If you adore the delightful union of creamy cheesecake and sweet, buttery caramel, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a perfect bite of soft, rich cheesecake tucked inside a warm, chewy caramel-studded cookie. They’re an indulgent treat that feels homemade and special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers a spectacular combination that hits all the right notes of comfort and elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready is a breeze, and each one plays its role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the tangy cream cheese filling to the sweet caramel bits folded in the dough, every element is essential.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This is the luscious base of your cheesecake filling, providing that irresistibly creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just enough to complement the tanginess.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling): Adds depth and a warm aroma to the cheesecake center.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookie dough its rich, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts a deep, molasses-infused sweetness and keeps cookies chewy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a touch of crisp sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cookie dough together for that perfect, chewy bite.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for dough): Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookies, holding everything together flawlessly.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Provides a gentle lift, keeping cookies light.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 cup caramel bits: The star of the show—gooey pockets of caramel that add bursts of sweetness.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese together with sugar and vanilla extract until you get a perfectly smooth and creamy mixture. This step is what creates that luscious cheesecake center that makes every bite extra special. Set it aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, making your cookies delightfully tender. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then evenly fold in the caramel bits so they scatter sweet, chewy pockets throughout the dough.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon out dollops of the cookie dough. Next, dollop a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling onto half of these cookie dough mounds. Top each with another dollop of cookie dough, carefully pressing the edges to seal them well so the creamy cheesecake filling stays hidden inside during baking. This assembly is what makes these cookies so incredibly melt-in-your-mouth!
Step 4: Bake with Care
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes. Look for golden edges while ensuring the centers remain soft to preserve that gooey cheesecake core. After baking, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps them set without losing any of that tender texture.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation by lightly dusting the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted caramel sauce. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also heighten the caramel flavor, giving your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a beverage companion, a hot cup of coffee or a rich, creamy chai latte complements the cookies’ flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these gorgeous cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment, or arrange them in a tiered stand for a party. You can also package them in decorative boxes tied with ribbon for gorgeous, homemade gift giving that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe treats should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their chewy texture and creamy centers intact. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as it might dry out the cookies.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh longer, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm them briefly in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive the soft cookie texture and gooey cheesecake center beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, the texture and richness might not be as decadent. For the signature creamy and luscious filling in this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
What if I don’t have caramel bits? Can I substitute something else?
If caramel bits aren’t available, finely chopped soft caramel candy or even butterscotch chips work as good substitutes, maintaining the sweet, chewy surprise in every cookie.
How long should I bake these cookies for chewy results?
Baking for 12 to 15 minutes until just golden ensures a soft, chewy texture with a gooey cheesecake center. Overbaking will make the cookies firmer and reduce that wonderful creaminess inside.
Is the dough too soft to handle when assembling?
If the dough feels very soft, chilling it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes can help make the dough easier to handle and seal around the cheesecake filling without sticking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure it has xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cookies from crumbling.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe enough for anyone looking to wow friends and family with a cookie that’s truly special. With its creamy center, rich caramel bursts, and soft cookie exterior, it’s a delightful treat that’s just waiting to become one of your favorites. So grab your ingredients and start baking—fun and delicious moments are just a recipe away!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your taste buds with these irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies featuring a soft caramel-infused cookie dough enveloping a luscious cream cheese filling. Perfectly baked to a golden edge with a gooey cheesecake center, these cookies make an elegant and indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese together with sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Set this luscious cheesecake filling aside for later use.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the caramel bits evenly throughout the dough.
- Assemble the Cookies: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon out dollops of cookie dough onto the sheet. Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling onto half of these dough dollops. Top each with another dollop of cookie dough and gently press the edges around the cheesecake filling to seal, forming filled cookies with a gooey cheesecake center.
- Bake with Care: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overbake to ensure the cheesecake filling remains creamy and the cookie is soft in the center.
- Sealing the cookie edges properly prevents the cheesecake filling from leaking during baking.
- The caramel bits add a delightful chewy sweetness, but you can substitute with finely chopped caramel candies if unavailable.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
