Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
If you’re ready to indulge your sweet tooth with something extra special, the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to claim a top spot in your dessert repertoire. Imagine rich, velvety cream cheese melded with buttery cookie dough, bursts of gooey caramel, and a slight crunch from optional graham cracker crumbs — all in a perfectly portioned treat. Each bite captures classic cheesecake flavor with the playful twist of caramel, making these cookies equally perfect for family gatherings or when you’re craving a bakery-quality cookie fix at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whether you bake all the time or only for special occasions, you’ll love how straightforward these ingredients are. Each one brings something essential: softness, sweetness, lift, or that signature creamy taste that makes these cookies impossible to resist.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The creamy base for your dough, creating a rich texture without overpowering flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): The secret to that cheesecake tang and irresistibly soft, chewy center.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a perfectly tender crumb.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances every layer of flavor and brings out the best in the other ingredients.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Forms the structure of your cookies, making them sturdy yet soft.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives your cookies a lift and just enough puffiness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brightens the cheesecake flavor.
- Soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels (1/2 cup): These melt into gooey pockets of caramel for pure cookie bliss.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1/4 cup, optional for topping): Adds a classic cheesecake crust note and a little crunch if you like.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Starting with a preheated oven ensures the cookies bake up with those delightfully soft centers and lightly golden edges, while the parchment paper guarantees easy removal and quick cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until the mixture is smooth. This step is key for a luscious cookie base — take a minute or two to whip until you no longer see lumps. This is the moment where the cookie’s signature cheesecake flavor is built.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy; this aeration helps keep the cookies soft. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is well incorporated. The vanilla aroma should be irresistible already!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want everything blended but not overworked.
Step 5: Fold in Caramel and Shape Cookies
With a gentle hand, fold in the caramel bits or chopped soft caramels. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough, rolling each into a ball and placing them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. For that cheesecake feel and extra appeal, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top if you wish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges will set, but the centers should look a bit soft — that’s exactly how you want them. If you’re craving extra gooey caramel, you can gently press a few more caramel bits on top before they bake. Once done, let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long).
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies an elegant touch, while an extra sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs can hint at that classic cheesecake finish. If you’re feeling extra decadent, try a light drizzle of caramel sauce once the cookies are fully cooled.
Side Dishes
Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of coffee, or a velvety hot chocolate. For a party platter, pair them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even small scoops of ice cream for a deconstructed cheesecake effect.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these golden beauties on a cake stand for a show-stopping centerpiece, or gift them in a clear box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade treat. For parties, sandwich a little ice cream between two cookies for irresistible ice cream sandwiches inspired by the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies soft and fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Layering parchment or wax paper between cookies helps keep the caramel from sticking and preserves their perfect texture.
Freezing
To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If you prefer your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe a little warm and gooey, pop one in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This will make the caramel centers soft and irresistible — almost like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel bits or do I need to chop actual caramels?
Store-bought caramel bits are super convenient and melt beautifully, but chopped soft caramels work just as well. Just be sure they’re soft (not the hard, individually wrapped variety) for the best gooey results in this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The recipe is otherwise gluten-free friendly.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs on top?
Not at all — they’re optional and mostly add a bit of classic cheesecake flavor and crunch. The cookies shine on their own, but the graham cracker topping can be a tasty bonus.
Can I double the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully. You can easily make a larger batch for sharing at parties or wrapping up as thoughtful gifts. Just bake in batches to avoid crowding your pan.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a soft center that’s just set; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can dry out the cookies, so err on the side of slightly underdone for the signature texture of the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about whipping up a batch of homemade cookies that taste like your favorite cheesecake — and the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe always delivers on flavor and fun. I hope you give these cookies a try the next time you’re in the mood for a treat that’s equal parts nostalgic, creative, and seriously delicious.
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of caramel cheesecake with these soft and chewy cookies. Cream cheese adds a luscious texture while caramel bits provide gooey pockets of sweetness. A delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Beat in granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare Dough: Fold in caramel bits. Roll dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and centers are still soft. Cool on sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra gooey cookies, press additional caramel bits onto dough balls before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
