Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake with buttery caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. Made with simple pantry ingredients and quick to prepare, these delightful cookies offer a unique flavor fusion perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights to festive gatherings.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 27-30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains dairy; Gluten Free version available with flour substitution
Main Ingredients
- Cream cheese (softened) – 4 oz (113 g)
- Softened butter – 1/2 cup (113 g)
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup (100 g), packed
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup (50 g)
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Baking powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Caramel bits or chips – 1/2 cup (90 g)
Optional Variations
- Melted dark or milk chocolate for drizzle
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts – 1/3 cup (35 g)
- Gluten-free flour blend (as substitute for all-purpose flour)
- Vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add brown sugar and granulated sugar, then mix in vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution and avoid clumps.
- Mix dough components: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to prevent overmixing and avoid tough cookies.
- Fold in caramel bits: Carefully fold the caramel bits into the dough, distributing them evenly throughout to create pockets of gooey caramel when baked.
- Shape and bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets in even portions, flattening each slightly for even cooking. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie size and baking.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
- Bake at a moderate temperature to maintain a chewy and moist texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked cookies between parchment paper for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
- Reheat cookies briefly in microwave or oven to restore softness and caramel gooeyness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, chewy cookies, caramel cookies, cheesecake cookies, soft cookies, holiday treats, easy baking