Name: Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies You’ll Crave
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (provides the structure of the cookies); 1 teaspoon baking soda (ensures the cookies rise beautifully); 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances the flavors of the caramel and chocolate); 1 cup unsalted butter (gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture); 1 cup light brown sugar (adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor); 2 large eggs (bind all the ingredients together for a perfect cookie consistency); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor); 8 ounces cream cheese (brings the cheesecake richness to the cookie dough); 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (infuses the cookies with delightful caramel goodness); 1 cup mini chocolate chips (adds bursts of chocolatey sweetness in every bite); 1/2 cup caramel bits (provides an extra chewy texture and caramel flavor)

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As I rummaged through my pantry one afternoon, I stumbled upon a jar of salted caramel sauce, just calling out to be transformed into something extraordinary. That's when I decided to whip up these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, merging the creamy richness of cheesecake with the delightful sweetness of cookies. This recipe is not only a breeze to prepare—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but it also guarantees to please a crowd, making it a perfect addition to your dessert lineup. With a combination of cream cheese, caramel, and chocolate chips, each bite is an indulgent treat that will elevate your baking game. Are you ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s dive into this unforgettable cookie adventure!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The blend of creamy cheesecake and rich salted caramel elevates ordinary cookies into decadent treats that will have everyone coming back for more.

Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from prep to oven, these cookies are perfect for those spontaneous baking cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether it's a family gathering or a friendly get-together, everyone loves the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of these cookies.

Decadent Texture: Soft and chewy with luscious bites of caramel and chocolate chips make for an unforgettable experience.

Versatile Option: Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or just a cozy evening treat, these cookies fit any occasion.

Try pairing them with a cup of coffee or serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert, and let your taste buds rejoice!

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups; provides the structure of the cookies.
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon; ensures the cookies rise beautifully.
Salt – ½ teaspoon; enhances the flavors of the caramel and chocolate.
Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened; gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar – ½ cup; adds sweetness and helps achieve a chewy texture.
Light brown sugar – 1 cup, packed; adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
Large eggs – 2; bind all the ingredients together for a perfect cookie consistency.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; adds a warm, aromatic depth to the flavor.
Cream cheese – 8 ounces, softened; brings the cheesecake richness to the cookie dough.

For the Add-ins

Salted caramel sauce – ¼ cup; infuses the cookies with delightful caramel goodness.
Mini chocolate chips – 1 cup; adds bursts of chocolatey sweetness in every bite.
Caramel bits – ½ cup; provides an extra chewy texture and caramel flavor.

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are quick to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the meantime, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Doing this step first ensures your oven is ready for baking these delightful Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies right after assembling the dough.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined. This dry mixture is crucial as it ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and flavors. Once whisked, set it aside while you move on to preparing the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed light brown sugar on medium speed. Beat for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture appears light and fluffy, creating a decadent base for your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. This step adds richness and aromatic flavor, creating the perfect foundation for your cookie dough.

Step 5: Blend in Cream Cheese
In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth, approximately 1 minute. Then, incorporate this creamy mixture into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. The cream cheese adds a rich cheesecake flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in two or three increments, using low speed after each addition to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Mix just until combined; it’s important not to overwork the dough to keep your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies tender and chewy.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Sauce
Gently fold in ¼ cup of salted caramel sauce into the cookie dough until it is evenly distributed. The caramel will give the cookies a delightful flavor and a luscious texture. Make sure to fold, rather than stir, to maintain a light and airy cookie dough.

Step 8: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips and ½ cup of caramel bits into the dough. This step ensures every bite of your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies is bursting with sweet chocolate and chewy caramel, adding depth to the overall taste experience.

Step 9: Scoop and Space Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allowance is crucial for preventing the cookies from merging into one another as they spread while baking, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for the edges to become lightly golden while the centers remain soft; this will create that perfect chewy texture that defines amazing Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Step 11: Cool on the Baking Sheet
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack, ensuring they maintain their shape and texture as they cool completely.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Chill the Dough: If possible, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.

Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft bites you desire in your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies.

Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies at the 10-minute mark. Look for lightly golden edges and soft centers; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cream cheese and salted caramel sauce. The richness of these ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor of your cookies.

Storage Tips: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them after cooling for a sweet treat later on!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their irresistible chewy texture.

Fridge: For slightly longer freshness, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just make sure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To bring back the freshly baked taste, reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your delightful Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies warm!

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients together and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This not only saves you valuable time on busy days but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in even more delicious cookies. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. You can also scoop out the dough balls ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time! These tips ensure your cookies are just as delightful and fresh when it’s time to enjoy them.

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your cookie magic with these tempting twists to make this recipe uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful gluten-free treat.
Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter, flax eggs for binding, and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version everyone will love. The taste might surprise you!
Nutty Goodness: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel.
Spice it Up: Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to warm up the flavors and bring a cozy vibe to these cookies.
Extra Caramel Swirl: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top of the cookies after baking for an even sweeter indulgence. It's a luscious touch!
Chocolate Lovers: Swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer taste, or use white chocolate chips for a delightful contrast with the caramel. Indulge your chocolate cravings!
Coconut Cream: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream for a tropical twist, infusing the cookies with lightness and a hint of coconut.
Heat it Up: If you're feeling adventurous, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dough for a surprise kick alongside the sweet flavors.

With these variations, your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies will embrace excitement and a personal touch! For even more indulgent desserts, consider pairing these treats with a rich cup of coffee or check out my Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that’s always a hit at gatherings.

What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These delightful treats deserve a spread that complements their rich flavors and inviting textures.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness contrasts beautifully with warm cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla can bring a dollop of happiness to your bite!
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a vibrant, tart element that balances the sweetness of the cookies. These juicy fruits not only brighten the plate but also enhance the overall flavor.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee rounds out the meal and complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully. The bitter notes of coffee enhance the sweetness while providing a cozy vibe.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle more salted caramel on top. This will elevate each bite and satisfy any sweet tooth, making for a truly decadent pairing!
Nutty Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti can add a delightful texture contrast. Their nutty flavor complements the cookies without overpowering them, providing a wonderful variety to your dessert table.
Chocolate Fondue: Serve with fresh fruits or cookies for dipping. This interactive dessert invites joy and fun, transforming your cookie experience into a memorable gathering.
Milk: A classic pairing that never fails. The cold, creamy milk soothes the palate and enhances the enjoyment of these luscious cookies.

Crafting a meal that includes these treats will surely create lasting memories around your table!

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of caramel sauce should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using a high-quality salted caramel sauce to enhance the flavor of your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Jarred sauces are convenient, but if you’re feeling adventurous, making your own caramel sauce can add a lovely homemade touch.

How long can I store these cookies?
You can store your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their freshness, they'll last about 1 week in the refrigerator, just ensure they are properly sealed to avoid drying out.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies spread too much, the dough may have been too warm. To prevent this, ensure you chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. If you still experience spreading, you can slightly increase the amount of flour added or reduce the butter a bit next time.

Are these cookies suitable for those with gluten allergies?
For gluten-free options, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients to avoid cross-contamination. It's also a good idea to check the labels of your caramel sauce and chocolate chips for hidden gluten.

Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?
Certainly! If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can replace it with an additional ¼ cup of unsalted butter or use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that this might change the texture slightly, but they’ll still be delightful!