Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful flavors of salted caramel, all nestled in a chewy cookie. These decadent treats are perfect for cookie lovers and a fantastic addition to any dessert table!

Ingredients List

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup cream cheese, 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 powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

For Topping:

• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
• Sea salt for garnish (optional)

Timing

Preparing Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of baking time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Sugars: Gradually add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Cookies

1. Scoop Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop a portion of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Add Caramel: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball and fill it with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce.
3. Cover with Dough: Take another small piece of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place it over the caramel filling to seal it in. Gently press down to flatten the cookie slightly.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish

1. Drizzle with Caramel: Once the cookies are completely cooled, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the tops.
2. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt for that irresistible salty-sweet flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	210
Protein	2g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	30g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey flavor.
• Use Different Sauces: Substitute caramel sauce with chocolate sauce or butterscotch for a different twist.
• Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover Irresistible Salted 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 freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent treat that brings together the best flavors of cheesecake and salted caramel in a delightful cookie form. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!

FAQs

Can I make the 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.

Are these cookies suitable for kids?

Yes! The sweet and creamy flavors make these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.