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
Scale
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
