Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe You Need to Try

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the indulgent sweetness of salted caramel. This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that has roots in both American and European dessert traditions. The combination of sweet and salty has captivated dessert lovers for generations, making these cookies a perfect choice for any occasion.

People adore Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies not only for their incredible taste but also for their convenience. They are easy to whip up, making them an ideal dessert for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The gooey caramel and creamy cheesecake filling create a luxurious experience that feels special, yet they can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Preparing the Dough

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. 2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. 3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well combined. 4. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour. 5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. 6. **Incorporate Cream Cheese**: Now, add the softened cream cheese to the dough. I like to use a spatula to fold it in gently, ensuring that the cream cheese is evenly distributed without overworking the dough. 7. **Add Caramel Sauce**: Drizzle in the caramel sauce and gently fold it into the dough. You want to create swirls of caramel throughout the cookie dough, so don’t mix it in completely. 8. **Optional Chocolate Chips**: If you’re a chocolate lover like me, this is the time to fold in the chocolate chips. They add a delightful richness to the cookies.

Chilling the Dough

9. **Chill the Dough**: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and enhances the flavors.

Preparing to Bake

10. **Prepare the Baking Sheets**: While the dough is chilling, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. 11. **Scoop the Dough**: Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. 12. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt**: Before baking, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie. This will enhance the flavor and give that perfect salted caramel touch.

Baking the Cookies

13. **Bake the Cookies**: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. 14. **Cool the Cookies**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finishing Touches

15. **Drizzle with Extra Caramel**: If you want to take these cookies to the next level, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and makes them look irresistible. 16. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once the cookies are completely cooled and drizzled, they are ready to be served. I love to enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.

Storage Tips

17. **Store the Cookies**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent

Conclusion:

In summary, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, creamy cheesecake filling paired with the luscious salted caramel creates a heavenly treat that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an afternoon snack, or gifting them to someone special, these cookies are bound to be a hit! For serving suggestions, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. You can also experiment with variations by adding chopped nuts, drizzling extra caramel on top, or even incorporating chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how they turned out for you and any creative variations you came up with. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking! Print