Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Show-Stopping Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or gifting.
- Chewy and Decadent: The perfect balance of soft, creamy, and gooey.
- Sweet and Salty: A touch of sea salt complements the rich caramel and cheesecake flavors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mixing bowls: For the dough and fillings.
- Electric mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: For portioning the dough.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Description
Soft, creamy, and irresistibly sweet, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. With a creamy cheesecake-inspired filling, sweet caramel swirls, and a touch of sea salt, these cookies are guaranteed to impress at any gathering—or as a delightful indulgence for yourself!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
4. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly, and place a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of caramel sauce in the center.
7. Top with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges gently to enclose the caramel.
8. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Bake
9. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers will remain soft.
10. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while the cookies are still warm.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should remain soft and slightly underdone in the center for the best texture.
- Chill the Dough: Cold dough is easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Use Good-Quality Caramel: A rich, thick caramel sauce will hold up better during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slightly before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds an extra touch of flavor and freshness.
Q2: What if my caramel leaks during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly around the caramel. Slight leaking is okay and adds a rustic charm!
Q3: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for similar results.
Conclusion: A Decadent Delight
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a luxurious combination of soft, chewy dough, creamy filling, and gooey caramel with just the right amount of saltiness. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and might just become your new favorite cookie!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 150
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 7g
Enjoy these irresistible cookies, and don’t forget to share them with your loved ones!
