If you have a sweet tooth and an appreciation for rich, indulgent treats, then you absolutely must try this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies are like nothing else—soft and luscious from the cream cheese, perfectly balanced with a buttery caramel swirl and just the right pinch of salt to make your taste buds dance. The combination of chocolate chips and caramel bits adds delightful bursts of texture and sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together in harmony to create the perfect cookie texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy richness of the cream cheese to the salty-sweet caramel that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The base that holds all your flavors and textures together beautifully.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and gives them that tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture for soft, chewy cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the softness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances other flavors.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The secret ingredient that makes these cookies tender and cheesecake-inspired.
- Salted caramel sauce (1/4 cup): Swirled through the dough to give that unforgettable salted caramel goodness.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Small bursts of chocolate that melt perfectly inside.
- Caramel bits (1/2 cup): Little chewy pockets of caramel that take the cookies over the top.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat – this prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly. Then, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are distributed evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about three minutes on medium speed. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies stay soft and not dense.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so they fully integrate. Follow up with the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and flavor, creating the perfect cookie base.
Step 4: Mixing in the Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Then add it to your butter and sugar mixture, mixing until everything is fully combined. This cream cheese infusion is what gives the cookies their signature tangy, tender texture that feels almost like cheesecake in every bite.
Step 5: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in two or three parts, mixing on low speed just until incorporated each time. Overmixing at this stage can result in tough cookies, so be gentle. You want the dough soft, cohesive, and ready for the fun additions.
Step 6: Folding in the Salted Caramel and Mix-ins
Now for the magic: fold the salted caramel sauce into the dough gently so it swirls throughout but doesn’t completely blend. Then add the mini chocolate chips and caramel bits, folding them in until they’re evenly spread. These little pockets of chocolate and caramel are the real showstoppers!
Step 7: Baking Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. This ensures your cookies are chewy in the middle with just the right texture.
Step 8: Cooling and Storing
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets them set perfectly so they don’t fall apart. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking. This highlights the salted caramel flavor beautifully and adds a lovely crunch. A light drizzle of warmed caramel sauce over the plate also turns your serving into a little work of art.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. A hot cup of coffee or tea also complements the sweet and salty notes perfectly, enhancing your indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies into little towers tied with twine for a charming gift or party display. You can also sandwich them with a layer of caramel or cream cheese frosting for an irresistible twist on a classic cookie. Serving them on rustic wooden boards with fresh berries can turn your presentation into a delightful feast for the eyes too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you have extras, keep these cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to five days. You can even separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezing
If you want to keep these goodies longer, the dough freezes wonderfully. Simply scoop balls of dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time, and you’ll have fresh cookies anytime you want.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, melty texture that makes these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel instead of salted caramel sauce?
You can substitute regular caramel sauce, but adding a pinch of sea salt will help achieve that perfect sweet-salty balance that makes these cookies stand out.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for the unique cheesecake texture and flavor. Without it, the cookies will still taste good but lose that soft, tangy richness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking, which also helps deepen the flavors.
What if I don’t have caramel bits?
If caramel bits aren’t available, chop up some caramel candies into small pieces as a tasty substitute.
How do I avoid flat cookies?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened but not melted. Also, don’t overmix once the flour is added and chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer in your baking repertoire. These cookies bring a perfect blend of tangy cream cheese, luscious salted caramel, and melty chocolate in every bite. They are a joy to make, share, and of course, devour. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful cookie experience—you won’t regret it!
Print
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with rich flavors of cream cheese and salted caramel. Featuring a delightful blend of mini chocolate chips and caramel bits, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel bits
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium speed using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute, to ensure it blends easily into the batter.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Butter Mixture: Add the smooth cream cheese to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully combined for a rich, creamy cookie dough base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two or three additions, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Salted Caramel: Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce until it is evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding a luscious, salty sweetness.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits: Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips and caramel bits ensuring they are evenly spread for bursts of flavor in each bite.
- Scoop Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft for a perfect chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
- Store Cookies: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender.
- Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart allows them to spread evenly without merging.
- Cookie bake time can vary slightly depending on your oven; watch for lightly golden edges as an indicator.
- For extra saltiness, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookie tops before baking.
- Storage: Cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
