Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies offer the best of both worlds—chewy, spiced cookies with a creamy cheesecake center, topped off with a decadent caramel drizzle. The graham cracker crumbs in the cookie base add a delightful texture that complements the smooth cheesecake filling. With a quick prep time and a balance of sweet and tangy flavors, these cookies are ideal for any occasion. Plus, the caramel topping adds an extra indulgent touch!

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 (assumed addition):

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel flavor)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
   In a separate bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

6. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
   Beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. If you’re using the egg yolk for added richness, add it and mix until combined.

Assemble:

7. Form the Cookie Dough
   Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly and create a small indent in the center of each cookie.

8. Add the Cheesecake Filling
   Spoon a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the indent of each cookie.

Bake:

9. Bake the Cookies
   Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add Caramel:

10. Top with Caramel
    Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with caramel sauce. For a salted caramel effect, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cookie dough for extra warmth and complexity.

• Fruit Twist: Top the cheesecake filling with fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) before baking for a fruity contrast.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of caramel, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen! Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or heat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to freshen them up.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

Cream cheese is the best option for the cheesecake filling, but you can experiment with mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a different texture and flavor.

2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden, and the cheesecake filling looks set. You can also check with a toothpick—it should come out clean from the cookie dough, but it may have a bit of cheesecake filling on it.

3. Can I make the cheesecake filling without egg yolk?

Yes! The egg yolk is optional. If you leave it out, the filling will still be creamy and delicious, but the texture might be a little lighter.

4. Can I make the caramel sauce at home?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully in this recipe. You can make it by heating sugar and butter together until golden and adding cream. Allow it to cool before drizzling over the cookies.

5. Can I use gluten-free flour for these cookies?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the texture as you mix, as gluten-free flours can sometimes require slight adjustments in the amount of flour used.

6. Can I refrigerate the dough before baking?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours. Chilling the dough will help the cookies hold their shape better while baking.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to the cookies?

Yes! Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra sweetness and flavor.

8. How can I make these cookies less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use a sugar substitute for a less sweet cookie. However, the caramel topping will still add sweetness.

9. Can I use a piping bag to add the cheesecake filling?

Absolutely! Using a piping bag will make adding the cheesecake filling much easier and neater.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, you can make these cookies ahead of time. Bake them and store them in an airtight container, then drizzle with caramel just before serving.

Conclusion

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an indulgent and irresistible treat that combines the comforting flavors of cheesecake and caramel in a bite-sized cookie. With their spiced cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and decadent caramel topping, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a special dessert, or simply enjoying them on a cozy afternoon, these cookies will not disappoint!

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