Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring together the best of both worlds — a soft, spiced cookie loaded with graham cracker crumbs and a luscious cheesecake filling topped with rich caramel. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon notes and a hint of salted caramel, these cookies are indulgent, rich, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love These

• Creamy Cheesecake Center: A smooth and tangy cream cheese filling enhances every bite.
• Soft & Spiced Cookies: Lightly spiced with cinnamon and packed with crispy graham cracker crumbs.
• Decadent Caramel Topping: Silky caramel sauce drizzled atop adds a rich sweetness with an optional salty edge.
• Made from Scratch: Wholesome ingredients and simple steps bring bakery-quality cookies home.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, gifts, or everyday sweet treats.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk (optional, for richness)

For the Caramel Topping:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk if using; mix until creamy and set aside.
2. Make Cookie Dough: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in graham cracker crumbs.
5. Assemble Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
6. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Flatten slightly. Create a small well in the center of half the dough balls.
7. Place a spoonful of cheesecake filling into each well. Top with the remaining cookie dough balls and seal edges gently.
8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Chill for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
10. Remove from oven and cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
11. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the tops. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt if desired.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze un-frosted cookies wrapped individually in plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before drizzling with caramel.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
• Garnish with extra graham cracker crumbs or chopped pecans for texture.
• These cookies also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a luxe dessert.

Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
• Do not overmix dough to keep cookies tender.
• Chill dough before baking to control spread and deepen flavor.
• For a richer filling, include the optional egg yolk.
• Use thick caramel sauce so it doesn’t run off the cookies.
• Seal cheesecake filling carefully inside the dough to avoid leaks.

Conclusion

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat for cheesecake and cookie lovers alike. This recipe combines the creamy tang of cheesecake with the soft warmth of spiced cookies and luscious caramel drizzle — an irresistible trifecta for dessert anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of filling? Fresh cheesecake filling is preferred for texture, but frosting can be used as a quick alternative.
• Is the caramel topping necessary? It’s optional but elevates the flavor to decadent perfection.
• Can I freeze baked cookies with caramel? It’s best to freeze without caramel to maintain texture and drizzle after thawing.

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