If you’re a fan of rich, creamy, and caramel-infused treats, then you’re in for a real delight with caramel cheesecake cookies. These irresistible cookies combine a buttery, graham cracker base, topped with a velvety cream cheese filling, and drizzled with gooey caramel sauce. They provide the best of both worlds—the delicious taste of cheesecake paired with the satisfying texture of a cookie.

These caramel cheesecake cookies have become a trending dessert, taking inspiration from the beloved cheesecake and turning it into a portable, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies are perfect for any time. You can read more about how these cookies are evolving into gourmet treats in articles such as this one from Serious Eats.

The cookie itself is made with a graham cracker crust, providing that unmistakable, crunchy foundation. The cheesecake topping is creamy and light, making it a perfect contrast to the crunch of the cookie. Finished with a caramel drizzle, these cookies offer a balanced sweetness that makes them a show-stopping dessert at any event. If you want to make sure your cookies come out perfectly every time, check out the tips on cookie recipes at Eater.

Why Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Are a Must-Try Dessert

Caramel cheesecake cookies are not just a treat—they are an experience. These cookies marry two favorite desserts into one unforgettable bite, delivering a satisfying texture, rich flavor, and the perfect amount of sweetness. Whether you’re a cheesecake lover or a cookie enthusiast, this dessert will win your heart.

Rich Flavor: The combination of caramel and cream cheese delivers a decadent, rich flavor that will please anyone with a sweet tooth.
Unique Texture: The graham cracker base adds crunch and structure, while the cheesecake topping brings in a smooth, creamy texture.
Versatility: These cookies can be customized with various flavor twists, making them perfect for a variety of events or occasions.
Perfect for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are easy to share and great for gatherings, parties, or even casual dessert moments.

The Origins of Cheesecake Cookies

The creation of cheesecake cookies is part of the growing trend of transforming classic desserts into innovative new forms. Traditional cheesecake has long been a favorite indulgence, with its rich, creamy texture and buttery crust. However, the concept of turning cheesecake into a cookie offers a new way to enjoy this delicious dessert in a more portable and easy-to-eat form.

As dessert recipes evolve, many bakeries and home bakers began experimenting with ways to reimagine the beloved cheesecake by combining it with other popular desserts. One of the most notable trends was the creation of cheesecake cookies. This innovation allowed for the combination of the smooth and rich filling of cheesecake with the chewy texture of a cookie, creating a winning dessert that combines the best of both worlds.

Inspired by the rise of gourmet cookies, particularly those popularized by bakeries like Crumbl, the caramel cheesecake cookie takes it one step further by adding the indulgent flavor of caramel drizzle. This twist has made these cookies an even bigger hit, offering both a satisfying texture and a burst of flavor.

The Ingredients: What You Need for Perfect Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather the right ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to bake your caramel cheesecake cookies:

For the Cookie Base:

Butter: The star ingredient that creates a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The combination of sugars provides the perfect sweetness and a slight molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
Egg: Helps bind the dough together, creating the right consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure and stability.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly, resulting in a lighter texture.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Graham cracker crumbs: Adds the crunch and signature cheesecake crust flavor that pairs so well with the caramel topping.

For the Cheesecake Topping:

Cream cheese: The essential ingredient for creating the rich, creamy cheesecake layer.
Powdered sugar: Provides the right sweetness and smoothness for the topping.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake topping.

For the Caramel Drizzle:

Caramel sauce: You can either use store-bought caramel or make your own for the drizzle. It provides the sticky, sweet finishing touch.
Sea salt: A pinch of salt elevates the flavor of the caramel and helps cut through the richness of the cheesecake.

Having the right ingredients is the first step to achieving perfect caramel cheesecake cookies, so be sure to gather everything before you begin baking!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the preparation process. Follow these steps to create the perfect caramel cheesecake cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have the right texture.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should be soft but set.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Topping

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cheesecake topping by beating the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
Add in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
The consistency should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of milk to thin it out slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, spread a generous spoonful of the cheesecake topping on each cookie. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake topping, allowing it to gently drip down the sides of the cookies.
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These caramel cheesecake cookies combine a buttery graham cracker base, a creamy cheesecake topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in graham cracker crumbs until evenly incorporated.
Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool completely.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread cheesecake topping over each cooled cookie.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra caramelized flavor, lightly toast the graham cracker crumbs before adding them to the dough.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cheesecake, caramel, cookies, dessert, sweet, baking