Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake with the decadent richness of salted caramel, then you are in for a treat! These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies have quickly become a family favorite in my home. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a little sweetness to brighten your day or for family gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes these cookies so special is their delightful texture. Imagine biting into a warm cookie that melts in your mouth, with bursts of gooey caramel and chocolate chips in every bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find any excuse to whip up a batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves the combination of flavors—perfect for sharing!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you want.
• Irresistibly delicious: The blend of cheesecake and salted caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You probably already have most of them in your pantry. This recipe is all about bringing together familiar flavors in an extraordinary way.

For the Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup caramel bits

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
• Use different chips: Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
• Experiment with toppings: Drizzle extra salted caramel on top before serving for an added indulgence.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is crucial because it helps distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which leads to soft and tender cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 5: Mix in Cream Cheese

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth—about 1 minute. Then add this creamy goodness to your butter mixture and mix until fully combined. The cream cheese adds that signature cheesecake flavor!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients in two or three additions. Mix on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies soft!

Step 7: Fold in Salted Caramel Sauce

Gently fold in the salted caramel sauce until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step infuses every cookie with rich caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with cheesecake.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits

Once the caramel sauce is mixed in, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and caramel bits until they are evenly spread throughout the dough. These little treats will create pockets of sweetness in every bite!

Step 9: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft—this will ensure they stay chewy!

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly while still being warm enough to enjoy right away!

And there you have it—delicious Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies ready to be devoured! Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies are delightful and surprisingly easy to make, and with a few handy tips, you’ll ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, eggs, and cream cheese to come to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother dough and better texture.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

• Chill the dough if needed: If your kitchen is warm or if the dough feels too soft, chill it for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.

• Experiment with caramel sauce: Feel free to use homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile that can enhance your cookies differently.

• Store properly: To keep these cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread helps maintain moisture in the cookies while keeping them soft.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies make for a fantastic treat any time of day! Whether you’re serving them at a cozy gathering or just enjoying them at home, there are plenty of ways to present this sweet delight.

Garnishes

• Drizzle with extra caramel: A light drizzle of salted caramel on top not only looks beautiful but adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle sea salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the salted caramel taste and adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies an elegant finish that’s perfect for special occasions.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits complements the rich flavors of the cookies without overwhelming your palate.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing that’s always popular.
• Coffee or espresso: The robust flavors of coffee or espresso provide a perfect balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
• Milk or plant-based milk: A glass of cold milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative) is perfect for dipping and enhances the overall experience of enjoying these delicious cookies.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a fantastic treat to have on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that you might find helpful!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of cream cheese in Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

While cream cheese provides that signature tangy flavor and creamy texture, you can try using mascarpone as an alternative. However, keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor profile.

How do I make my Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies even more decadent?

To elevate these cookies, consider adding drizzles of extra salted caramel sauce on top after they’ve cooled. Chopped nuts or additional chocolate chips can also enhance their richness!

Can I adjust the sweetness in Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly. Just remember that this might affect the texture and moisture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky when making Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

If your dough feels overly sticky, you can add a little more flour—start with one tablespoon at a time—until it reaches a manageable consistency.

How can I ensure my Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies come out soft?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be light golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies as I am! They’re truly special with a delightful balance of flavors and textures that is sure to bring joy with every bite. Enjoy this delicious recipe, share it with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twist on these fabulous cookies! Happy baking!