Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Oh friends, this is one of those recipes that truly feels like a love letter from my kitchen to yours. I’m so grateful you’re here, because today’s sweet treat is something magical. Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with creamy cheesecake flavor and rich, buttery caramel. They taste like a bakery-level dessert but are simple enough for any home baker to whip up with confidence.

Right after the H1, let me just say it again: Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent blend of tangy cream cheese and gooey caramel, all wrapped in a buttery cookie you’ll be proud to share—or maybe keep all to yourself (no judgment here!).

Before we dive into the details, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to get this recipe (and other swoon-worthy desserts) delivered straight to your inbox. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

What Are Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

Imagine the creamy richness of a cheesecake, the irresistible pull of soft caramel, and the classic charm of a homemade cookie—all in one bite. These cookies start with a cream cheese-infused dough that’s soft and tender, with a center that hides or swirls rich, golden caramel.

They bake up golden on the edges, soft in the middle, and with just enough chew to make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you drizzle them with extra caramel or enjoy them warm with coffee, these cookies are anything but boring!!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• Cheesecake + caramel = magic

• Soft, rich texture with just the right amount of chew

• Simple pantry ingredients – no fancy techniques required

• Perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or weekday cravings

• Make-ahead friendly – the dough chills beautifully!

What Do They Taste Like?

Think creamy, tangy cheesecake meets brown sugar cookie, with silky caramel melting through every bite. The cream cheese gives the dough a subtle tartness that balances out the sweet, buttery caramel. The texture? Heavenly—soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and totally irresistible.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Easy to customize with different caramel types or add-ins

• Can be made ahead of time for effortless baking

• A unique twist on a classic cookie that stands out

• Comfort food vibes in every soft, sweet bite

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 large egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 15–20 soft caramels (unwrapped), or ½ cup thick caramel sauce

• Optional: flaky sea salt for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand or stand mixer

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Rubber spatula

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Cookie scoop

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Use caramel bits or dulce de leche instead of caramels

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a turtle-cookie twist

• Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty flavor hit

• Use gluten-free flour (1:1 blend) to make them gluten-friendly

• Add white chocolate chips for an extra creamy texture

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step 1: Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the egg and vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the dough

Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour. Chilled dough makes thicker, chewier cookies that don’t spread too much.

Step 5: Stuff or swirl in the caramel

Option 1: Scoop a ball of dough, flatten slightly, place a soft caramel in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
Option 2: If using caramel sauce, swirl a small amount into the dough gently before scooping.

Step 6: Bake

Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool and drizzle (optional)

Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with more caramel and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.

What to Serve with These Cookies

• A cup of strong coffee or espresso

• Warm milk or hot chocolate

• Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced apples

• Crumbled into vanilla ice cream for a DIY sundae

Tips for Perfect Cookies

• Chill your dough! It keeps the cookies from spreading and intensifies flavor.

• Use soft caramels or a thick sauce to avoid leakage during baking.

• Don’t overbake – the centers should be just set for the softest bite.

• Let them cool a bit before biting—hot caramel can burn!

• Add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the caramel notes even more.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Refrigerate: Store for up to 1 week (bring to room temp before serving).

• Freeze: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

General Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

• Yield: 20–24 cookies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Scoop dough into balls and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

What kind of caramel works best?

Soft caramel candies or thick caramel sauce (like for dipping apples) work best. Avoid thin syrups—they’ll run too much.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I skip the caramel and make cheesecake cookies?

Absolutely! These are amazing even without the caramel. Try adding mini chocolate chips instead.

Conclusion

There’s just something so nostalgic, indulgent, and joyful about a warm batch of Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. They’re rich, satisfying, and just different enough from your usual cookie lineup to wow your taste buds—and everyone else’s too. Whether you drizzle them with extra caramel or devour them warm out of the oven, these cookies are bound to become a fast favorite.

So go ahead—treat yourself. And maybe hide a few in the freezer for later. You’ll thank yourself, I promise. 😊

More Cookies to Try Next

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Lemon Cream Cheese Crinkle Cookies

• Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

• White Chocolate Macadamia Cheesecake Bars

Share Your Bakes!

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me @mmmrecipesblog on Instagram or pin your photos to Pinterest with a quick review. It means the world and helps others discover these cookies too!

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 165

• Fat: 9g

• Carbs: 18g

• Sugar: 12g

• Protein: 2g

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