These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate sweet treat—soft buttery cookies filled with a smooth cheesecake center and finished with a drizzle of warm caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. With layers of flavor and texture in every bite, they’re rich, chewy, creamy, and completely irresistible.

Perfect for dessert lovers who want something a little fancy without the fuss!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • 🧁 Cheesecake Inside a Cookie: A surprise filling that’s soft, sweet, and tangy.
  • 🥄 Balanced Sweetness: Caramel adds richness while sea salt balances it out.
  • 🍪 No Fancy Tools Needed: Just a bowl, spoon, and baking sheet—no mixer required.
  • 🕒 Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in under 30 minutes.
  • 🎉 Great for Gifting: Beautiful, flavorful, and perfect for holiday trays or cookie swaps.

Ingredients (Makes about 18–20 cookies):

For the Cookie Dough:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter , softened
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • A pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese , softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup (60ml) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce , warmed
  • A generous pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat .


Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, beat together:

  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar

until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Pinch of salt

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms.


Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix:

  • Softened cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

until smooth and creamy. Set aside.


Step 4: Assemble the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, form dough into balls (about 1–2 tablespoons each).

Flatten each ball into a disc and place a small amount of cheesecake filling (about ½ teaspoon) in the center.

Fold the dough around the filling, sealing well, and roll back into a ball.

Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart—they won’t spread too much during baking.


Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12–14 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Let cool completely on the baking sheet before topping—it helps prevent crumbling.


Step 6: Add the Caramel Finish

Once cooled, drizzle each cookie generously with warm caramel sauce .

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.


Tips for Success:

  • 🧈 Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter and cream cheese should be at room temperature for best texture.
  • 🔪 Seal Well: Press seams firmly when wrapping the cheesecake filling to avoid leakage.
  • 🧂 Salted Caramel Lovers: Increase the sea salt or sprinkle more on top after caramel drizzle.
  • 📦 Make Ahead Option: These keep well in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • ❄️ Freeze the Dough: Shape and freeze unbaked cookie balls, then bake as needed straight from frozen (add 2–3 minutes to baking time).

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.
  • Serve at parties, school lunches, or as a special after-school treat.
  • Perfect for gifting in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):

(Without optional toppings)

  • Calories: ~120 kcal
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Carbohydrates: ~12g
  • Fat: ~7g
  • Fiber: ~0.5g
  • Sugar: ~7g

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring together all your favorite flavors in one easy-to-make, handheld treat. From the buttery cookie base to the creamy cheesecake center and the final touch of caramel and sea salt—it’s a flavor experience worth savoring.

So go ahead and make a batch today… you won’t regret one single bite!

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