Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Introduction
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate treat with these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies! This delightful recipe combines the soft, chewy texture of cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the sweet-salty goodness of salted caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dessert right in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: No need for complicated techniques; this recipe is straightforward!
- Simple Ingredients: Use everyday items from your pantry for a hassle-free baking experience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a guaranteed hit at parties or gatherings.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of flavors will leave your taste buds wanting more.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy a warm cookie with a drizzle of salted caramel for a cozy treat.
This recipe stands out by combining two beloved desserts—cookies and cheesecake—into one incredible bite.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cookie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
For Garnish:
- Additional salted caramel sauce for drizzling
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Cream the butters and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla: One by one, add the eggs into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
Prepare the cheesecake filling: In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add swirls of cheesecake: Gently fold the cheesecake mixture into the cookie dough. You want to see swirls of cheesecake, not fully combined.
Scoop the dough: Use a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and drizzle: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
These cookies are best served warm to enjoy that gooey cheesecake center. For serving, arrange them on a decorative plate and drizzle with more salted caramel.
To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the dough for future baking—just scoop the dough, freeze on a tray, and then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Helpful Notes
- For an added twist, try mixing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the cookie dough.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Be sure to let the cream cheese soften well—this will help create that smooth filling.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a chewy cookie base, making them utterly irresistible. Bake a batch to impress your friends and family or simply treat yourself to a sweet indulgence. If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below. Don’t forget to share on social media! What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, although the texture might be slightly different.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.