These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and soft, chewy cookie goodness. With a rich, buttery dough infused with graham cracker crumbs and a luscious caramel center, these cookies taste just like a bite-sized cheesecake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 bag soft caramels
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces cream cheese and ½ cup unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and ½ cup graham cracker crumbs, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into large balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
- Using your thumb, create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Place one soft caramel into each indentation and roll the dough back into a ball to fully encase the caramel.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange the cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and gently press each cookie with a glass to flatten slightly.
- Bake for an additional 3 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with ¼ cup caramel sauce and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon sea salt for extra flavor (optional).
- Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth dough.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
- Microwave cookies for 10 seconds before serving to enjoy a gooey caramel center.
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making them a must-try for any dessert lover! 🍪✨
For more variations, check out this recipe!