Why Make This Recipe

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious treat that combines two favorites: cookies and cheesecake. They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, a family gathering, or just craving something sweet. The soft and chewy cookie base complements the creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with a rich drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s an easy recipe that anyone can follow, making it a great choice for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake filling)
1 egg yolk (optional, for richness)
½ cup caramel sauce
Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract (and egg yolk, if using) until smooth. Set aside.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly and create a small indent in the center of each cookie.
Spoon a teaspoon of cheesecake filling into each indent.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Drizzle the cooled cookies with caramel sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel effect.

How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are best served warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature. You can enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them for dessert after a meal. Pairing them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful treat.

How to Store Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
For a fun twist, try using flavored caramel sauce like salted caramel or chocolate caramel.
If you want a richer cheesecake filling, don’t skip the optional egg yolk.

Variation

You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough. Another variation is to use different flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or chocolate, for the filling.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, low-fat cream cheese can be used, but it may affect the texture and richness of the filling slightly.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
- You can crush other cookies, like vanilla wafer cookies or digestive biscuits, as a substitute for graham crackers.