If you adore desserts that bring both the creamy richness of cheesecake and the buttery warmth of caramel into every bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These delightful thumbprint-style cookies perfectly balance soft, melt-in-your-mouth cream cheese dough with luscious pockets of gooey caramel, creating a treat that’s irresistible and utterly comforting. Whether you’re baking for a casual gathering or simply want to indulge in a sweet moment, these cookies will quickly become a beloved favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe calls for a handful of humble pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and that signature golden hue. From the cream cheese that gives a tender crumb to the caramel sauce that brings indulgent sweetness, every ingredient counts.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds a rich, creamy base and helps achieve a tender, buttery texture.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the cookies their characteristic softness and slight tanginess that pairs beautifully with caramel.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while aiding in browning for a golden finish.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and provides moisture for a tender bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The primary structure component that holds the cookie together.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a light, airy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The star ingredient that fills each cookie with indulgent, gooey richness.
- Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish: Offers a delightful contrast that amplifies the caramel’s flavor.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking, making cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key for creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. These ingredients add moisture, flavor depth, and help bring all the elements of the dough together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning throughout the dough, which is essential for perfect texture and taste.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so a gentle hand here keeps them soft and tender.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies and Add Caramel
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Using the back of a spoon or your thumb, gently press a shallow indentation into the center of each cookie and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce. This step creates that delightful surprise center everyone will love.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps the cookies firm up but keeps their lovely softness intact.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the tops and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. This extra drizzle and salt add another dimension of flavor and a gorgeous finishing touch.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a few chopped toasted nuts can elevate these cookies to gourmet status. The salt enhances the caramel’s depth while the nuts add satisfying crunch and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte to complement the buttery richness. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies on a rustic wooden board adorned with edible flowers or fresh berries for a charming dessert display. Gift them in a pretty tin layered with parchment paper for an irresistible homemade gift that will wow friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for enjoying a little treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze wonderfully. For the best results, freeze them before drizzling with caramel sauce. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and add the caramel topping fresh for that gooey perfection.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery instead of delightfully chewy.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but be mindful when adding salt to the dough. Since salted butter contains salt already, you can reduce or omit the additional salt called for in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning your cookies.
Is it okay to substitute caramel sauce with caramel bits?
While caramel bits can work, they won’t provide the same gooey, melty center that caramel sauce delivers. For that perfect buttery caramel surprise in each cookie, the sauce is your best bet.
How can I make the cookies firmer if I prefer that texture?
Simply chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This cools the butter and cream cheese, reducing spreading and resulting in a slightly firmer, thicker cookie.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s tricky because cream cheese and butter are key for texture and flavor, but using dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan butter substitute might work. Just keep in mind the taste and texture will vary from the original.
Will the caramel sauce burn during baking?
No need to worry! Since the caramel is nestled in the center and the baking time is relatively short, it softens to a delicious, molten consistency without burning.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe the very next time you crave something decadent yet comforting. These cookies bring together so many beloved flavors in one easy, satisfying bite. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a personal treat, they are sure to brighten any day with their creamy, caramel-filled magic.
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, buttery goodness of caramel. Perfectly soft and tender, each cookie features a gooey caramel center and a delicate drizzle topping, finished with an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these cookies are an ideal treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Garnish
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or whisk to blend the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter becomes smooth and homogenous, ensuring an even flavor and texture throughout.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Using the back of a spoon or your thumb, make a shallow indentation in the center of each cookie for the caramel filling.
- Fill with Caramel Sauce: Spoon approximately 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce into each indentation, ensuring a gooey center after baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges just turn golden, keeping the centers soft.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Once cooled, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for an enhanced flavor contrast.
Notes
- For firmer cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze the cookies prior to drizzling with caramel for longer storage; thaw before serving.
