Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re searching for a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and buttery in a single treat, look no further than Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies are an irresistible fusion of rich caramel, luscious cheesecake flavor, and the soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a snack or a special occasion, this recipe brings comforting sweetness with a gourmet twist you’ll keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor combination: The creamy cheesecake meets buttery salted caramel to create an unforgettable balance of tastes.
• Soft and chewy texture: Crafted to stay tender and moist, these cookies never dry out or become crumbly.
• Simple ingredients: Using commonly available ingredients means no complicated shopping trips or rare finds.
• Versatile dessert option: Perfect for gifting, parties, or an everyday indulgence, these cookies suit many occasions.
• Customizable recipe: Easy to tweak with add-ins or tweaks for dietary preferences without losing charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies lies in the harmony of simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor, texture, and appearance. From creamy cream cheese to golden caramel, every element is essential to achieving that dreamy cookie experience.

• Cream cheese: Provides the signature cheesecake creaminess and tenderizes the dough for softness.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture, helping achieve a soft and chewy texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and keeps cookies moist.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without overpowering the caramel.
• All-purpose flour: The base structure that gives cookies their shape and chew.
• Salted caramel sauce: Infuses the dough with gooey caramel flavor and a slight salty kick.
• Baking powder: Helps cookies rise gently for a soft, light crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.

Variations for Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily customize your Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies to match your cravings, dietary restrictions, or available ingredients without losing the iconic texture and taste.

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that complements the caramel.
• Chocolate lovers: Mix in white or semi-sweet chocolate chips to introduce an indulgent contrast.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-free swap: Use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives to enjoy these cookies without dairy.
• Spiced caramel: Sprinkle in cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy seasonal variation.

How to Make Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients, ensuring no lumps remain but avoiding overmixing to keep the dough soft.

Step 3: Incorporate Salted Caramel

Gently fold in a generous swirl of salted caramel sauce, creating marbled ribbons of caramel throughout the dough for pockets of gooey sweetness in every bite.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough for easier handling and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in perfect shapes and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft, then cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for Making Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened for smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when edges are firm but centers still look slightly underdone to keep them soft.
• Use high-quality caramel: A rich, salted caramel sauce makes all the difference in flavor authenticity.
• Space your cookies: Leave enough room on the sheet to avoid merging as they spread gently.
• Experiment with chilling time: Longer refrigeration can intensify flavor and improve dough handling.

How to Serve Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

A light dusting of sea salt flakes or a drizzle of extra caramel on top amps up the sweet and salty contrast beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a rich cup of coffee, cold milk, or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop to complement and balance the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack cookies between parchment or layer with caramel and cream cheese frosting to create cookie sandwiches for a stunning dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their softness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature to enjoy later without losing texture.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive softness and that freshly baked feel before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular caramel instead of salted caramel?

Yes, regular caramel will work, but salted caramel adds a delightful contrast that enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Are Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies gluten-free?

The base recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free blend to make them gluten-free while retaining their delicious texture.

How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid refrigerating as it may dry them out.

Can I freeze the dough instead of baked cookies?

Absolutely, portion the dough into balls, freeze them on a tray, then store in a bag; bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to baking time.

What is the best way to make sure the cookies don’t spread too much?

Chilling the dough before baking and using parchment paper to space cookies properly helps maintain their shape and softness.

Final Thoughts

Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a treat that combines the best parts of classic cookies and decadent cheesecake with buttery caramel flair. I encourage you to try this recipe and savor how effortlessly it turns simple ingredients into a memorable and comforting indulgence you’ll want to bake again and again.

Related Posts

• Gingerbread Macarons
• Grinch Christmas Truffles
• Christmas Present Brownies Recipe

Print