Description

Indulge in these decadent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies featuring a soft cookie exterior with a luscious cream cheese filling and a gooey caramel center. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Dough:

¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel:

¼ cup (60ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnishes:

Sea salt flakes
Crushed graham crackers
Drizzle of white chocolate

Instructions

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe the filling into 7 small mounds on a parchment-lined surface and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help the filling maintain its shape during baking.
Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Cookies: Divide the dough into 14 equal portions. Flatten each dough portion in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake filling mound in the center, and add a small spoonful of caramel sauce over the filling. Cover with another flattened dough disk, carefully sealing the edges to encase the filling, then gently roll into a ball. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers to add texture and flavor.
Bake and Cool: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Freezing the cheesecake filling before assembly helps maintain a creamy, gooey center during baking.
Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
Double the recipe to make more cookies as these tend to disappear quickly.
Optional garnishes like sea salt flakes or crushed graham crackers add a lovely contrast and complementary flavor.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies, Gooey Center Cookies, Caramel Cookies, Homemade Cookies, Dessert Recipes