Description
Delight in these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake flavor with rich caramel and a crunchy graham cracker topping. Soft and chewy with a luscious caramel center, these cookies are an ideal treat for dessert lovers looking for something unique and indulgent.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to form the cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up and help prevent spreading during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Scoop and Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a small well into the center of each cookie.
- Add Filling and Topping: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of caramel sauce and sprinkle the tops with crushed graham crackers for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they are done.
- Cool and Finish: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an added touch of sweetness if desired.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the hot cookies immediately after baking.
- Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents excessive spreading.