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
Scale
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.
