Description: A delightful combination of chewy caramel cookies and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious caramel drizzle and a hint of sea salt. These cookies are the perfect indulgence for any occasion, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- ¼ cup (60ml) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- A generous pinch of flaky sea salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, creating a light and tender cookie. Ensure your butter is properly softened for best results.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined. The egg adds moisture and richness to the dough, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture. The baking soda helps the cookies rise, while the salt balances the sweetness.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cookie. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling. In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies. Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough and flatten each into a small disc. Place a small spoonful of cheesecake filling in the center, then gently fold the dough around it, sealing well. Roll back into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from overbaking.
Step 9: Add the Final Touch. Once cooled, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top of each cookie. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish. Warming the caramel sauce makes it easier to drizzle and enhances its flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. The chewy cookie base, infused with the rich caramel flavor, perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling. The caramel drizzle adds an extra layer of sweetness, while the flaky sea salt provides a delightful contrast that elevates the overall experience. These cookies are not only incredibly delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of sweet and salty, creamy and chewy, makes these cookies irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The recipe is also relatively easy to follow, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Taste: Excellent
- Visual Appeal: High
- Overall: 5/5 stars
Serving Suggestions:
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Arrange them on a platter for a visually stunning dessert presentation at parties or gatherings.
- Wrap them individually and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family.
- Crush them and use them as a topping for yogurt or ice cream parfaits.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for a smooth and creamy dough and filling.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough to prevent a tough texture.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. Homemade caramel sauce is always a great option!
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to your preference.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, try using salted caramel sauce.
- If you don’t have flaky sea salt, regular sea salt or even kosher salt can be used, but use a smaller amount.
- To prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking, make sure to seal the dough completely around the filling.
- For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top of the caramel drizzle.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 12-14 minutes Total Time: 32-34 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per cookie)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Conclusion:
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting familiarity of a caramel cookie with the creamy richness of a cheesecake. The added touch of sea salt elevates the flavor profile, creating a truly irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to satisfy. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are consistently delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these heavenly Caramel Cheesecake Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing, but we won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in the cookie dough? A: While granulated and brown sugar are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can experiment with other types of sugar. Coconut sugar or maple sugar could be used as alternatives, but keep in mind that they may alter the taste and texture of the cookies slightly.
- Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to come to room temperature slightly before scooping and filling. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add the caramel drizzle and sea salt just before serving for the best results.
- Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Bake the cookies and let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
- Q: What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper? A: If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or grease the baking sheet well with butter or cooking spray. Keep in mind that the cookies may spread slightly more if you don’t use parchment paper.
- Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the cookie dough? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other mix-ins to the cookie dough, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or toffee bits. Just be sure not to add too many mix-ins, as this can affect the texture of the cookies. About ½ cup of mix-ins should be sufficient for this recipe.
