A delightful twist on classic cookies, these salted caramel cheesecake cookies combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the gooey sweetness of caramel, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie. Perfect for those who love to indulge in a little bit of everything sweet.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough gives these cookies an irresistibly soft and tender texture.
- Salted caramel adds a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, elevating the flavor profile.
- Using pre-made caramel saves time without sacrificing taste, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all levels.
- The cookies are baked just until the edges are golden, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. Incorporating air into the mixture at this stage is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla not only adds flavor but also enhances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a more complex taste profile.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Step 4: Incorporate Caramel
Fold in the salted caramel sauce gently, leaving some streaks for marbling effects. The caramel will melt and spread during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. The centers will look underdone but will set as they cool. Sprinkle with sea salt immediately after baking for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to take their cookies to the next level, consider making your own caramel sauce from scratch. Homemade caramel allows you to control the level of saltiness and sweetness to suit your taste. Additionally, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’re a fan of texture, adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough can introduce a delightful crunch. Remember, the key to perfect cookies is not overbaking them; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removed from the oven.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the salted caramel for chocolate chips or chunks for a classic chocolate chip cookie with a cheesecake twist.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal flavor variation.
- For a nutty version, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra decadent finish.
- Use peanut butter cups instead of caramel for a peanut butter cheesecake cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the cookies. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and texture, making the cookies more tender and flavorful.
How do I store these cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw before baking or serving.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Summary
These salted caramel cheesecake cookies are a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy, offering a unique twist on traditional cookies. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re sure to become a new favorite.
