Caramel cheesecake cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts—rich cheesecake and buttery cookies—into a single indulgent treat. These cookies feature a soft cookie exterior with a luscious cheesecake filling, finished with a drizzle of golden caramel and a touch of sea salt for an elegant finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer the perfect balance between sweet and salty, creamy and chewy. The buttery brown sugar cookie dough pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese center, while the caramel topping adds a smooth, luxurious note. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cookies deliver bakery-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie dough:
all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
brown sugar
granulated sugar
egg
vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling:
cream cheese, softened
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

For topping:
caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
sea salt flakes (optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
In another small bowl, prepare the cheesecake filling by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Scoop the cookie dough into 1½-inch balls and flatten each slightly.
Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of each dough ball.
Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing the edges to enclose the cheesecake mixture completely.
Arrange the filled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cookies are set.
Allow the cookies to cool slightly before drizzling them with caramel sauce.
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired, and serve either warm or chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories per Serving: 210 kcal

Variations

Chocolate Caramel Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or drizzle with melted chocolate alongside the caramel.
Nutty Delight: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for added crunch.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Fruit-Infused: Swirl a bit of raspberry or strawberry preserves into the cheesecake filling before sealing.
Salt-Free Option: Skip the sea salt topping for a purely sweet finish.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, reheat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking out?

Ensure the cookie dough fully encases the cheesecake filling and pinch the seams tightly before baking.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese provides a creamier texture and richer flavor.

Is homemade caramel better than store-bought?

Homemade caramel offers more control over flavor and sweetness, but high-quality store-bought caramel works well for convenience.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it soften slightly before assembling.

What type of caramel sauce should I use?

A thick, buttery caramel sauce is ideal. Avoid thin or overly runny varieties.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for cookies.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Over-softened butter or overmixing can cause cookies to spread. Chill the dough slightly if needed.

How can I make the cookies crispier?

Bake them a couple of minutes longer until the edges are deeply golden.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookies?

Yes, assemble the cookies and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer to a bag and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in parchment or cellophane bags for a beautiful homemade gift.

Conclusion

Caramel cheesecake cookies offer a gourmet dessert experience in a fun, hand-held form. With their creamy center, chewy exterior, and caramel finish, they’re bound to become a favorite. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed with an afternoon coffee, these cookies deliver a perfect bite every time.