Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of two delightful desserts: the creaminess of cheesecake and the chewiness of cookies, all topped with luscious salted caramel. Whenever I whip up a batch, the aroma wafting through my kitchen leads to happy faces and eager anticipation. They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience! Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive occasion, these cookies lend an irresistible charm that turns ordinary moments into memorable ones.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a game-changer for dessert lovers and cookie aficionados alike! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie only to discover a sweet cream cheese surprise inside, followed by a heavenly drizzle of salted caramel. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also quick and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, they incorporate common ingredients found in most kitchens, so you won’t have to make a special trip to the store!
"These cookies were a huge hit at our family gathering—they disappeared in minutes! The caramel and cheesecake filling adds such a special touch. I will definitely bake them again!"
Preparing Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Making these cookies is an enjoyable and straightforward process. You’ll begin by creaming together the butters and sugars, which gives your cookie that light, fluffy texture. From there, it’s all about combining the dry and wet ingredients, creating that perfect dough! But the magic happens when you incorporate the luscious cream cheese filling—a surprise that elevates an already delicious cookie. The entire preparation process is quick and seamless, and before you know it, you’ll have freshly baked cookies awaiting your indulgence.
Ingredients for the Best Cheesecake Cookies
Gather your ingredients to get started:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Feel free to swap out the unsalted butter for salted butter to enhance that flavor, or use a dairy-free cream cheese if you need a lactose-free version!
Step-by-step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Take a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and roll into a ball.
- Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Once cooled, drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cookies can be enjoyed right out of the oven while the caramel is gooey and the cream cheese is perfectly soft. For a delightful twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of steaming coffee. You can also serve them as a decadent treat at a dessert bar alongside brownies and cakes for lavish gatherings.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (doubtful, but just in case!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also keep them in the fridge for a week for a refreshingly cool treat. If you want to save them for later, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Pro Chef Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it with sugars for a nutty depth that elevates your cookies.
- Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened to avoid lumps in your filling.
- If you’d like a more intense salted flavor, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top just as they come out of the oven while they’re still warm.
Creative Twists
While these cookies are delightful as they are, you can easily switch things up! Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch or use flavored cream cheeses, such as strawberry or pumpkin, for a seasonal flair. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a sweet finish, or even swap out the salted caramel for a rich chocolate ganache!
Your Questions Answered
-
How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
Prep time is about 20 minutes, with baking taking an additional 10-12 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful recipe! -
Can I substitute the cream cheese with anything?
Yes! You can use mascarpone cheese or even a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. -
What’s the best way to reheat these cookies?
If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a couple of minutes.
Now that you’re equipped with everything you need, get ready to whip up a batch of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that will surely impress your family and friends! Enjoy the delicious journey of baking and, more importantly, savor every bite!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Can substitute with salted butter.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For Topping
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes For sprinkling on top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Take a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Fold the dough around the filling and roll into a ball.
- Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Once cooled, drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
