecake filling with buttery caramel and soft, chewy cookie dough for an irresistible treat. The cookies have a gooey center encased in a golden-baked dough, perfect for anyone craving a decadent dessert that melts in your mouth. With a simple assembly process and a quick bake time, these cookies are perfect for dessert lovers and make a delightful addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
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
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Caramel
- ¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnishes
- Sea salt flakes
- Crushed graham crackers
- White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, combine 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 and freeze for 20–30 minutes to ensure the filling stays intact during baking.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together 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 ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Cookies: Divide the cookie dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake filling mound and a small spoonful of caramel sauce in the center. Cover with another flattened dough portion, seal the edges well, and gently roll into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle the tops with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake and Cool: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cookies 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers appear soft. Allow the cookies to 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 helps the center remain creamy and prevents leakage during baking.
- Using a high-quality caramel sauce adds a rich buttery flavor to the cookies.
- If the room temperature is warm, chilling the dough slightly before assembly helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Do not over-bake; the cookie centers should remain slightly soft for an ideal chewy texture.
- You can customize these cookies by adding dried apple bits to the dough and using spiced caramel for an autumn twist.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel cheesecake cookies, soft cookies, gooey center, caramel dessert, cream cheese cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe
