Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a soft, creamy cookie that tastes just like a slice of rich cheesecake swirled with luscious caramel and kissed with a touch of sea salt. These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies deliver exactly that! They’re sweet, slightly salty, decadently creamy, and incredibly simple to make. Perfect for when you need a dessert that feels a little fancy but takes no time at all—ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or just a much-deserved treat for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: These cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients—no water baths or springform pans like a regular cheesecake!
• Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese adds that velvety cheesecake flavor, while the caramel melts into gooey, golden ribbons throughout the dough.
• Salty-Sweet Perfection: The sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness in the most addictive way possible.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re baking for a holiday tray, a potluck, or a self-care Sunday, these cookies never last long on the plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these cookies so special—and delicious:

• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy cheesecake-like texture and flavor. Use it softened for easy mixing.
• Butter: For richness and that classic chewy cookie texture. Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-y sweetness that enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps with structure and just the right touch of sweetness.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet and creamy flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds it all together—simple and reliable.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies a gentle lift so they’re soft in the center.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness; a pinch in the dough is essential.
• Soft Caramel Candies or Caramel Sauce: Either works! Fold them into the dough or swirl the sauce in for gooey pockets of caramel.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkled on top just before or after baking to give that iconic salted caramel finish.

Variations

There are so many fun ways to customize these cookies depending on what you’re craving:

• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the tops for extra indulgence.
• Graham Cracker Bits: Add crushed graham crackers into the dough for a nod to cheesecake crust.
• Stuffed Style: Wrap the dough around a caramel candy before baking for a molten caramel center.
• Nutty Addition: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and complement the caramel so well.
• Pumpkin Spice Version: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the dough for a fall twist.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form your cookie dough.

Step 4: Fold in the Caramel

Gently fold in your caramel candies or swirl in caramel sauce. Be careful not to overmix if using sauce—those golden streaks are what we’re after.

Step 5: Scoop and Chill

Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes—this helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool.

Step 7: Finish with Sea Salt

Right after baking, while they’re still warm, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened—this ensures a smooth dough and even baking.
• Don’t Overbake: They may look a little underdone in the center, but that’s the magic. Let them set on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking.
• Caramel Control: If using caramel sauce, go for a thick one. Thin sauces tend to ooze out too much during baking.
• Chill the Dough: Even 30 minutes in the fridge helps your cookies hold shape and taste more buttery and rich.

How to Serve

These cookies are dreamy all on their own, but you can definitely take them to the next level:

Warm and Gooey:

Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—total dessert heaven.

Coffee Companion:

Pair with a cup of strong espresso or a creamy latte. The salty-sweet contrast is so satisfying.

Party-Perfect:

Arrange on a platter with strawberries, chocolate-dipped pretzels, and mini cheesecakes for a dessert spread everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy!

Freezing

Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 1-2 minutes.

Reheating

Warm baked cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes! Just choose a thick, high-quality caramel sauce. Thin sauces may make the dough too wet and spread too much during baking.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?
While not absolutely necessary, chilling really helps the cookies keep their shape and enhances the texture and flavor. It’s definitely worth the extra time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?
Stick to full-fat block cream cheese, not the spreadable kind in a tub. It gives the best creamy texture and flavor without thinning out the dough.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the kind of dessert that feels indulgent and fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. With a handful of pantry ingredients and a little love, you can whip up these irresistible cookies any time the craving hits. Go ahead and give them a try—one bite and you’ll see why they’re bound to become a go-to favorite!

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