Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies capture all the irresistible flavors of cheesecake and caramel, making them a treat you’ll crave again and again. The soft and chewy texture of the cookie provides the perfect base for the creamy cheesecake filling, while the caramel drizzle adds sweetness and depth. The touch of sea salt on top enhances the flavors and gives these cookies a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Easy to make and utterly delicious, these cookies are ideal for special occasions or a sweet treat anytime!

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional, for added tang)
1-2 tablespoons caramel sauce (for drizzling)

For the Topping:

Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

Make the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy. Stir in the sour cream, if using, to make the filling extra smooth. Set aside.

Make the Cookie Dough:

Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to scoop.

Assemble the Cookies:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Form the cookie dough balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the dough slightly and make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Add the cheesecake filling: Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling and place it in the center of each cookie dough ball. Gently press the sides of the dough up around the cheesecake filling to seal it in. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed by the dough, but do not flatten the cookies too much.
Bake the cookies: Place the stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the center is slightly soft.
Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Finish with Toppings:

Drizzle with caramel: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with your favorite caramel sauce.
Sprinkle with sea salt: Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the flavor and give the cookies that sweet and salty contrast.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 16 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate: For a richer flavor, drizzle the cookies with both caramel sauce and melted chocolate. You can also add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra indulgence.
Use different filling: Instead of the cheesecake filling, you can use a lemon cream filling or a cinnamon cream filling for a different twist.
Make them mini: Scoop smaller portions of dough for mini versions of these cookies. Reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes, depending on size.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cookies before baking for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough balls (without the cheesecake filling) for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge overnight, add the cheesecake filling, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked cookies and reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, or you can make your own if you prefer. Homemade caramel sauce will add a special touch, but store-bought works just fine for convenience.

How do I make sure the cheesecake filling stays in the cookies while baking?

Make sure the cheesecake filling is completely enclosed by the cookie dough. Press the dough around the filling gently but securely to seal it. If you leave the filling exposed, it might spill out during baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just allow it to soften slightly before scooping and forming the cookie dough balls.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients, like the baking soda and caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.

Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, you can make smaller cookies by using less dough. Just adjust the baking time by 2-3 minutes for smaller cookies.

Conclusion

Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent treat that brings together the creamy, tangy filling of cheesecake, the sweetness of caramel, and the comforting texture of a cookie. With a soft, chewy texture and a touch of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty balance, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re an irresistible, indulgent dessert that everyone will love!

Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies