Caramel Cheesecake Cookies – A Decadent Cookie with a Cheesecake Center and Sweet Caramel Drizzle
Indulge in these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, where the warm, spiced cookie dough surrounds a creamy cheesecake filling and is topped off with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for dessert lovers, these cookies offer the best of both worlds!
Why You’ll Love Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the rich, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced cookie dough with a creamy cheesecake center, making them a delightful treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The addition of caramel drizzle takes these cookies to the next level!
- Cheesecake Filling: A creamy and tangy cheesecake filling in the center of every cookie makes these truly special.
- Caramel Drizzle: The sweet caramel topping adds the perfect amount of sweetness and richness.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Cookie Dough: The soft and flavorful cinnamon cookie dough is the ideal base for the cheesecake filling.
- Unique & Delicious: These cookies offer a fun twist on traditional cookies and cheesecake, making them perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: A good source of whole grains and a satisfying crunch in the cookie dough.
- Butter: Adds richness to the dough, providing a delicious texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese: A great source of calcium and protein, the cheesecake filling balances out the sweetness of the cookie.
Ingredients for Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:
For the cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
For the cheesecake filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough (Time: 10 minutes)
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling (Time: 5 minutes)
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Form the Cookie Dough (Time: 5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly with your hands. Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center of each flattened dough ball. Enclose the filling by folding the dough around it, and roll it into a ball. Repeat this for the remaining dough and filling.
4. Bake the Cookies (Time: 10-12 minutes)
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Drizzle with Caramel (Time: 5 minutes)
Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle with the caramel sauce for a sweet finishing touch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: About 18-20 cookies
Calories: Approximately 150-170 calories per cookie (varies by size)
Tips for the Best Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:
- Don’t Overfill with Cheesecake Filling: Make sure to use just 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling per cookie to ensure they bake properly and don’t overflow.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, cream cheese, and egg are at room temperature for the smoothest dough and cheesecake filling.
FAQ About Caramel Cheesecake Cookies:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and the cheesecake filling ahead of time. Store the dough and filling in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling and baking the cookies.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. Just ensure it’s thick and rich for the best drizzle effect.
Q: Can I substitute the cream cheese filling?
A: You could try using mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese, but cream cheese offers the best flavor and texture for the cheesecake filling.
Final Thoughts:
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, offering a perfect balance of cinnamon-spiced cookie dough, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet caramel drizzle. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!
If you loved these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, don’t forget to share them with friends and family! Leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. Enjoy baking and eating this sweet treat!
