Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that are sweet, slightly salty, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy, you’re going to adore this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the rich tang of cream cheese with luscious caramel chunks and a hint of sea salt to create cookies that are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these cookies bring an irresistibly decadent twist to classic dessert baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward cookie bliss. Each item plays a crucial role: from butter and cream cheese for that creamy softness, to caramel bits that introduce those signature gooey bursts. These simple essentials transform into a cookie that’s rich, chewy, and oh-so-satisfying.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a tender, buttery base for the cookie dough.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds tangy richness and a luscious creamy texture essential for cheesecake-inspired cookies.
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings deep molasses flavor and moisture, ensuring chewiness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with a slight crunch at the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for stability and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough’s shape and texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Provides gentle leavening for a light, tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the caramel’s flavor.
• 3/4 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: The star ingredient giving those irresistible pockets of caramel goo.
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips: Adds creamy sweetness and smooth contrast to the caramel.
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling: A finishing touch that amplifies the salty-sweet magic.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking, setting the stage for perfectly baked cookies.

Step 2: Cream the butter and cream cheese

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination is what creates that velvety, tender texture unique to cheesecake cookies.

Step 3: Add sugars and blend well

Mix in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, beating until the bowl is filled with light, fluffy goodness. This step incorporates air for a softer bite and develops the cookies’ characteristic chewiness.

Step 4: Incorporate egg and vanilla

Beat in the large egg followed by the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is perfectly combined to start the dough formation.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will balance rising and flavor perfectly.

Step 6: Form the cookie dough

Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a unified dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix, which can toughen the cookies.

Step 7: Fold in caramel and white chocolate

Gently fold in caramel bits and white chocolate chips, distributing the sweet surprises evenly throughout the dough for those amazing pockets of flavor.

Step 8: Shape and sprinkle with sea salt

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Slightly flatten each cookie and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt to create that crave-worthy salty-sweet finish.

Step 9: Bake to perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. For extra gooey centers, err on the side of underbaking. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving can amp up the salty-sweet contrast even more. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little warmed caramel or melted white chocolate on top for a beautiful finish and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their richness. For a truly special dessert plate, pair them with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for contrast in temperature and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies on a pretty platter lined with parchment or a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe. You can also sandwich a bit of softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an elegant twist everyone will ask about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their soft texture. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for baking ahead of time.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later on, freeze the dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness and gently melted caramel goodness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While salted butter adds flavor, it’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe so you can control the amount of salt, especially since sea salt is sprinkled on top for that perfect finish.

What if I don’t have caramel bits?

You can chop soft caramels into small pieces as a great substitute. Just be careful with the size so they melt evenly without overwhelming the dough.

Can these cookies be made dairy-free?

Since cream cheese and butter are key to the texture and flavor, dairy-free versions would require specialty substitutes that replicate both creaminess and fat content. It’s a bit tricky but not impossible with vegan cream cheese and margarine alternatives.

How do I make the cookies thicker?

Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking will help the cookies keep their shape and result in thicker, chewier treats.

What’s the best way to avoid spreading?

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted, and chilling the dough is a great tip. Also, slightly flattening the dough just before baking helps control spreading for a perfect cookie shape.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe enough if you’re craving a treat that’s tender, rich, and bursting with sweet and salty flavors all in one bite. Baking them is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas, and the results? Absolutely irresistible. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with a cookie that’s truly unforgettable.

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