Description
Delight in these indulgent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that combine a rich, creamy cheesecake center with luscious caramel inside a soft and buttery cookie. Perfectly balanced with a tender crumb and drizzled with extra caramel, these treats are a heavenly dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until completely smooth and creamy; set this filling aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: To the butter-sugar mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can result in tough cookies.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it gently in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of the cream cheese filling and a small dollop of caramel sauce in the center. Cover with another tablespoon of dough, carefully sealing the edges and rolling into a smooth ball.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up; then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving for an added touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use thick caramel sauce to prevent it from leaking out too much during baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough before baking can help maintain shape but is optional.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep the cream cheese filling fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel cheesecake cookies, cream cheese cookies, soft cookies, caramel desserts, easy cookie recipe
