Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures with these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Picture soft, buttery cookies that harbor a luscious cream cheese filling, all crowned with a drizzle of decadent salted caramel. Each bite is a harmonious mix of sweetness and a hint of saltiness, creating a truly irresistible treat. The warm aroma wafting from your oven will invite everyone to the kitchen, making these cookies an ideal choice for gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply a sweet moment of self-care. With just the right balance between chewy and creamy, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the cookies.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve a good texture.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder, creating structure in the cookie dough.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the main structure of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, making them soft and chewy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a lush filling that brings cheesecake qualities to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling, adding creaminess.
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce: Provides a rich, sweet, and salty topping that completes these cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Fill the indentation of each cookie with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Calories: Approximate 180 calories per cookie
Tips, Storage & Variations
- Tips: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in tablespoon-sized portions. When ready to bake, bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
- Variations: Try adding mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an added chocolatey twist, or use flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or vanilla, for a different filling flavor.
FAQ
1. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper flavor.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown; the centers might look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
5. What can I serve with these cookies?
They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
People Also Ask
1. What makes these cookies special?
The combination of cream cheese filling and salted caramel creates a unique flavor profile.
2. Are these cookies crispy or chewy?
They are soft and chewy with a delightful creamy center.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape.
4. Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Yes, any caramel sauce will work, but salted caramel adds a nice flavor contrast.
5. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
6. Are these cookies suitable for special diets?
They contain gluten and dairy, so they may not be suitable for those with allergies or intolerances.
7. How can I enhance the flavor of the cookies?
Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough can elevate the flavor.
8. What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
In summary, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines traditional cookie goodness with a rich cheesecake twist. Don’t hesitate to try the recipe and share your baking successes with friends and family. Happy baking!
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Fill the indentation of each cookie with a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
