These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the richness of a classic cheesecake with the chewy goodness of a cookie. The cookies feature a buttery exterior, a creamy cheesecake center, and a sweet, salty caramel drizzle on top.
Ingredient Breakdown:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)
Flour is the main dry ingredient that helps to form the structure of the cookie. Using all-purpose flour ensures that the cookies have a tender, chewy texture without being too dense. - Baking Soda (1 teaspoon)
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies a soft, chewy texture. It helps them rise as they bake, creating a pillowy mouthfeel. - Salt (½ teaspoon)
Salt isn’t just for flavor—it helps to balance the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the overall taste profile. It also amplifies the flavor of the caramel and cream cheese filling. - Unsalted Butter (¾ cup)
Butter is a key ingredient in most cookies, providing moisture, flavor, and a tender texture. Using unsalted buttergives you better control over the amount of salt in the dough, making it easier to balance the flavors. - Brown Sugar (¾ cup)
Brown sugar is packed with molasses, which imparts a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dough. It also contributes to a chewier cookie texture and a darker color. - Granulated Sugar (¼ cup)
The granulated sugar helps the cookies spread and contributes a lighter, crispier texture compared to the brown sugar. - Egg (1 large)
The egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also contributes to the cookie’s structure and texture. - Egg Yolk (1)
Adding an extra egg yolk increases the richness of the cookie dough. It helps give the cookies a soft, chewy texture and improves their flavor. - Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)
Vanilla is a must for any cookie recipe. It adds a comforting, aromatic flavor that complements the caramel and cream cheese. - Cream Cheese (8 oz)
The cream cheese forms the base of the decadent cheesecake filling. When combined with the caramel sauce, it creates a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet cookie dough. - Caramel Sauce (½ cup)
Caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor to the filling and helps to keep the cheesecake mixture smooth. The extra caramel drizzle on top of the cookies adds a finishing touch of sweetness and makes them extra indulgent.
Making the Cookies:
- Brown the Butter
Browning the butter takes a few extra minutes but elevates the flavor significantly. The process gives the butter a nutty, deep flavor, which enhances the cookies and adds a layer of complexity. To do this, melt the butter over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the sugar mixture. - Mixing the Dough
After browning the butter, mix it with both brown and granulated sugars. This creates the foundation of the dough, giving it a soft and chewy texture. After adding the wet ingredients (eggs and vanilla), you can slowly add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) to ensure the dough is well-combined. - Cream Cheese Filling
The cream cheese and caramel sauce mixture should be smooth and easy to spoon into the center of each cookie. It’s important to make sure the cream cheese is softened so that it mixes easily. The filling is a key part of the cookie’s deliciousness, so don’t skimp on this step! - Assembling the Cookies
After rolling out the cookie dough, use your hands or a spoon to create a small well in the center of each dough ball. Add a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling, then cover it with more cookie dough and seal the edges. This ensures that the filling stays inside while baking and gives you a surprise cheesecake center when you bite into the cookie.
Baking Tips:
- Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies with more structure, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Perfecting the Shape: If you’re looking for perfectly round cookies, roll the dough into balls before flattening them with the palm of your hand. This step ensures that they bake evenly.
- Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—once the edges start turning golden brown, they are ready to be taken out. The centers will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft when you first pull them from the oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Chilled Cookies: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheesecake filling to set and make the cookies easier to slice and handle.
- Drizzle with More Caramel: Drizzling extra caramel sauce on top of the cookies not only adds a visual appeal but enhances the sweetness and makes each bite even more indulgent.
- Pairing with Beverages: These cookies are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee, milk, or even a glass of dessert wine. Their rich flavor complements many drink options!
Storing the Cookies:
- Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will remain soft and chewy.
- Refrigeration: Since they have a cream cheese filling, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy cheesecake centerbalances out the sweet, chewy cookie dough, while the caramel drizzle adds a buttery sweetness. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to a friend, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
