If you love the perfect marriage of rich cream cheese and velvety caramel inside a soft cookie, then this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite treat. These cookies boast a creamy cheesecake center wrapped in tender, brown sugar–infused dough studded with sweet caramel bits, creating the ultimate balance of gooey, buttery, and sweet in every bite. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a show-stopping dessert, these cookies offer a decadent twist that feels both comforting and delightfully indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is what makes this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe truly shine. Each one plays an important role, whether adding creaminess, sweetness, structure, or that irresistible caramel touch.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz, softened: Creates the rich, smooth cheesecake filling that’s the star of these cookies.
- Sugar, 2 tbsp: Sweetens the cheesecake filling to perfect balance.
- Vanilla extract, 2 tsp (divided): Adds warm, inviting aroma and flavor throughout both dough and filling.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened: Gives the cookie dough its tender, buttery crumb.
- Brown sugar, 1/2 cup, packed: Brings moistness and caramel notes into the dough.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the dough ingredients for perfect texture.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: Provides the cookie’s structure and soft chew.
- Baking powder, 1 tsp: Ensures the cookies rise nicely and stay tender.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Caramel bits, 1/2 cup: Deliver bursts of sweet, gooey caramel surprises in every bite.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Start by beating the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This luscious filling will become the delightful surprise hidden inside each cookie, so smoothness is key.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Next, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Incorporate the egg and the remaining teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, gently fold in the caramel bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, prepping it for that irresistible caramel sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon out dollops of cookie dough. Onto half of these dollops, add a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling. Top each with another dough dollop and gently press the edges to seal in the creamy center, creating beautifully filled cookies that hide a gooey cheesecake surprise.
Step 4: Bake with Care
Bake the assembled cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Look for golden edges and a soft center to know they’re done perfectly. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet so they set up just right, then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely without losing their tender texture.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top once the cookies have cooled to elevate the caramel flavor and add a touch of sophistication. For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over them, turning these cookies into Instagram-worthy delights.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk, a cup of dark coffee, or a warm chai latte to complement the richness of the caramel and cream cheese. They also serve beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper and garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for a charming presentation. For parties, consider stacking them into a rustic cookie tower or packaging them individually in clear bags tied with ribbons to share the joy with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying over a few days or sharing with loved ones.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, the cookie dough can be frozen before baking. Shape the filled cookie dough balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time for best results.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive their softness and the gooey cheesecake center’s lusciousness, making every bite taste freshly baked anew.
FAQs
Can I use flavored caramel bits?
Absolutely! Using bits infused with sea salt, apple, or even chocolate-covered caramel can add an exciting twist to your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. Just be mindful of how the flavors complement the creamy cheesecake center.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives specifically designed for baking. Keep in mind that flavor and texture might vary slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
Can I make the cookie dough earlier in the day?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling several hours or even a day ahead. Store both components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cookies right before baking for the best texture and flavor.
How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking during baking?
Ensuring the dough seals tightly around the cheesecake filling is crucial. Gently pressing and pinching the edges closed helps secure the filling, preventing leakage and keeping those irresistible centers intact.
Can I replace caramel bits with chopped caramel candies?
While chopped caramel candies can work, they tend to melt more and may cause spreading. Caramel bits are specially formulated for baking and maintain their shape better, giving you those perfect caramel pockets in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way a luscious cheesecake center blends with buttery cookie dough and sweet caramel bits, making this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe an unbeatable treat to make and share. Dive into baking these scrumptious gems and watch how they quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these indulgent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, featuring a soft cookie dough infused with sweet caramel bits and a creamy cheesecake filling at the center. Baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor that’s irresistible for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this luscious cheesecake mixture aside to use later as the filling.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the caramel bits evenly throughout the dough.
- Assemble the Cookies: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spoon out dollops of cookie dough. Add a small spoonful of the cheesecake filling onto half of the dollops. Top each with the remaining cookie dough dollops and gently press the edges to seal, creating filled cookies that encase a gooey cheesecake core.
- Bake with Care: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Do not overbake; the centers should stay soft for a creamy texture.
- You can substitute caramel bits with chocolate chips or toffee bits for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
