These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake flavor and sweet, gooey caramel, all wrapped up in a soft and chewy cookie. They’re the perfect treat when I’m craving something rich and indulgent but still want the convenience of a cookie. With a subtle tang from the cream cheese and a caramel drizzle that melts in my mouth, these cookies are a true crowd-pleaser. Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: cheesecake and cookies. The texture is perfectly chewy, while the filling has that rich, smooth cream cheese flavor I crave. And the caramel drizzle? It adds the perfect sweet touch to every bite. Plus, these cookies are easy to make, and the result is a luxurious treat that’s guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Beat until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together.
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are cooled, drizzle them with caramel sauce and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Caramel Pecan Cookies: Add chopped pecans to the cookie dough for a crunchy, nutty twist.
Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Mix in cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolatey version.
No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: If you’re short on time, try using a no-bake cheesecake filling between two cookies, and top them with caramel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

To store these cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that warm, chewy texture.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without cream cheese?

While cream cheese is key for the cheesecake flavor, you can substitute it with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. However, the flavor may vary slightly.

How can I make the caramel drizzle from scratch?

To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat until golden brown, then add 6 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth, and let it cool slightly before drizzling.

Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a high-quality sauce for the best flavor!

Conclusion

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a treat I can never get enough of. The combination of cheesecake and caramel makes each bite a little piece of heaven, and the soft, chewy texture makes them even more irresistible. Whether I’m sharing them with friends or enjoying them on my own, these cookies are sure to be a hit every time.