Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

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These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a dreamy fusion of two beloved desserts: rich cheesecake and soft, chewy cookies. Each bite features a buttery cookie base swirled with creamy cheesecake filling and studded with gooey caramel bits. Topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or treating yourself, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s bake up this decadent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Two Desserts in One: Combines the flavors of cheesecake and cookies into one irresistible treat.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie base is perfectly tender, while the cheesecake swirl adds a luscious creaminess.
  • Sweet and Salty Balance: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the caramel and cheesecake flavors.
  • Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or swap caramel for butterscotch for variety.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 2–3 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Fold in the caramel bits gently to avoid breaking them apart.

3. Make the Cheesecake Swirl

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Cookies

  1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Use the back of a spoon or your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.
  3. Drop about 1/2 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture into the indentation, then gently press it down to spread slightly.
  4. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the cookie dough for a marbled effect.

5. Bake Until Golden

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
  2. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Drizzle and Garnish

  1. Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the tops using a spoon or piping bag.
  2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty finish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
  • Serve as part of a dessert platter alongside other cookies, brownies, or slices of cheesecake.
  • Package them in decorative boxes or bags for gifting—perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use Softened Ingredients: Ensure both the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. They will continue to set as they cool.
  • Experiment with Mix-Ins: Try adding white chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence—a buttery, chewy cookie base swirled with creamy cheesecake and loaded with gooey caramel. With their rich flavors and stunning presentation, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy.

So grab your ingredients, swirl up those flavors, and bake your way to cookie perfection. One bite of these decadent, caramel-swirled treats, and you’ll understand why they’re called “cheesecake cookies” heaven!

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