Introduction
Caramel cheesecake cookies combine everything people love about dessert into one irresistible bite. They have the soft, chewy texture of a cookie, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the deep sweetness of caramel that ties everything together. The first time I tested this recipe, I was aiming for a cookie that felt indulgent without being overly complicated, and the result exceeded expectations. These cookies bake up tender with a slightly crisp edge, while the cheesecake element keeps the centers soft and luxurious. The caramel adds just enough sweetness to make them feel special without overwhelming the balance. They are perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a dessert that feels elevated yet comforting. Once you try them, these cookies quickly become a favorite for both casual snacking and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are rich, soft, and full of layered flavor. They offer a unique twist on classic cookies by incorporating cheesecake elements, making them stand out from standard cookie recipes. They are easy to prepare, visually appealing, and guaranteed to impress.
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Caramel Cheesecake Cookies That Are Soft, Rich, and Bakery-Worthy
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy cookies filled with a creamy cheesecake center and drizzled with rich caramel, combining the flavors of cheesecake and cookies in one indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 115 g cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Scoop cookie dough, flatten slightly, and add a small spoon of cream cheese mixture in the center.
- Wrap dough around the filling and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft.
- Do not overfill cookies to prevent leaking.
- Store cookies in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives these cookies their signature cheesecake flavor and keeps the texture soft and moist. It adds richness without heaviness.
Unsalted Butter
Butter provides structure and flavor. When creamed properly, it helps create a tender yet chewy cookie.
Granulated Sugar
Sugar sweetens the cookies and contributes to their soft texture.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with the caramel filling.
Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and helps create a smooth dough.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds warmth to the overall taste.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
Baking Powder
Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, preventing them from becoming dense.
Salt
Salt balances the sweetness and sharpens the caramel and cheesecake flavors.
Caramel Sauce or Soft Caramels
Caramel adds sweetness and richness, creating pockets of gooey texture inside the cookies.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Press a small amount of caramel sauce or a soft caramel into the center of each dough ball, gently sealing it inside. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 18 cookies. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, baking time is 14 minutes per batch, and cooling time is 15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating, but a few seconds in the microwave can soften the caramel center.
Variations and Customizations
Caramel cheesecake cookies are easy to customize. For added texture, fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough. You can also drizzle extra caramel over the cookies after baking for a decorative finish. If you enjoy contrast, add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to create a salted caramel version.
For a chocolate twist, mix mini chocolate chips into the dough. You can also substitute caramel with dulce de leche for a slightly deeper flavor. If you prefer smaller cookies, reduce baking time slightly to maintain soft centers.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use softened cream cheese for a smoother dough.
Do not overmix once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
Seal caramel well to prevent leaking during baking.
Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft to handle.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The dough may be too warm; chilling helps control spreading.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, thick caramel sauce works best.
Do these cookies need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cream cheese, refrigeration is recommended.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze baked cookies for up to two months.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portioned dough can be frozen and baked later.
Are these cookies very sweet?
They are rich but balanced by the cream cheese.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for best texture.
How do I keep the caramel from hardening?
Store cookies in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Are these cookies suitable for special occasions?
Yes, they are elegant, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing.
Conclusion
Caramel cheesecake cookies are a luxurious twist on classic cookies, combining creamy texture with rich caramel flavor. Soft, indulgent, and easy to make, they are the perfect dessert when you want something memorable yet comforting. Once baked, they rarely last long on the plate.
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