Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Get ready to transform your cookie routine with these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies! Each bite is a dreamy balance of tangy cream cheese, swirls of luscious salted caramel, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips, and gooey caramel bits tucked inside a soft-baked cookie. This is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of your favorite flavors—sweet, salty, rich, and totally irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, these cookies promise to steal the show and win you plenty of compliments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! This recipe is simple at its core, but each element brings undeniable character: richness, fluffiness, and those unforgettable bursts of caramel. Every ingredient plays a special role in creating the signature Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies taste and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect chewy bite for your cookies.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every rich component of the dough.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness while keeping textures tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a light, delicate crumb.
• Packed light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor—perfect for these cookies!
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and provide essential moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Lifts all the flavors and adds a cozy bakery aroma.
• Cream cheese, softened: The secret to tangy, cheesecake-inspired softness in every bite.
• Salted caramel sauce: Swirls in sweet-salty ribbons that make every cookie uniquely delicious.
• Mini chocolate chips: Ensures even pockets of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
• Caramel bits: Adds gooey, chewy bursts just waiting to surprise you!

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pans

To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with either parchment paper or a silicone mat—this not only keeps the cookies from sticking but helps achieve those beautifully golden edges Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are known for.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This blend is your cookie foundation, making sure your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bake up with the perfect combination of softness and structure.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger bowl, combine your softened butter with both sugars. Beat on medium speed about three minutes, until it’s fluffy and light—the key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in your eggs, one at a time, mixing well with each addition so your dough stays smooth and cohesive. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic homemade cookie aroma.

Step 5: Incorporate the Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth (about a minute). Add this luscious creaminess to your butter mixture for the cheesecake twist that takes these cookies over the top!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two or three batches, keeping your mixer on low. You want everything just combined (and no over-mixing!), so your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies stay tender.

Step 7: Swirl in Salted Caramel Sauce

Now the fun part: fold the salted caramel sauce right into your dough. Let it swirl throughout—the goal is little pockets and ribbons of caramel, not a uniform blend.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and caramel bits. Every scoop should get some of this chocolatey, gooey magic for that signature cookie experience.

Step 9: Scoop and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheet, leaving about two inches of room between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers look just set—these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are best when not overbaked.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack. This helps them finish baking gently and ensures you get that perfect soft center.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Garnishes

Amp up your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with an extra drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce over each, or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look bakery-shop perfect.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a cozy mug of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an all-out dessert experience. They also shine alongside fresh berries or wheat tea for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in a glass cookie jar for a nostalgic touch, or arrange them on a pretty platter with extra caramel drizzled in zigzags. For parties, wrap pairs in parchment and twine for adorable, ready-to-gift treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies soft and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, though chances are they’ll disappear much sooner!

Freezing

You can freeze the dough for later—just shape into balls and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Baked cookies also freeze well; stack with parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together.

Reheating

Want that fresh-from-the-oven warmth? Briefly microwave a cookie on a plate for 8–10 seconds, or pop a few in a preheated oven at 300°F for a couple of minutes to recreate those gooey caramel centers.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! A good quality store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe, streamlining your prep while packing in that signature salty-sweet punch.

Can I make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it includes a binder like xanthan gum for best texture.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

If you find your dough is too soft or sticky, let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping. This helps the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies hold their shape while baking.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

They’re indulgent, but the combination of tangy cream cheese, salted caramel, and a touch of sea salt keeps the sweetness balanced and totally craveable.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Of course! This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies recipe is easily doubled for a crowd—or halved if you just need a small batch. Just keep an eye on the baking time with smaller portions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a cookie that truly impresses, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are it! They’re the perfect reason to share a sweet moment or treat yourself. Don’t hesitate—give them a try and watch everyone light up with the first delicious bite.

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