Introduction
These delightful caramel cheesecake cookies are the perfect balance of creamy, chewy, and sweet. Each bite combines the richness of cheesecake with the gooey goodness of caramel, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
cream cheese (softened) – 226 grams
granulated sugar – 67 grams
vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
unsalted butter (softened) – 113 grams
all-purpose flour – 135 grams
caramel squares (chopped) – 85 grams
heavy cream – 50 ml
salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 57 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
4. Fold the cream cheese mixture into the flour and butter mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft.
5. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. While the dough is chilling, melt the caramel squares with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
7. Once the dough is firm, take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten slightly and make a small indentation in the center.
8. Fill the indentation with a small spoonful of caramel. Repeat for the rest of the dough.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick and will come off easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. The aroma of vanilla filled with the lusciousness of cream cheese is simply delightful!
Step 3: Cream the Butter
In a separate bowl, cream the unsalted butter until it appears light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt, blending until just combined. The mixture will be thick and crumbly.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the creamy cream cheese mixture into the butter-flour mixture until fully incorporated. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—this is perfect for creating cookies that are chewy and indulgent.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will help it firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 6: Melt the Caramel
While the dough cools, take the chopped caramel squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the heavy cream and heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth. The sweet scent of caramel wafting through the kitchen is irresistible!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is firm, scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten each ball and create a small indentation in the center using your thumb.
Step 8: Fill with Caramel
Using a small spoon, fill the indentation of each cookie with a spoonful of caramel. This will create a gooey center that will melt in your mouth.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Enjoy the sweet aroma as they bake, filling your home with warmth.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After a few minutes, indulge in these delicious caramel cheesecake cookies that are sure to captivate your taste buds!
Notes
Tip for Cream Cheese
Ensure your cream cheese is adequately softened for easy mixing. It should be at room temperature to achieve a smooth consistency with the sugar.
Chilling Time
Do not skip the chilling step! It is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies, preventing them from spreading too much while baking.
Caramel Variations
Feel free to sprinkle some sea salt on top of the caramel-filled cookies before baking for an elevated sweet-salty flavor combination.
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated if you prefer a chill.
For Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before indulging in their creamy, gooey goodness again!
Cook techniques
Softening Cream Cheese and Butter
To achieve a creamy texture in the cookies, it’s essential to soften the cream cheese and butter. Leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This will make them easier to blend and ensure a smoother batter.
Creaming Method
When combining the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat until smooth and creamy. This technique incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter texture.
Folding Technique
When you fold the cream cheese mixture into the flour and butter blend, use a spatula to gently combine without overmixing. This helps maintain the airiness of the batter, resulting in softer cookies.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial, as it firms up the mixture and makes it easier to handle. This step also helps in preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Creating the Indentation
When forming the cookies, flatten the dough balls slightly and make a small indentation with your thumb or the back of a spoon. This helps to hold the caramel filling and keeps it from overflowing during baking.
Baking Time
Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges. Removing them promptly from the oven ensures they stay chewy and do not become too hard.
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, it may affect the overall richness and texture of the cookies. Full-fat cream cheese yields a creamier taste.
Can I substitute the caramel squares?
Yes, you can use caramel sauce instead of caramel squares. Just ensure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the cookie indentation.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.
Can I add other ingredients to the cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Just be cautious not to add too much flour to avoid making the cookies dense.
Conclusion
These caramel cheesecake cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Their creamy cheesecake base, paired with rich caramel, creates a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies
Combine the creamy cheesecake base with chocolate chips for an added layer of sweetness and texture. The mix of chocolate and caramel will make these cookies even more irresistible.
Pecan Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Incorporate chopped pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch. The nuttiness complements the rich caramel and cheesecake flavors perfectly.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel filling for a sweet and salty contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies
Mix in small chunks of diced apples and a dash of cinnamon to capture the essence of apple pie in a cookie form. This delightful twist works perfectly with the creamy cheesecake and caramel.
Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Swirl in some creamy peanut butter to the dough for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
Coconut Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Add toasted coconut flakes to the dough for a tropical twist. The coconut pairs well with caramel, giving the cookies a unique and delicious flavor.
