Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, gooey flavor of caramel, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Soft, tender cookies with a luscious cheesecake center and a caramel drizzle make these treats irresistible and a favorite for any occasion.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (part of the 2 large eggs)
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt for topping
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully combined, ensuring the wet ingredients are well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cookies tender.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining egg, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie with your finger or the back of a spoon.
- Fill with Cheesecake. Spoon approximately one teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the indentation of each cookie, ensuring an even layer for a gooey cheesecake center.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. This baking time ensures the cookies remain tender with a creamy cheesecake middle.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set their shape, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Add Topping: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and salty contrast and add a crunchy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and an even texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes to ensure even baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before adding caramel sauce to prevent it from melting and running off.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: salted caramel cheesecake cookies, caramel cookies, cheesecake filled cookies, soft cookies, dessert cookies, sweet and salty cookies