Name: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (softened); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup caramel bits or caramel sauce; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

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Craving a dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and cookies? Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a Creamy Sweet Treat that deliver rich, creamy cheesecake flavor with the sweet, gooey goodness of caramel in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights, or anytime you want a decadent treat, these cookies are quick to make and impossible to resist. Bake up Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a dessert everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

I’m hooked on Caramel Cheesecake Cookies because they’re a Creamy Sweet Treat that blends the tangy richness of cheesecake with the sweet allure of caramel in every bite. The soft, chewy texture and optional chocolate chips make this Creamy Sweet Treat feel indulgent yet easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies (makes 18 cookies):

½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup caramel bits or caramel sauce
¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Airtight container for storage

Ingredient Tips

Cream Cheese: Soften at room temperature for a smooth blend; full-fat works best for flavor.
Caramel Bits: Use store-bought bits for convenience; caramel sauce adds gooeyness but may spread more.
Butter: Softened, not melted, for the perfect cookie texture.
Flour: Measure accurately to avoid dense cookies.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chips distribute evenly; omit for a less sweet option.

Directions for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Let’s make these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies!

Preheat the Oven

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cream Butter and Cream Cheese

In a large mixing bowl, I cream ½ cup softened butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and well combined, about 1–2 minutes.

Add Sugar and Wet Ingredients

I add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. I then beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, I whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.

Combine Wet and Dry

I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Fold in Mix-Ins

I gently fold in ½ cup caramel bits and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (if using) with a spatula.

Shape and Bake

I drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. I bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.

Cool and Serve

I let the Caramel Cheesecake Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Calories: ~150 kcal per cookie
Macros per Cookie: 20g carbs, 2g protein, 7g fat, 0.5g fiber

Variations for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Try these twists on Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:

Caramel Swirl: Use caramel sauce instead of bits for a gooey Creamy Sweet Treat; reduce sugar by ¼ cup to balance sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty Creamy Sweet Treat.
Chocolate Twist: Swap mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Mini Bites: Shape into smaller balls for bite-sized cookies; reduce baking time by 2 minutes.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty kick.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Rose Pistachio Ice Cream for a decadent dessert duo.
Serve with Layla Cooks’ hot cocoa for a cozy Creamy Sweet Treat experience.
Offer at a holiday party with a fruit platter on the side.

Storage

I store Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy. For longer storage, I freeze the dough in tablespoon-sized balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. I bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time. To enjoy warm, I microwave a cookie for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–4 minutes.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Arrange Caramel Cheesecake Cookies on a decorative plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a stunning look.
Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or add extra caramel bits on top.
Pairing: Enjoy with coffee or milk to complement the Creamy Sweet Treat.
Portion Size: One cookie per person for a sweet snack; two for a dessert.
Occasions: Perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or cozy nights in.

FAQs About Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Here are answers to some common questions about Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:

How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you’d like to reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the sugar in the dough or omit the mini chocolate chips. Using a less sweet caramel sauce or bits will also help.

Can I make these cookies without the cream cheese?
You can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will change the flavor slightly, but still result in a delicious cookie.

Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?
Absolutely! You could add shredded coconut, dried fruits like cranberries, or even white chocolate chips to create a new flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend you use contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to hold the dough together.

How do I prevent these cookies from spreading too much?
If you’re finding that your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This will help them keep their shape while baking.

Can I make these vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) for a vegan Caramel Cheesecake Cookies version.

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Conclusion

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel. They’re soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for any occasion or simply when I need something sweet. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a snack later, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in my baking repertoire.