Introduction

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine a soft, buttery cookie with a luscious cheesecake center and a sweet caramel surprise. They offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make them irresistible treats for any occasion.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar (for filling)
½ tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: Sea salt flakes for garnish
Optional: Crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of white chocolate

Instructions

Step 1: Make the cheesecake filling by combining the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Whip until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe the mixture into 7 small mounds on a piece of parchment paper and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the cookie dough by beating the softened butter, brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing well.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and combine until just mixed.
Step 4: Divide the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake mound and a small spoonful of caramel sauce in the center, then cover with another flattened dough piece. Seal the edges well and roll gently into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembly helps keep the center intact and creamy during baking.
For extra flavor, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
Use sea salt flakes on top to enhance the caramel’s sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
Double the recipe to share – these cookies disappear quickly!

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the creamy filling warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, fresh flavor. You can easily make it by melting sugar and adding butter and cream. Just ensure it is fully cooled before using in the cookies.

Why do I need to freeze the cheesecake filling?

Freezing the filling helps it hold its shape and prevents it from melting too quickly while baking, which keeps the cookies neat with a creamy, gooey center.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 106 reviews

Indulge in these delightful Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, featuring a soft and buttery cookie exterior with a luscious cream cheese filling and a sweet caramel center. Perfectly baked to golden edges with a soft center, these cookies offer a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors, making them a standout treat for any occasion.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 7 generous cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Cheesecake Filling

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

Caramel

¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnishes

Sea salt flakes
Crushed graham crackers
Drizzle of white chocolate

Instructions

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe this filling into 7 small mounds on a piece of parchment paper and freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up, which helps keep the filling intact during baking.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each dough portion in your palm. Place one frozen cheesecake filling mound and a small spoonful of caramel sauce in the center of a flattened dough piece. Cover this with another dough piece, seal the edges well to encase the filling and caramel, and gently roll into a ball. Optionally sprinkle sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers on top for garnish.
Bake and Cool: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the assembled cookies about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembling the cookies is crucial to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
You can double the batch as these cookies tend to disappear quickly!
Optional garnishes like sea salt flakes, crushed graham crackers, or white chocolate drizzle enhance the flavor and presentation.
Ensure the cookie dough portions are even-sized to promote uniform baking.
Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet to set shape before moving them to a cooling rack.

Keywords: caramel cheesecake cookies, cream cheese cookies, caramel filled cookies, homemade cookies, dessert cookie recipe