Description

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake filling nestled inside soft, buttery cookies, topped with a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These treats combine the best of both worlds—decadent cheesecake and classic cookies—with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature (divided)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt

Cheesecake Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

1/2 cup caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically about 2-3 minutes. This process incorporates air for a tender texture. Beat in one egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining egg, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is fully incorporated and creamy.
Assemble Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. With the back of a spoon or your finger, create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball. Fill each indentation with about one teaspoon of the cheesecake filling.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add Toppings: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously drizzle caramel sauce over the tops and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty finish.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
Use room temperature eggs to help create an even batter.
For best caramel topping, use a quality caramel sauce or make your own.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted caramel, cheesecake, cookies, caramel sauce, dessert, sweet and salty, soft cookies, cream cheese filling