Easy Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe

There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, chewy cookie oozing with rich, buttery caramel and just the right touch of salt. These easy salted caramel cream cheese cookies deliver that perfect balance in every mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

this Recipe

You’ll love how the cream cheese adds an irresistible tangy softness to the dough, making these salted caramel cookies tender and moist. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in under an hour — no stress, just sweet satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and chewy texture thanks to cream cheese in the dough
• Rich salted caramel flavor that melts in your mouth
• Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Quick prep and baking time for an easy dessert
• Perfect balance of sweet and salty to satisfy cravings

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your salted caramel cream cheese cookies. Measuring carefully will help you get the best results every time.

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie

How to Make Easy Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened 1/2 cup butter and 4 ounces cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar to the butter mixture and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Mix in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the 1 cup caramel bits gently to distribute throughout the dough.
7. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Lightly press each ball to flatten slightly, then sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until edges are golden but centers remain soft. The cookies will set as they cool.
9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely and enjoy the gooey salted caramel cream cheese cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Tips for the Best Results

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are very soft for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour to keep cookies tender, not tough.
• If you want extra gooey caramel, press a small caramel piece into the top of each dough ball before baking.
• Use flaky sea salt instead of regular salt for a delicate crunch and balanced flavor.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm to prevent spreading.

Storage and Reheating

Store your salted caramel cream cheese cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This helps revive the soft, gooey texture and melts the caramel slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular cream cheese or reduced-fat cream cheese?

Regular cream cheese works best for the texture and flavor of these cookies. Reduced-fat versions may change the moisture balance and result in less tender cookies.

What if I don’t have caramel bits on hand?

You can chop soft caramel candies into small pieces as a substitute. Just be careful not to add large chunks that could melt excessively during baking.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, you can make these cookies dairy-free. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking too much during baking?

Using caramel bits designed for baking helps minimize excessive melting. Also, gently folding them into the dough rather than mixing vigorously prevents leakage.