If you have a soft spot for rich, creamy desserts with a delightful twist, then this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth, perfectly complemented by a luscious caramel center and a crunchy graham cracker topping. These cookies capture the essence of cheesecake in a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or craving an indulgent snack, this recipe brings together the best of creamy and caramel flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the tender texture, rich flavor, and irresistible aroma that make these cookies so special.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without weighing down the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just enough lift for a light and tender crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Infuses the cookies with a subtle tang and creamy richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Contributes to the buttery flavor and moist texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping the cookies to brown beautifully.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring the perfect cookie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling): The star ingredient that fills and adorns the cookies with luscious gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping): Provides a delightful crunch and cheesecake-inspired finish.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix will create the perfect base for your cookie dough, so give it a good stir before setting it aside.
Step 2: Cream Together the Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until the texture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it ensures a light, fluffy base for the cookie dough that will melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Sugars, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and tender. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, blending everything thoroughly. This combination brings sweetness and depth of flavor, preparing the dough for the final dry ingredient addition.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Chill
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—don’t overwork the dough to keep your cookies soft. Once mixed, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes. This chilling phase helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and ensuring the cookies bake evenly.
Step 5: Shape, Fill, and Bake
After chilling, scoop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges develop a lovely light golden hue.
Step 6: Cool, Drizzle, and Top
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that irresistible shine and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers. This final touch adds texture and an extra layer of flavor that makes the cookies truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with a light sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet balance. A dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side can also add a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramel flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a creamy latte for a delightful afternoon treat. They also go wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning snack time into a mini dessert feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, arrange the cookies on a platter with additional caramel sauce drizzles and graham cracker crumbs sprinkled around. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cheesecake filling or caramel sauce in between for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Caramel Cheesecake Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, popping them into the fridge works well to keep the cream cheese component fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies easily by layering them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours for soft, fresh-tasting treats.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The caramel will soften and the cookie will regain a delightful softness, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. Just choose a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.
Do the cookies need to be refrigerated because of the cream cheese?
While cream cheese is involved, these cookies keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration is recommended.
Can I substitute the graham cracker topping with something else?
Yes! Crushed nuts, cookie crumbs, or crushed pretzels can be great alternatives depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the caramel from spilling over during baking?
Making a small indentation in the dough before baking helps keep the caramel contained. Using only about a teaspoon per cookie also prevents spills.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, made without any meat or gelatin ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. Their perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy elements makes them a standout treat for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try making them yourself and share the joy that comes with every bite.
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
Delight your taste buds with these soft and creamy Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Featuring a luscious cream cheese and butter base, these cookies are filled with gooey caramel centers and topped with crunchy graham crackers for an irresistible dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, these thumbprint-style cookies combine the rich flavors of cheesecake and caramel in every bite.
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
Fillings and Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the perfect rich base for your cookies.
- Add Sugars and Mix: Add granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy, incorporating air for a lighter texture.
- Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, blending them evenly into the dough to enhance flavor and texture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking and improves texture.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie to create a well for the caramel filling.
- Fill with Caramel: Fill each cookie indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce, ensuring a gooey center once baked.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool and Transfer: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle and Finish: Once cooled, drizzle each cookie with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch and enhanced presentation.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.
- You can use either store-bought or homemade caramel sauce depending on your preference and convenience.
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before serving.
