If you are craving something buttery, creamy, and packed with a rich caramel twist, then this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies marry the luscious smoothness of cheesecake with the deep, sweet notes of caramel, all nestled in a tender yet sturdy cookie base. Imagine biting into a cookie that holds a gooey caramel center, topped with a crunchy graham cracker sprinkle—it’s like a mini dessert party in each bite. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, these cookies bring that cozy homemade charm while being surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe comes from a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy base to the irresistible caramel and crunchy graham cracker topping, creating an unforgettable cookie experience.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Provides the perfect structure for soft yet sturdy cookies.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives just enough lift to keep cookies tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 ounces): Adds the signature cheesecake richness and moist texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings buttery flavor and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough evenly without overpowering.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Introduces subtle molasses notes for warmth.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and keeps the cookies tender.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The heart of the cookie, adding gooey, sweet indulgence.
- Crushed graham crackers (1/2 cup): Adds the perfect crunchy topping with a hint of honeyed flavor.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. This step ensures your rising agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, which helps your cookies bake perfectly every time.
Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This step is key for that signature cheesecake texture—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract—these bring moisture and harmonize the sweet flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently to combine, forming a soft dough that’s neither too sticky nor too dry. This balance is what gives the cookies their structure and tenderness.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it for 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and elevates the flavors by giving them time to meld.
Step 6: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently create an indentation in each cookie, then fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce. This is the moment the cookie truly comes alive.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set up before moving to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for that signature crunch and visual appeal.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra decadent touch, garnish your cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Both add a sophisticated contrast that highlights the caramel’s sweetness while enhancing the overall presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these caramel cheesecake cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The cool creaminess or bold bitterness creates a delightful flavor balance alongside the rich cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrangle your inner artist by arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden board, interspersed with fresh berries or edible flowers. Another fun idea is to serve them stacked with a thin layer of whipped cream between for mini cookie sandwiches that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep these caramel cheesecake cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen feels warm, pop them in the fridge to maintain their texture and extend freshness.
Freezing
To enjoy these anytime, wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for that perfect bite.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy a warm cookie, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will soften the caramel again and revive that fresh-baked sensation.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works wonderfully in this recipe, saving time without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure it’s smooth and pourable to fill the cookie centers easily.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for the cheesecake flavor and texture, so it’s best not to substitute it. However, if needed, mascarpone cheese can be a creamy alternative, though the taste will be milder.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to ensure your cookies hold together well.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking and helps the flavors deepen. It also firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and fill with caramel.
How do I store these cookies to keep the caramel from getting sticky?
Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Adding parchment paper between layers can prevent sticking. Keep them in a cool place or refrigerate to slow caramel softening.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something irresistible about this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. They effortlessly combine simplicity and indulgence, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver warm, comforting flavors that feel like a hug in dessert form. Give them a try—you’ll find it hard to resist making them again and again!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, combining the smoothness of cream cheese with luscious caramel and a crunchy graham cracker topping. These thumbprint cookies are perfect for a sweet treat that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, creating a soft base for the dough.
- Add Sugars: Incorporate granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar into the mixture, beating until fluffy to help with the light texture of the cookies.
- Mix in Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined, enhancing flavor and binding the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up for easier handling and better texture when baked.
- Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Create Indentations and Fill: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden indicating they are done.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a delightful finishing touch.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce according to preference and convenience.
- For an added flavor twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before serving to balance the sweetness with a salty kick.
