These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds. If you’ve ever struggled to choose between cheesecake and cookies, this recipe solves that delicious dilemma! With a tender cream cheese base and ribbons of golden salted caramel, these cookies deliver bakery-quality results right from your kitchen. Trust me on this one they’re absolutely irresistible and surprisingly easy to master.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you a little secret these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies have become the most requested dessert in my house! Here’s why they’re absolutely perfect:
- Incredibly soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
- Rich cream cheese flavor that tastes just like cheesecake
- Sweet and salty balance from the salted caramel drizzle
- No-chill dough means you can bake them right away
- Impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours baking
I discovered this recipe during a late-night baking experiment, and now it’s in regular rotation for every special occasion. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing while these bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cookie base, you’ll need cream cheese (the star ingredient that gives these their cheesecake flavor), butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The cream cheese should be at room temperature for easy mixing this is crucial for achieving that smooth, bakery-style texture.
Cookie Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Salted Caramel:
- ½ cup store-bought caramel sauce
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
Pro tip: You can substitute Greek yogurt cream cheese for a lighter version, though the texture will be slightly different.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer, large mixing bowls, measuring cups, and standard baking sheets. A cookie scoop ensures uniform cookies, but a regular spoon works too. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Time to Cook
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Difficulty Level: EASY
Make-Ahead Options: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Allow cream cheese and butter to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cooking Method
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add brown sugar and beat until well combined. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.
How to Know When It’s Done
The cookies are perfect when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from the oven, creating that perfect chewy texture.
Finishing Touches
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- While still warm, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are my top secrets for bakery-quality Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies every time. Room temperature ingredients are absolutely essential cold cream cheese will create lumpy dough. Don’t overbake these beauties; slightly underdone cookies will continue firming up as they cool. For the best caramel distribution, drizzle while cookies are still slightly warm so it sets perfectly.
Variations to Try
Transform these cream cheese cookies into seasonal favorites! Try adding mini chocolate chips for double indulgence, or swap caramel for Nutella drizzle. During fall, add a pinch of cinnamon and top with apple caramel sauce. For holidays, use white chocolate drizzle with cranberries mixed into the soft cheesecake cookies base.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with cold milk or hot coffee for an afternoon treat. Serve them alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert platter. They’re also incredible crumbled over vanilla ice cream or layered in a trifle with caramel dessert cookies and pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookie from Crumbl contains approximately 760–820 calories per cookie, depending on the batch and serving size. Crumbl cookies are large and calorie-dense due to their rich ingredients..
Yes, Crumbl cheesecake cookies should be refrigerated, especially if they contain cream cheese or a cheesecake filling. Refrigeration helps prevent spoilage and maintains texture. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Your cookies may be caramelized due to high sugar content, high baking temperature, or extended baking time. Sugar melts and browns (a process called caramelization) when exposed to heat. If your recipe includes ingredients like brown sugar, caramel bits, or syrups, this effect will be more pronounced.
What substitutions work for cream cheese?
While cream cheese gives the authentic cheesecake flavor, you can substitute with Greek yogurt cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese. Avoid fat-free versions as they’ll affect the texture.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Definitely! Homemade caramel actually works better because you can control the consistency. Just ensure it’s not too hot when drizzling to prevent melting the cookies.
Time to Get Cooking!
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies truly are the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors that everyone will love. They’re impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weekend baking. Give this recipe a try and let me know how your batch turns out I’d love to hear about your baking success!
Ready for more irresistible cookie recipes? Check out our [Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies] and [Brown Butter Snickerdoodles] for more crowd-pleasers!
