If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats, these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are going to become your new favorite! With a buttery graham cracker base, a creamy cheesecake frosting, and a drizzle of rich salted caramel, these cookies offer the perfect balance of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, this recipe will surely impress your taste buds and your guests.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, salty, and creamy. These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring all that goodness together in one bite.
The graham cracker cookie base mimics the flavor of a cheesecake crust, while the cheesecake frosting adds a rich, tangy sweetness. Topping it all off with a salty caramel drizzle creates the perfect finishing touch, turning a simple cookie into an unforgettable dessert.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 12 cookies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Equipment Needed | Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowls, hand or stand mixer, cooling rack |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
How to Make These Amazing Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C).Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to avoid any sticking during baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a spacious bowl, combine the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and airy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: To the butter mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
- Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures: Slowly blend the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Shape the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to form tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each into a ball and place them onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the Dough: Gently press down on each dough ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to flatten slightly.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep a close watch to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Frosting
- Cream the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and airy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the cheesecake frosting generously over each one.
- Drizzle the Caramel: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the frosted cookies.
- Garnish with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel for that signature salty-sweet flavor.
- Your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are now ready—enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to achieve smooth and creamy textures for both the dough and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Stir until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re not in a rush, you can chill the cookie dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Let Cookies Cool Completely: Frosting warm cookies will cause the frosting to melt and slide off, so be patient and let them cool.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairing with Drinks: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.
- Cookie Platter: Add these to a dessert platter along with other cookies or treats for a party or gathering.
- Gift-Worthy: Wrap these cookies up in a cute box or bag for a sweet homemade gift.
- Your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are now ready to serve.
- Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and frost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make your cookies dry. Spoon and level the flour for accuracy.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking, as an unpreheated oven can result in uneven baking.
- Not Cooling the Cookies: Frosting warm cookies can ruin the texture of the frosting, so always allow them to cool completely.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are like a dream come true.The smooth cheesecake frosting and sweet caramel go together perfectly, making an amazing dessert.
These cookies are not just for special occasions—they’re perfect whenever you need a sweet treat. So, give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become your go-to dessert recipe!
FAQs
Q1: How can I make the frosting less sweet?
A1: You can reduce the powdered sugar to your taste. If you’d like, you could also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Q2: Can I freeze the salted caramel cheesecake cookies?
A2: Absolutely! Freeze the cookies before frosting.
Q3: Can I use a different type of caramel?
A3: Yes, you can use homemade caramel or any store-bought caramel sauce you like.
Q4: How do I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
A4: Making caramel sauce at home is simple! Just melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat until it turns golden, then carefully add ½ cup of heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
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