Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – An Irresistible Treat
If you love cheesecake, caramel, and crispy cookies, then these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect indulgence! These cookies combine rich, creamy cheesecake filling, buttery caramel, and a hint of sea salt to create an irresistible sweet and salty dessert. Whether you’re looking for crispy salted caramel cookies, caramel cup cookies, or a unique cookie recipe to sell, this recipe is a must-try!
What Are Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a luscious cheesecake center and a drizzle of salted caramel. They offer a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, making them one of the most indulgent desserts with caramel. These cookies are great for parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sweet craving!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
To make these buttery, rich caramel cheesecake cookies, you’ll need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, softened (adds richness)
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (gives a chewy texture)
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (balances sweetness)
- Egg: 1 large (binds the dough)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (enhances flavor)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups (provides structure)
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon (for slight rise)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened (adds creaminess)
- Powdered Sugar: ¼ cup (for sweetness)
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon
For the Salted Caramel Topping:
- Caramel Sauce: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon (balances sweetness)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this crispy salted caramel cookies recipe, you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls – for preparing the dough and cheesecake filling
- Electric Mixer or Whisk – for smooth blending
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
- Baking Sheet – for baking the cookies
- Parchment Paper – to prevent sticking
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon – for evenly sized cookies
- Cooling Rack – to cool the cookies before adding caramel
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create delicious, soft caramel cookies with a creamy cheesecake center!
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill the Mixture: Scoop small teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Shape & Fill the Cookies
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls.
- Add the Cheesecake Center: Flatten each dough ball, place a frozen cheesecake filling in the center, and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely.
- Chill the Dough: Place the filled cookie balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to prevent spreading.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on the sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Drizzle with Salted Caramel
- Warm the Caramel Sauce: Heat ½ cup caramel sauce in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Drizzle & Sprinkle: Drizzle over the cookies and sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies
- Use Chilled Cheesecake Filling: Freezing the filling helps keep the center intact while baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: This keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Let the Cookies Cool Before Adding Caramel: This prevents the caramel from melting too much.
- Use High-Quality Caramel Sauce: A good caramel makes a big difference in flavor!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Sealing the Cookies Properly: If the cheesecake filling leaks, the cookies may not hold their shape.
- Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Using Too Much Caramel: A little drizzle goes a long way—too much can make the cookies overly sticky.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Make these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies extra special with:
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar – for an elegant finish
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – for a decadent dessert
- Crushed Pretzels on Top – for extra crunch and a sweet-savory contrast
- Drizzled Chocolate Sauce – for a caramel-chocolate combination
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls (with filling) for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for a gooey caramel topping.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Salted Caramel Pretzel Cake Version: Mix in crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
- No-Bake Salted Caramel Macaroons: Use a coconut-based dough for a no-bake option.
- Salted Caramel Mini Tarts: Turn this recipe into mini cheesecake-filled caramel tarts.
- Crispier Cookies: Bake an extra 2 minutes for a crunchier texture.
FAQ About Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes! Just warm it slightly before drizzling.
- What if my cookies spread too much? Chilling the dough before baking helps control spread.
- Can I use a different filling? Absolutely! Try Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves.
- How do I make these dairy-free? Use vegan butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and coconut caramel sauce.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, creamy, and packed with caramel goodness, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a holiday, or just for yourself, they offer a sweet and salty balance that’s irresistible.
Try this crispy salted caramel cookies recipe today and enjoy a delicious, bakery-style treat at home! Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more cookie recipes to sell and enjoy! 😊
PrintSalted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – An Irresistible Treat
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies feature a soft, buttery cookie dough, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a rich salted caramel drizzle. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, these cookies are great for parties, holidays, and bake sales!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
✅ ½ cup brown sugar
✅ ¼ cup granulated sugar
✅ 1 large egg
✅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✅ 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
✅ ½ teaspoon baking powder
✅ ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
✅ 8 oz cream cheese, softened
✅ ¼ cup powdered sugar
✅ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Topping:
✅ ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
✅ ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2️⃣ Freeze: Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined plate and freeze for 30 minutes.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4️⃣ Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
5️⃣ Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined.
6️⃣ Scoop & Flatten Dough: Roll cookie dough into small balls and flatten each one.
7️⃣ Add Cheesecake Center: Place a frozen cheesecake filling in the middle and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely.
8️⃣ Chill Dough Balls: Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to prevent spreading.
9️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
🔟 Bake: Arrange cookies on the sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden around the edges.
1️⃣1️⃣ Cool: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
1️⃣2️⃣ Warm Caramel Sauce: Heat ½ cup caramel sauce for 10 seconds in the microwave.
1️⃣3️⃣ Drizzle & Sprinkle: Drizzle over cookies and sprinkle with sea salt.
Notes
- Use Chilled Cheesecake Filling: Helps keep the center intact.
- Chill Dough Before Baking: Prevents excessive spreading.
- Use High-Quality Caramel: Enhances flavor and texture.
- Store in Airtight Container: Keeps cookies fresh for up to 5 days.