Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie where the luscious creaminess of cheesecake meets the rich, buttery goodness of salted caramel in every chewy mouthful. This Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer for cookie lovers craving something truly special. With tender, slightly tangy dough studded with pockets of gooey caramel and finished with a pinch of flaky sea salt, these cookies offer an irresistible balance of sweet and savory that will have you reaching for one after another without regret.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these delectable cookies is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a starring role. From the velvety cream cheese that adds moisture and tang, to the caramel chips that melt into sweet surprises, every ingredient is essential in achieving that perfect soft, flavorful bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb without extra salt interference.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds moistness and subtle tang, making the cookies soft and delightfully cheesecake-like.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Infuses deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and aids in a light texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with fragrant warmth.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives these cookies their delicate form.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender bite.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances sweetness and brightens the flavor.
- Caramel baking chips or soft caramel bits (1 cup): Melted pockets of caramel that create moments of gooey joy.
- Flaked sea salt (for topping): Adds a perfect finishing touch by enhancing the salted caramel notes.
How to Make Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This simple prep sets you up for smooth cookie assembly and baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process aerates the dough, creating a tender, soft cookie texture with that irresistible richness.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, beating until everything is well combined. These ingredients boost flavor and help bind your dough for perfect cookie consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix, or you risk a tougher cookie instead of that soft, pillowy texture we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Fold in Caramel Chips
Now for the fun part—fold in the caramel baking chips or soft caramel bits. These little gems will melt into luscious pockets of caramel goodness once baked, making each bite delightfully gooey and sweet.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, shape the dough into 1.5-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges have set but the centers remain soft. This short baking time is key for soft results with that lovable cheesecake feel.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt and Cool
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a little flaked sea salt on top. This finishing touch enhances the salted caramel flavor and adds an elegant crunch. Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the centers to set ever so slightly while staying soft and tender.
How to Serve Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra indulgent presentation, try drizzling a thin ribbon of caramel sauce over the top or sprinkling with finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. Both add fabulous texture and make your cookies look bakery-worthy. If you’re feeling whimsical, a small dollop of whipped cream alongside these cookies is a real treat that complements the cheesecake flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these warm, soft cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a creamy latte to balance the sweet, salty flavors. They also make a charming dessert alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon-spiced gelato for an extra special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board with clusters of fresh berries, or stack a few with parchment paper layers wrapped in twine as delightful homemade gifts. If hosting a party, serve the cookies with small bowls of caramel sauce and sea salt for guests to customize their bites. Presentation is half the fun, and these cookies shine visually just as much as they do in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your freshly baked Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the cookies soft and prevents the caramel from hardening too much. To maintain their just-baked feel, consider placing a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, the cookie dough freezes beautifully. Scoop balls onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple extra minutes to the baking time and enjoy fresh cookies anytime you crave them.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive their soft, gooey centers. This brings back that just-out-of-the-oven taste and texture perfect for a quick sweet fix.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
While cream cheese gives these cookies their signature cheesecake tang and softness, a well-drained plain Greek yogurt could work in a pinch, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
What type of caramel chips are best to use?
Look for high-quality caramel baking chips that are specifically made to withstand baking temperatures without completely melting away, ensuring those pockets of caramel stay intact and gooey.
Can I make the cookies dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture and flavor, but you’ll still get a delightful cookie experience.
Why do some cookies spread too much or become thin?
Ensure your butter and cream cheese are just softened, not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help the cookies hold their shape better and stay thicker.
How can I tell when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for edges that are set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked—this is key for that signature tender texture with creamy cheesecake notes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form, this Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Easy to make yet utterly irresistible, these soft, rich cookies bring together the best of cheesecake and caramel in a way that delights every bite. Trust me, once you try baking these, they’ll become a staple treat that you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Print
Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Soft Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake flavor and rich salted caramel sweetness. With a tender, slightly chewy texture and a hint of sea salt topping, these cookies offer a gourmet twist on a classic treat that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Add-ins and Topping
- 1 cup caramel baking chips or soft caramel bits
- Flaked sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will create a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla. Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly to evenly distribute flavor and moisture throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring the leavening agent and salt are well combined for even texture and taste.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough and maintain cookie softness.
- Fold in Caramel Chips. Gently fold the caramel baking chips or soft caramel bits into the dough to evenly distribute pockets of gooey caramel throughout the cookies.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets for optimal spreading and even baking.
- Bake the Cookies. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft to preserve their chewy texture.
- Add Sea Salt Topping. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top to enhance the caramel flavor with a subtle salty contrast.
- Cool the Cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the pan.
- You can chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies with less spread.
- Use flaked sea salt for the best texture and flavor contrast on top of the cookies.
