Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that combines the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the chewy texture of cookies. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy evening at home. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they are sure to impress family and friends. Plus, the addition of flaky sea salt gives each bite a sweet and salty twist that’s simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of cream cheese, caramel, and cookie dough creates a delectable treat that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies classic baking techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just because! These cookies fit any occasion perfectly.
- Impressive Presentation: The swirls of cheesecake filling and caramel sauce make these cookies visually stunning.
- Sweet and Salty Balance: Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are some tools that will help you create these delicious cookies effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: A stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar easier while ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Piping bag or ziplock bag: These help neatly apply the cheesecake filling and caramel sauce onto the cookies.
- Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfect cookie results.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup (120ml) thick caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or ziplock bag.
Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until slightly firm to make piping easier later. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl:
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add in the egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:
Mix until just combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough:
Flatten it slightly in your hand to form a thick disc.
Place a heaping teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center:
Fold the dough around it, sealing well to fully enclose the filling.
Shape into tall balls that are slightly domed:
This helps encourage thickness when baking.
Place filled dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet:
Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Optional but recommended: Chill assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking to prevent excess spreading.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Bake for 10–12 minutes:
Look for edges that are lightly golden.
If desired, gently press down in the center of each cookie with a spoon immediately after baking to create wells for toppings.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes:
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once cooled completely:
Pipe a swirl of chilled cheesecake filling on top of each cookie (optional but recommended).
Using your piping bag or ziplock with tip snipped off:
Pipe thick swirls of caramel sauce over each cheesecake layer or directly on each cookie if preferred.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty finish.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Salted caramel cheesecake cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them at a party or as an afternoon snack, they will surely impress your guests and family. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Pair with Coffee
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon espresso for a delicious pick-me-up.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Warm the cookies slightly and top them with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with fresh fruits, chocolate-covered strawberries, and other sweet treats for a stunning display.
Gift Them
- Package the cookies in a decorative box or jar to give as gifts during holidays or special occasions.
Add Whipped Cream
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for added creaminess and flavor.
Top with Fresh Fruit
- Garnish the cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas to add a refreshing contrast.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
To ensure your salted caramel cheesecake cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter and cream cheese sit out before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth batter.
- Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the assembled cookies before baking prevents excessive spreading, keeping their shape intact.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Remove them when edges are golden for soft centers.
- Customize Fillings: Feel free to try different fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for variety in flavour.
- Store Properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
While these salted caramel cheesecake cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to create contrast with the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries, serving it alongside the cookies for a delightful combination.
- Coffee Cake: Pairing with coffee cake makes for a perfect afternoon snack that complements both textures and flavors.
- Nut Mix: A simple blend of nuts adds crunch and saltiness that pairs well with the sweet cookie taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling the assembled cookies helps prevent spreading during baking. If you skip this step, your cookies may become too flat.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easy mixing. Cold ingredients can create lumps and uneven texture.
- Skipping the baking time check: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent overbaking.
- Ignoring the importance of flaky sea salt: The sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances flavor contrast. Skipping it means missing out on that perfect sweet-salty finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days.
Freezing Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Freeze assembled but unbaked cookies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that you might have:
Can I use different fillings in my cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors of cream cheese or even chocolate ganache as fillings.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
If you don’t have flaky sea salt, regular table salt can work, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors that will impress any dessert lover. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings and fillings based on your preference. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to create such indulgent treats at home!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, where creamy cheesecake meets chewy cookies for an unforgettable treat. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a cozy night at home. Each cookie boasts a delightful swirl of cheesecake filling and rich caramel, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that balances the sweetness with a gourmet touch. Easy to make and visually stunning, these decadent bites will surely impress anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag and chill for about 15 minutes.
- For the cookie dough, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter with both sugars until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients.
- Scoop dough, flatten slightly, place cheesecake filling in the center, and seal the dough around it. Chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden. Allow cooling before topping with additional cheesecake filling and caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
