Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail
Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a creamy cheesecake filling and a luscious caramel drizzle. That’s exactly what these caramel cheesecake cookies deliver, pure indulgence in every bite! Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a cookie fanatic, this recipe combines the best of both worlds for a rich and satisfying treat.
Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just a cozy night in, these cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet caramel. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. If you love caramel and cheesecake, this is the dessert for you!
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
These caramel cheesecake cookies stand out because they combine the creamy texture of cheesecake with the chewy goodness of a cookie. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The tanginess of the cream cheese filling offsets the sweetness of the caramel, creating a well-rounded dessert.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay soft thanks to the cheesecake filling, making them extra decadent.
- Easy to Make: While they look impressive, these cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- Customizable: You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these cookies are foolproof and deliver bakery-quality results every time. Ready to make them? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
And For the Caramel Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling (10 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to stuff the cookies.
2: Make the Cookie Dough (15 minutes)
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
3: Assemble the Cookies (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, then cover with another piece of dough. Seal the edges and gently roll into a ball.
- Repeat until all cookies are assembled.
4: Bake and Cool (12–14 minutes)
- Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack.
5: Add the Caramel Drizzle (5 minutes)
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let Them Cool Before Adding Caramel: If the cookies are too warm, the caramel will slide off instead of setting nicely.
- Freeze the Cheesecake Filling: This prevents it from melting too quickly while baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This ensures even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
Variants of the Recipe
Want to put your own spin on these caramel cheesecake cookies? Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies along with the caramel for a double-drizzle effect.
2. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
For a more sophisticated flavor, mix ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt into the caramel before drizzling it over the cookies. The combination of sweet and salty takes these cookies to the next level.
3. Pecan Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Stir ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans into the cookie dough or sprinkle them on top of the caramel drizzle. The crunch of pecans pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.
4. Cinnamon Sugar Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Roll the cookie dough balls in a mixture of 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon before baking for a hint of warm spice. It’s like a snickerdoodle meets cheesecake and caramel!
5. Gluten-Free Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Substitute 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are gluten-free as well.
Recipe Card
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy18
servings20
minutes14
minutes250
kcalThese caramel cheesecake cookies are the perfect combination of a soft, chewy cookie, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a delicious caramel drizzle. They are easy to make, absolutely decadent, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Dough
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Cheesecake Filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Caramel Topping
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes. - Make the Cookie Dough:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla, then gradually add the dry ingredients until combined. - Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Flatten 1 ½ tablespoons of dough, place a frozen cheesecake dollop in the center, and cover with another piece of dough. Seal the edges. - Bake and Cool:
Arrange cookies on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are golden.
Cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Add Caramel Drizzle:
Warm the caramel sauce and drizzle over cooled cookies.
Sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.
Notes
- Freeze the cheesecake filling for easier handling.
- Let cookies cool completely before adding caramel.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for best freshness.
FAQs
If your cookies spread too much, the dough may have been too warm. Try chilling it for 15–20 minutes before baking. Also, ensure the cheesecake filling is properly frozen before stuffing the cookies.
Yes! Store-bought caramel works perfectly, but if you want a richer homemade flavor, you can make a quick caramel sauce by melting ½ cup sugar with 2 tablespoons butter and stirring in ¼ cup heavy cream.
Make sure you fully enclose the cheesecake filling with cookie dough, pinching the edges tightly before rolling into a ball. Also, keeping the cheesecake filling frozen helps maintain its shape.
Yes! You can use salted caramel, dulce de leche, or butterscotch sauce for a fun twist. Each variation will add a unique depth of flavor.
Yes! Replace the egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.
Final Thoughts
Caramel cheesecake cookies are the perfect blend of rich, creamy cheesecake and chewy, buttery cookies, all topped with a decadent caramel drizzle. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers a dessert that feels like a special indulgence. With their soft texture, balanced flavors, and endless customization options, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious treats:
- Try something equally rich and indulgent with this Moon Spell Cookies Recipe.
- Want a different take on cheesecake? Check out this Cherry Cheesecake Recipe (No-Bake) for a quick and easy dessert.
- If you’re a fan of chocolate and caramel, don’t miss this Chocolate Cobbler Recipe for an ultra-gooey treat.
- Looking for another delightful cookie? Try this classic Quaker Oatmeal Cookie Recipe for a comforting homemade snack.
Now it’s your turn! Give these caramel cheesecake cookies a try and let us know how they turned out in the comments below. If you made any fun variations, We’d love to hear about them! happy baking!