Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe – Sweet & Salty Treats

Introduction to Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

What are Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a mouthwatering dessert that combines rich cream cheese frosting with the sweet, slightly salty flavor of caramel. The graham cracker crumbs in the dough add a subtle crunch, mimicking a cheesecake crust, while the salted caramel topping gives these cookies a unique flavor contrast. This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves a balance between sweet and salty.

For a deeper dive into caramel sauces, explore this guide to making homemade caramel. These cookies are ideal for gatherings or as a special treat to enjoy on your own. Their irresistible combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress your guests.

These cookies are simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later use. If you prefer, feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or toffee bits for extra indulgence. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies offer a rich and comforting flavor that’s both decadent and satisfying.

Basic Recipe for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 20-24 cookies (depending on size) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining a soft, chewy cookie base with a rich, creamy cheesecake frosting and a decadent salted caramel topping. The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

 

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Ingredients

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For the Cookie Dough:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (divided)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz unsalted butter, softened
• 2½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1¼ cups brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Stir in the remaining ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Scoop out 1-1.5 tablespoons of dough and roll it into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with your fingers. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly soft, but they will set as the cookies cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4. Make the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy.

For the Caramel Topping:

5. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering for 3-5 minutes, or until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Assemble the Cookies:

6. Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
7. Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the cooled caramel topping over the frosted cookies. You can either drizzle it in a zigzag pattern or pour it in the center for a more rustic look.
8. Serve: Allow the caramel to set before serving or storing the cookies. Enjoy your rich and indulgent Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies!

Notes

• Be sure to cool the caramel before drizzling it over the cookies to prevent it from melting the cream cheese frosting.
• If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (baking cookies) 5 minutes (making caramel sauce)
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, graham cracker crumbs, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the remaining graham cracker crumbs for added texture.
2. Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoons of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each scoop slightly with your fingers to form discs. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cookies cool, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fluffy.
4. Prepare the Caramel Topping: In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar, whipping cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cookie. Drizzle the salted caramel topping over the frosting and enjoy!

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Achieving the Perfect Texture

To ensure your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies have the ideal texture, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help the sugars blend smoothly and avoid clumps in the dough. Don’t overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients—mix just enough to combine everything. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help the cookies retain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.

Making the Caramel Sauce Perfectly

The key to a smooth salted caramel sauce is constant stirring. Allow the brown sugar and whipping cream to melt together slowly over medium heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of cream and heat it gently to loosen it up. For a richer flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. This gives the caramel a more intense, molasses-like taste.

Frosting Tips

Ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting. If you prefer a firmer frosting, chill it for a few minutes before applying it to the cookies. This will make it easier to spread evenly on the graham cracker cookie base.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Store the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep them for a longer period, refrigerate them to preserve the freshness of the cream cheese frosting.

Freezing Cookies for Later Use

These cookies freeze wonderfully! To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.

Reheating Tips

To reheat the cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the caramel topping to soften and the frosting to become creamy again. This simple trick will restore their fresh-baked texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version of these cookies, swap the flour and graham cracker crumbs for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs that are specifically made for those with dietary restrictions. Ensure the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Modifications

To make these cookies dairy-free, replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for the frosting. The caramel sauce can be made dairy-free by using coconut milk or another plant-based milk in place of whipping cream.

Sugar-Free Alternatives

For a sugar-free version, opt for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of the regular sugar and brown sugar in the cookie dough. For the caramel sauce, you can substitute sugar-free brown sugar and use a sugar-free alternative for the whipping cream.

FAQs About Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Can I Make the Dough in Advance?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover the dough tightly in plastic wrap. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies from frozen.

Can I Skip the Frosting?

While the cream cheese frosting adds a wonderful richness to the cookies, you can skip it if you prefer. For a simpler treat, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the baked cookies without frosting. The caramel topping will still give you that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

What If My Caramel Sauce Doesn’t Thicken?

If your caramel sauce doesn’t thicken, it may need a bit more time to cook. Simply return it to the heat and simmer it for a few extra minutes. Be careful not to burn it. If the sauce is too thin, let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cookies.

Conclusion & Final thoughts

Final Thoughts on Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a decadent, irresistible dessert that combines all the best flavors: rich cream cheese frosting, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and the perfect touch of salted caramel. These cookies are easy to make, customizable, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or indulging in a sweet treat at home, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.