Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
There is something utterly irresistible about the perfect combo of creamy cheesecake and rich, buttery caramel folded into a soft cookie. This Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe brings together all those dreamy flavors with a tender, chewy texture and a delicate touch of flaky sea salt that elevates every bite. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat for afternoon tea or a decadent dessert to impress guests, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet luxurious homemade delight that tastes like it took hours, but comes together with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the lush texture and balanced flavor that make these cookies stand out. From the creamy richness of cream cheese to the perfect hint of salt, each component helps build layers of deliciousness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened): Adds a tender crumb and buttery flavor essential for soft cookies.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup packed): Brings moisture and a hint of molasses richness that deepens the caramel notes.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s tender texture.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness for that chewy center.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with warm, sweet aromatics.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure without being too dense.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise slightly and stay soft inside.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the caramel.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces softened): The star that adds luxurious creaminess and tang.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and smooths the cheesecake topping perfectly.
- Thick caramel sauce (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): Infuses rich, buttery caramel flavor throughout.
- Flaky sea salt (1/2 teaspoon for topping): Adds a perfect salty crunch to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray easily without sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration creates the loose, tender texture your cookies will be known for, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract, blending until fully combined. The egg provides moisture and helps everything come together, while the vanilla lends that warm, inviting aroma that signals comfort and sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute everything evenly. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Watch for the perfect consistency—soft and slightly sticky, which will create tender cookies.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cheesecake Caramel Mixture
In another clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in the thick caramel sauce, swirling it through without fully mixing to create that gorgeous marbled effect you’ll love topping your cookies with.
Step 6: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your parchment-lined sheets, flattening each slightly with your fingers or a spatula. Carefully top each cookie base with a dollop of the caramel cheesecake mixture. This layering ensures every cookie has that luscious combination of soft cookie and creamy topping.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set and just lightly browned while keeping the centers soft and creamy. This is the key to texture—don’t overbake, or you’ll lose that trademark chewiness.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches and Cool
When out of the oven, immediately drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over each cookie and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring to a wire rack. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these decadent cookies with a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt for that contrast of salty and sweet that’s downright addictive. You can also add a small drizzle of warm caramel sauce or even a few crushed pecans to add a little crunch and nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The creamy coolness of ice cream complements the cookie’s softness perfectly, while a warm beverage rounds out the indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter with seasonal fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries, or stack them with parchment paper in between for a gift-worthy homemade treat. For parties, you could even skewer them with marshmallows and caramel drizzle for a fun “cookie pop” display that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies maintain their softness best this way, so you can enjoy them anytime without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed at room temperature when needed. This way, you’ll always have a sweet treat ready to go.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in an oven at 300°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives the creaminess and allows the caramel to melt slightly, recreating the warm, gooey experience we all crave.
FAQs
Can I use flavored caramel sauce in the Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While classic caramel works wonderfully, you can experiment with salted caramel, bourbon caramel, or even a chocolate caramel sauce for a fun twist that enhances the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have fresh cream cheese on hand?
Fresh cream cheese is best for this recipe because it provides the right texture and tang. If you must, softened Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter substitute, but avoid cream cheese spreads as they tend to be too loose.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The cookie dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and often results in a more intense flavor.
Why is my cookie dough too soft to handle?
If your dough feels too sticky or soft, simply chill it for 20 minutes before scooping. This step helps solidify the butter and sugars, so your cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Is it necessary to drizzle extra caramel after baking?
The extra caramel drizzle adds both flavor and a beautiful finishing touch, but it’s optional. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cookie or want a cleaner presentation.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, you’ll understand why these soft, creamy, and slightly salty cookies become instant favorites. They strike the perfect balance between rich cheesecake and indulgent caramel in a delightfully tender cookie. Treat yourself, your family, and friends to these homemade beauties and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a delightful treat combining the richness of creamy cheesecake swirled with luscious caramel atop soft, chewy cookies. Perfectly baked to have a tender center and just the right amount of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet and buttery flavors, these cookies are an irresistible American dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Caramel Topping
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies do not stick.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a tender cookie texture.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring an even dough consistency.
- Combine dry ingredients with wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms, making sure not to overmix.
- Prepare cheesecake caramel mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then gently swirl in the caramel sauce. Do not fully mix to maintain a marbled effect.
- Assemble cookies: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, flattening each slightly. Spoon a small amount of the caramel cheesecake mixture atop each cookie.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cookies should have set edges but remain soft in the center.
- Finish and cool: Remove cookies from the oven, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and creamy in the center.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before scooping.
- Use thick caramel sauce for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and adds a pleasant crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
