Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
There’s something about the combination of cheesecake and caramel that just feels like a hug for your taste buds. Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring these two indulgent flavors together in a perfect bite-sized cookie that’s soft, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
With a cheesecake-like filling nestled inside a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base, these treats are a game-changer. Trust me, you’ll find yourself reaching for another (and maybe even another!) after the first bite.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Perfectly Sweet and Creamy: The creamy cheesecake filling paired with the rich caramel drizzle is the ultimate flavor combo. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, and the texture is just dreamy.
Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a baking expert to make these cookies! They come together easily, and the results are truly impressive.
A Fun Twist on Classic Cookies: Think of these as a fun twist on a traditional cheesecake, but in the form of a cookie. It’s an unexpected and delightful treat everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a get-together, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating yourself, these cookies are the perfect sweet bite for any occasion.
Ingredients for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:
- Butter – The base for these cookies. It adds flavor and gives the cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream Cheese – The key to the cheesecake filling. It’s smooth, creamy, and tangy, adding that distinct cheesecake flavor.
- Sugar – A combination of granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a touch of sweetness and richness to both the cookies and the filling.
- Flour – Provides structure to the cookies, ensuring they hold up nicely without being too stiff.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of richness to the dough.
- Baking Powder – To give the cookies a little lift and make them soft and fluffy.
- Caramel Sauce – For drizzling over the top to add that irresistible caramel finish.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions
Making these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps to bake up a batch of deliciousness:
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Then, slowly add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. Don’t overwork the dough to keep it soft and tender.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want it to be thick but spreadable, so adjust as necessary by adding a little more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly into a disc shape. Spoon about a teaspoon of the cheesecake filling into the center of the dough, then wrap the dough around the filling to enclose it completely. Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still be a little soft, but that’s okay! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with warm caramel sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the top for that sweet-salty contrast.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: ~190
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 25g
(Note: approximate values, depending on ingredients used)
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
These cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, here are a few ways to serve them:
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: The creamy, caramel-filled cookies pair beautifully with a warm beverage.
- As a Dessert Platter: Serve them alongside other sweet treats like brownies or fruit tarts for a decadent dessert spread.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Why not? These cookies go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making for a super indulgent treat.
Additional Tips
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking. They should be golden around the edges, but slightly soft in the middle.
- Caramel sauce: Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own for an extra homemade touch!
FAQ’s
1 Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, but keep in mind that low-fat cream cheese may not have the same creamy consistency as regular cream cheese, which could affect the texture of the filling.
2 Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and the cheesecake filling in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the cookies when you’re ready to bake.
3 Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze the baked, un-drizzled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with caramel.
4 How can I make these cookies extra caramel-y?
Add a swirl of caramel into the cheesecake filling for even more caramel flavor in every bite!
5 Can I use a different filling for these cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with other fillings, like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves, for a different twist on these cookies.
6 Can I skip the caramel drizzle?
Of course! If you’re not a big caramel fan, these cookies are still delicious without the drizzle, though it does add an extra indulgent touch.
7 Can I use salted butter for the cookies?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the dough. The salted butter will provide the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
8 How do I know when these cookies are done?
These cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.
9 Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Definitely! Chocolate chips would complement the caramel and cheesecake flavors beautifully.
10 Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and they should work just fine.
Conclusion
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, indulgent flavor of caramel—all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintCaramel Cheesecake Cookies
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the sweet, gooey caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. These indulgent treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (120g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup (80g) caramel bits or chopped caramel candies
- 1/4 cup (30g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. The dough will be thick.
- Fold in the caramel sauce, caramel bits, and optional mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra caramel flavor, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over the cookies once they have cooled.
- These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to one week.
- If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up soft caramel candies instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg