These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect indulgent treat, combining the best of both worlds: chewy, buttery cookie dough with a rich, tangy cheesecake filling, all topped with a luscious caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These cookies deliver a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, from the soft cookie base to the creamy cheesecake center, and the sweetness of caramel balanced by the salt. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress!

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Double Layer Magic: The unique “double layer” effect, where a creamy cheesecake filling is encased in a chewy cookie dough, creates a beautifully marbled texture.
Sweet & Salty Perfection: The combination of rich caramel and flaky sea salt provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
Versatile & Elegant: These cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, but their appearance makes them elegant enough for more formal occasions as well.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough and cheesecake filling ahead of time, making these cookies an easy option for any event.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

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

For the Cheesecake Filling:

4 oz (115g) Cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50g) Granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

For the Topping:

1/2 cup (120ml) Thick caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or ziplock bag. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to firm up slightly, which makes piping easier.

2. Make 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 the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand to form a thick disc.
Place a heaping teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the filling securely inside.
Shape the dough into a slightly domed ball, which will encourage thickness while baking.
Place the filled dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Optional: Chill the assembled cookies in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before baking to prevent excess spreading.

4. Bake the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. If desired, gently press the center of each cookie with a spoon right after baking to create a small well for the topping.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Add the Cheesecake & Caramel Toppings

Once the cookies are completely cool, pipe a swirl of the chilled cheesecake filling on top of each cookie (optional, but it gives a lovely bakery-style look).
Using a piping bag or ziplock bag with the tip snipped off, pipe a thick swirl of caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer, or directly on the cookie if you prefer.
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet and salty finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-15 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20-30 minutes (optional)
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including chill time)

Variations

Caramel Sauce: For a richer flavor, make your own homemade caramel sauce, or use a high-quality store-bought version.
Cheesecake Filling: You can add a splash of lemon juice or zest to the cheesecake filling for a tangy twist, or mix in a bit of cinnamon for added warmth.
Toppings: Experiment with different types of sea salt (like smoked sea salt) or add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without the cheesecake filling?

While the cheesecake filling is what makes these cookies unique, you can substitute it with a dollop of sweetened cream cheese or even custard if desired. However, it will no longer have the same tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookie and caramel.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the cookie dough?

You can substitute the granulated and brown sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener, though the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Also, make sure the dough is thick and well-formed when shaping the balls.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when drizzled on top of the cookies. If it’s too runny, you can briefly chill it to thicken it up.

How do I create a “well” in the cookie for the caramel sauce?

Gently press the center of each cookie with a spoon right after baking. This will create a small indentation for the caramel sauce to sit in, giving it a more professional look and preventing the caramel from spilling off.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an indulgent treat that brings together the best of both worlds—chewy cookies and rich cheesecake, all crowned with a decadent caramel drizzle and a pinch of sea salt. The contrast in textures and flavors makes these cookies a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to delight.