Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, creamy, and bursting with rich caramel flavor. With a cheesecake-infused dough and a gooey salted caramel center, these cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether for a holiday, party, or a cozy night in, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Chewy – A soft cheesecake-flavored cookie with a gooey caramel surprise.
• Sweet & Salty Perfection – The perfect balance of rich caramel and flaky sea salt.
• Easy to Make – No need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques.
• Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or a sweet treat.
• Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or drizzle with extra caramel!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• Soft caramel candies or homemade caramel sauce
• Sea salt flakes

Optional Toppings:

• Extra caramel drizzle
• White chocolate drizzle
• Chopped pecans or almonds

Directions

Make the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars – In a bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg & Vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Shape & Fill the Cookies:

6. Scoop Dough – Use a cookie scoop to form small dough balls.
7. Add Caramel Filling – Flatten each dough ball slightly, place a caramel candy in the center, then fold the dough around it and seal.
8. Place on Baking Sheet – Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.

Bake & Finish:

9. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
10. Cool Slightly – Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. Top with Sea Salt – Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
12. Optional Drizzle – Drizzle extra caramel or white chocolate on top for a gourmet touch.

Serve & Enjoy:

13. Let Set – Allow the caramel to cool slightly before biting in!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 18-24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Caramel Cookies – Add chocolate chips to the dough.
• Nutty Caramel Cookies – Mix in chopped pecans or almonds for crunch.
• Espresso Caramel Cookies – Stir in 1 tsp of espresso powder for a coffee kick.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Cheesecake Flavor – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to enhance the cheesecake taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen.
• Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds to get the caramel gooey again!

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel candies?

Yes! Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape inside the cookie.

How do I prevent caramel from leaking out?

Make sure to fully seal the dough around the caramel before baking.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge or freeze the dough for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

What’s the best way to get a gooey center?

Use soft caramel candies and don’t overbake—slightly underbaked centers will stay gooey.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe slightly.

How do I get perfectly round cookies?

Use a round cookie cutter to “scoot” them into shape while still warm.

Can I add cinnamon or spices?

Yes! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds extra warmth to the flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?

Yes, but you’ll need to freeze dollops of caramel sauce before stuffing them into the dough.

What pairs well with these cookies?

Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk!

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a heavenly mix of creamy, chewy, and gooey goodness. Whether you love sweet and salty desserts or just want a show-stopping cookie, this recipe is a must-try. Bake a batch today and enjoy the rich caramel flavor in every bite!

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