These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a dreamy fusion of two beloved desserts: rich cheesecake and soft, chewy cookies. Each bite features a buttery cookie base swirled with creamy cheesecake filling and studded with gooey caramel bits. Topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or treating yourself, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s bake up this decadent treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Desserts in One: Combines the flavors of cheesecake and cookies into one irresistible treat.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie base is perfectly tender, while the cheesecake swirl adds a luscious creaminess.
- Sweet and Salty Balance: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the caramel and cheesecake flavors.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or swap caramel for butterscotch for variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2–3 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the caramel bits gently to avoid breaking them apart.
3. Make the Cheesecake Swirl
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cookies