Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect mash-up of your favorite desserts — the creamy decadence of cheesecake, the sweet richness of caramel, and the comforting bite of a soft cookie, all topped off with a touch of sea salt for the perfect sweet-salty finish. These cookies offer complex flavor in a portable, easy-to-make package that looks just as good as it tastes. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday tray, a weekend bake sale, or just craving something special with your coffee, these cookies always deliver a gourmet experience.

What sets these cookies apart is their texture and balance. The dough is rich and buttery, infused with cream cheese to give it that soft, velvety texture reminiscent of a cheesecake crust. Inside, a gooey caramel center melts into each bite, while a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the depth and richness of the caramel without making the cookie too sweet. These cookies aren’t just dessert — they’re an experience. Ideal for make-ahead baking and freezer-friendly too, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the kind of treat that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Flavor Combo – Combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the richness of salted caramel in every bite.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture – The cream cheese keeps the cookies soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
3. Impressive Yet Easy – Looks bakery-worthy but made with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
4. Freezer Friendly – Perfect for making ahead and baking fresh when you’re ready.
5. Crowd-Pleasing Treat – Great for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to impress guests with something different.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Soft caramels or caramel sauce
• Flaky sea salt

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Stuffed Version: Wrap the dough around a whole soft caramel for a molten center.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy contrast.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a GF version.
• Spiced Version: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Shape and Fill

Scoop out dough balls, flatten slightly, and insert a piece of soft caramel in the center. Roll to seal the caramel inside.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Finish with Salt

Immediately after baking, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly before serving so the caramel can set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough.
• Chill the dough — it’s essential for getting thick, chewy cookies.
• Don’t overbake — remove from oven when just golden on the edges for the perfect texture.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.
• For gooey centers, use soft caramels instead of sauce.

How to Serve

Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies slightly warm so the centers are gooey and soft. They’re excellent with coffee, milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These cookies also make fantastic additions to dessert platters or edible gift boxes during the holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked dough balls (with or without caramel filling) for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to bake time.

Reheating

To revive the gooey caramel center, warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of soft caramels?

You can, but it may leak out during baking. Stick with soft, chewy caramels for a cleaner center.

2. Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps control spread and gives you a thicker, chewier cookie.

3. Can I make these without cream cheese?

You can substitute with more butter, but the texture and flavor will change significantly.

4. What kind of salt should I use?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon works best for that signature salty finish.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend should work well.

6. What’s the best caramel to use?

Use soft, chewy caramels (like Kraft or Werther’s) that melt easily when baked.

7. How do I keep caramel from leaking out?

Seal the dough completely around the caramel and avoid placing it too close to the edge.

8. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but it won’t have the cheesecake flavor — use cream cheese dough for the full effect.

9. Can I double the batch?

Absolutely — these cookies freeze well and are great to have on hand.

10. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! White or dark chocolate chips complement the caramel beautifully.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers — they combine the tangy richness of cheesecake with buttery, gooey caramel and a touch of salt to tie it all together. These cookies look elegant, taste indulgent, and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself on a cozy evening, these cookies are sure to be a standout favorite. Try them once, and they’ll become a permanent part of your cookie rotation.

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