why make this recipe

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake and the sweetness of caramel in a fun and easy-to-make cookie format. Perfect for parties, birthdays, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies offer a deliciously unique twist on traditional cookies. They are soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor that both kids and adults will love. Plus, who can resist that combination of cream cheese and salted caramel?

how to make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup salted caramel sauce

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a spoon, swirl a bit of the cream cheese mixture into each cookie.
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

how to serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Serve these cookies warm or at room temperature. They make a great dessert on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. You can also garnish them with additional salted caramel drizzle on top for an eye-catching presentation.

how to store Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the baked cookies. Just make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

tips to make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened before you start. This helps them blend better.
Do not overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; mix just until combined for tender cookies.
For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough.
If you like your cookies even sweeter, you can add more caramel sauce on top once they cool.

variation

You can easily customize these cookies by adding different flavors to the cheesecake mixture, such as lemon or chocolate. You can also try drizzling them with chocolate syrup instead of caramel for a different taste sensation.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking.

2. Can I use light cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use light cream cheese, but the texture and flavors may be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese provides a creamier and richer taste.

3. What if I don’t have salted caramel sauce?
You can make your own salted caramel sauce at home or simply use regular caramel sauce. If using regular caramel, you might want to add a pinch of sea salt to mimic the salted flavor.