Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re dreaming of a cookie that’s soft, creamy, and bursting with sweet caramel flavor, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are everything you want and more! They combine the rich taste of cheesecake with gooey salted caramel in every irresistible bite. Perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you crave a special treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Decadent Flavor – Creamy cheesecake meets rich salted caramel.
Soft and Chewy – Perfect cookie texture with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Impressive – They look bakery-worthy but are easy enough for beginners.
Perfect for Gifting – Great for cookie trays, holiday boxes, or just sharing with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed brown sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling and Topping:
20 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
1½ tbsp heavy cream
½ tsp flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Microwave-safe bowl
Small saucepan (optional for caramel)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Cream Cheese
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure even mixing.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls.
Place onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream.
Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
Alternatively, melt the caramel and cream in a small saucepan over low heat.

Step 9: Top the Cookies
Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cookies.
Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the caramel sets.

Step 10: Let Set and Serve
Allow the caramel to set slightly before serving.
Enjoy these sweet, salty, and creamy delights!

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Soft butter and cream cheese mix more smoothly.
Don’t Overbake – The centers should look slightly underdone for a soft, chewy texture.
Work Quickly with Caramel – Drizzle and sprinkle the salt while the caramel is still warm.
Customize – Add a few mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions
Coffee or Espresso – The rich cookies pair perfectly with a bold brew.
Ice Cream – Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Holiday Cookie Platters – These cookies are showstoppers on any festive tray.
Gift Boxes – Wrap them in parchment and ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Because of the cream cheese, you can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze the Dough: Roll into balls and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Freeze the Baked Cookies: Freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade caramel?
   Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will make them even more decadent.
2. What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
   You can use regular coarse salt, but go lightly when sprinkling.
3. Can I make these smaller?
   Yes, just adjust the baking time down by 1–2 minutes for smaller cookies.
4. Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?
   They can sit at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigerating helps keep them fresher longer.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are pure bliss in every bite—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Give them a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your sweet creations on Pinterest and Instagram. I can’t wait to see your delicious cookie masterpieces!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 180mg

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