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Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 576 reviews

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine rich, creamy cheesecake filling with soft, buttery cookie dough and luscious caramel for a decadent treat. Each cookie features a gooey cheesecake center surrounded by tender cookie layers, with a delightful caramel surprise. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cookies are easy to assemble and bake, making them a fun and impressive bake for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Caramel:

  • ¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnish:

  • Sea salt flakes
  • Crushed graham crackers
  • Drizzle of white chocolate

Instructions

  1. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe 7 small mounds onto parchment paper and freeze for 20–30 minutes to ensure the filling holds firm while baking.
  2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
  3. Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake filling mound and a small spoonful of caramel in the center. Cover with another flattened dough portion, seal the edges, and carefully roll into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers.
  4. Bake and Cool: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges turn golden but the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Freezing the cheesecake filling is essential to maintain a creamy center that doesn’t melt during baking.
  • Use a good quality, thick caramel sauce for best flavor and texture.
  • If the room temperature is warm, chilling the dough before assembling helps prevent excessive spreading while baking.
  • Bake cookies until just set to ensure a chewy and soft center.
  • Optional toppings such as sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers add texture and enhance flavor.
  • Try adding dried apple bits and spiced caramel for a seasonal variation.

Keywords: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, cheesecake cookies, caramel cookies, soft cookies, gooey cheesecake center, dessert cookies, homemade cookies