Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you just need to whip up a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug? Let me introduce you to the love child of caramel, cream cheese, and chocolate chip goodness baked into heavenly cookies. ✨🍪 Ready to dive in?

I love the delightful combination of flavors in my Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. With creamy butter and brown sugar providing a rich base, and a touch of vanilla enhancing the sweetness, these treats boast a soft, chewy texture.

The cheesecake filling, made with cream cheese and swirled with caramel sauce, adds an indulgent twist.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Ingredients

• Butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb to cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps cookies caramelize when baked.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper, robust molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure and moisture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tangy flavor to the cookies.
• Caramel Sauce: Gives a sweet and buttery caramel flavor, enhancing dessert richness.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide bursts of chocolate flavor and texture contrast.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

How to Make this Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the caramel sauce until fully combined.

7. Gently fold the cream cheese mixture into the cookie dough, then add mini chocolate chips and chopped pecans, if using.

8. Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheets
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Hand mixer or stand mixer
6. Spatula or spoon for mixing
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Medium mixing bowl
10. Whisk
11. Small mixing bowl
12. Wire rack

FAQ

• Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
  
  A: Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the salt in the recipe to a pinch to balance the flavors.
• Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
  
  A: Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time. Just ensure it’s of good quality.
• Q: Are the chopped pecans necessary?
  
  A: No, the pecans are optional. They add a delightful crunch, but you can omit them or substitute with another nut.
• Q: How should I store these cookies?
  
  A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Q: Can these cookies be frozen?
  
  A: Yes, these cookies can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-friendly container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Q: Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips with another mix-in?
  
  A: Absolutely, you can use regular chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or omit them altogether for a different flavor profile.
• Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  
  A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the flavors meld together nicely.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can replace unsalted butter with the same amount of margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or cane sugar for a more natural alternative.
• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter texture.
• Instead of mini chocolate chips, use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Dough After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and enhances the flavors.

2. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and cream cheese, are at room temperature before starting. This allows for smoother mixing and better texture in the final cookies.

3. Avoid Overmixing When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can result in tougher cookies.

4. Test Bake Bake one test cookie to check the spread and baking time. This lets you adjust if needed before baking the entire batch, ensuring they bake perfectly.

5. Drizzle Extra Caramel For an extra touch, drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the top of the cookies right after they come out of the oven. This adds an extra burst of flavor and gives them a delicious presentation.