Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel, all in a soft and chewy cookie. These cookies are perfect for dessert lovers and make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter or holiday gathering. With a creamy cheesecake filling and a drizzle of caramel, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Timing
Preparing Caramel Cheesecake Cookies takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out a portion of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Add Filling: Place a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the cookie dough around the filling to enclose it completely. Roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat: Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Drizzle with Caramel
- Top with Caramel: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt for an added flavor contrast.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Caramel Cheesecake Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Tips for Customization
- Chocolate Variation: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough for added texture.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different toppings like chocolate sauce or a fruit glaze instead of caramel.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store any leftover Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious fusion of flavors that bring together the richness of cheesecake and the sweetness of caramel in a delightful cookie form. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
FAQs
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough:
- • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- • 1 cup granulated sugar
- • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 3 cups all-purpose flour
- • 1 teaspoon baking soda
- • 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Cheesecake Filling:
- • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Topping:
- • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • Optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out a portion of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center, then wrap the cookie dough around the filling to enclose it completely. Roll it into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Drizzle with Caramel
- Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. If desired, sprinkle a little sea salt for an added flavor contrast.
