Craving a sweet indulgence? These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich flavors of caramel, the creamy goodness of cheesecake, and a soft, chewy cookie texture to create the ultimate dessert. Whether for a special occasion, a casual gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are a delightful bite of sweetness you won’t want to miss.
Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dessert, step by step!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies stand out for more than just their delicious taste—they’re a true celebration of textures and flavors:
- Creamy & Chewy: The luscious cheesecake filling brings a richness that’s perfectly complemented by the chewy cookie base.
- Cinnamon Touch: A hint of cinnamon adds a cozy warmth to every bite.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time), they’re perfect for busy bakers who want something that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out the caramel for chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or mini marshmallows for a fun twist on this classic cookie.
Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or as leftovers, these cookies are sure to hit the spot every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
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Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup. -
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch.
Pro Tip: Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies light and tender. -
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The filling should be thick but spreadable. -
Assemble the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
Spoon about ½ teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the center of each dough ball. Gently fold the dough edges around the filling to seal it. Re-flatten the cookies to ensure even baking. -
Add Caramels
Place a soft caramel square (or a small piece of caramel) on top of each sealed cookie. Press down gently to help the caramel adhere.
Optional: If using hard caramels, microwave them for a few seconds to soften before placing them on the cookies. -
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft. Rotate the pans halfway through for even browning. -
Cool & Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let the caramel set slightly before serving.
Optional: Drizzle melted caramel or chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra indulgent touch.
Tips for Success:
- Use Softened Caramels: Soft caramels are much easier to work with. If needed, microwave them briefly to soften.
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful of the cheesecake filling amount to avoid leakage during baking.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the dough and filling up to a day in advance and bake just before serving for convenience.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Swap the caramels for chocolate chunks, or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a luxurious treat bursting with flavor and texture. With their chewy cookie base, gooey cheesecake center, and the irresistible caramel topping, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this sweet creation. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments—we’d love to see how they turned out!
For more dessert inspiration, check out our other baking ideas. Happy baking, and remember—life’s too short not to enjoy something sweet every now and then! 🍴✨
