9 Dangerously Irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies You’ll Hide for Yourself

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By Gianna Poulef

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Thank you for being here, my friend Truly — these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the kind of bake that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wait… what is IN this?” Soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth, they combine everything we love about cheesecake, buttery cookies, and gooey caramel into one completely addictive treat.

These are the cookies I make when I want something a little extra special — for holidays, bake sales, or those nights when mom or dad absolutely deserve a treat after the kids are asleep. Fair warning: they disappear fast.

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Overview of Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These cookies start with a soft cream-cheese-enriched dough that bakes up tender and slightly tangy, just like cheesecake. Brown sugar adds depth, butter brings richness, and swirls of caramel sauce melt right into the cookies as they bake.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

  • Cheesecake texture in cookie form
  • Soft, thick, and ultra-creamy centers
  • Gooey caramel in every bite
  • Easy to make, impressive to serve
  • Perfect for holidays, gifting, or snacking

What They Taste Like

Creamy, buttery cookies with subtle tang from cream cheese, deep caramel sweetness, and soft, bakery-style texture.

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

This Now, Make It Later!

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (thick, good-quality)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Cooling rack

Substitutions & Variations

  • Use salted caramel sauce for sweet-salty balance
  • Add chocolate chips or toffee bits
  • Swirl extra caramel on top before baking
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt after baking

How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

This dough comes together quickly — but the results taste like you worked all day

1. Prep the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter, Cream Cheese & Sugars

Beat butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg & Vanilla

Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

5. Combine

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

6. Add Caramel

Gently fold in caramel sauce, leaving streaks for a marbled look.

7. Scoop & Bake

Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.

8. Cool

Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

What to Serve with Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

  • Hot coffee or espresso
  • Cold milk
  • Vanilla ice cream sandwiches
  • Holiday cookie platters

Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Use softened (not melted) butter and cream cheese
  • Don’t overbake — soft centers are key
  • Chill dough 20 minutes if spreading too much
  • Use thick caramel sauce for best texture

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: 3 days, covered
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cookies up to 2 months

General Information

Cheesecake-style cookies are loved for their creamy texture and richness. Adding caramel gives them a nostalgic bakery feel — the kind of cookie you’d spot in a glass case and absolutely have to try. This recipe brings that experience right into your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these taste like cheesecake?
Yes — soft, creamy, and lightly tangy.

Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely, as long as it’s thick.

Can I chill the dough overnight?
Yes, just let it soften slightly before scooping.

Why are my cookies flat?
Butter or cream cheese may have been too warm.

Conclusion

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are rich, creamy, and completely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no judgment here!), they’re guaranteed to steal the show.

If you loved this recipe, try these next:

Interactive Corner

Baked these cookies?
Leave a review and share your caramel swirls on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/
Those gooey centers make my day

CaloriesCarbsProteinFatSugar
190 kcal22g3g10g15g
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9 Dangerously Irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies You’ll Hide for Yourself


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 27 mins
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Soft caramel cheesecake cookies with a creamy center and gooey caramel swirls — rich, tender, and irresistible.


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

1 large egg

½ cup caramel sauce


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.

2. Cream butter, cream cheese, and sugars.

3. Add egg and vanilla.

4. Mix dry ingredients separately.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients.

6. Fold in caramel gently.

7. Scoop dough onto baking sheets.

8. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges set.

9. Cool before serving.

Notes

Do not overbake.

Use thick caramel sauce.

Chill dough if needed to prevent spreading.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
9 Dangerously Irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Cookies You’ll Hide for Yourself
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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