Cheesecake Caramel Cookies

Featured in desserts.

Hey friend! You HAVE to try these salted caramel cheesecake cookies! They're absolutely divine with their buttery, crackly cookie base, smooth cheesecake center, and that gorgeous swirl of caramel on top. The little flakes of sea salt cut through the sweetness perfectly, and when you take a bite, you get all these amazing textures and flavors at once. I made them last weekend and they disappeared in minutes! They look fancy but aren't actually that hard to make. Trust me, these will be your new favorite dessert!

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Updated on Tue, 20 May 2025 23:46:14 GMT
Delicious salted caramel cheesecake cookies with a golden crumbly base and swirled caramel topping pin it
Delicious salted caramel cheesecake cookies with a golden crumbly base and swirled caramel topping | lonerecipes.com

I discovered these incredible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies at a friend's holiday party last year and immediately had to have the recipe. What makes these cookies so special is their incredible combination of textures and flavors. The cookie base has that perfect shortbread-like consistency that's buttery and slightly crumbly, while the cheesecake center adds a creamy richness that's not too sweet. The caramel topping provides that perfect sticky-sweet finish with just the right amount of salt to bring everything together. I love how they look so impressive with their swirled tops and caramel drizzle, yet they're actually quite straightforward to make. The recipe does require some chilling time, but the active preparation isn't complicated at all. Every time I make these cookies for gatherings, people assume I bought them from a fancy bakery!

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies because they deliver so many delicious elements in one perfect bite. The contrast between the slightly crunchy cookie base, the smooth cream cheese filling, and the gooey caramel topping creates a dessert that's texturally fascinating and incredibly satisfying. I love how the sea salt flakes cut through the sweetness and add that sophisticated flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. These cookies are also incredibly versatile - they're elegant enough for special occasions but comforting enough for everyday treats. I appreciate that while they look impressive, they don't require advanced baking skills, making them accessible even for intermediate bakers. The fact that they can be made ahead and stored for several days means I can prepare them when I have time and enjoy them later. Most of all, I love how they never fail to bring smiles to everyone who tries them - they're truly a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels special every time.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

  • Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for the cookie base for proper creaming with sugar
  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese works best for the creamiest filling texture
  • Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
  • Sea Salt Flakes: Maldon salt flakes work best for the perfect crunch and flavor contrast
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookie base
  • Egg Yolk: Adds richness to the cheesecake filling

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the cookie base
Start by creaming softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but manageable. Chill it for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with and help the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Shape and pre-bake
Roll the dough into balls and press them into muffin tin cavities, creating a cup shape with your thumb or the back of a measuring spoon. Bake until the edges are just golden but the centers are still slightly soft.
Make the filling
While the cookie cups bake, prepare the cheesecake filling by beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and an egg yolk until completely smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to prevent any lumps.
Fill and finish baking
Fill each baked cookie cup with the cheesecake mixture and return to the oven briefly to set the filling. The cheesecake should be just set but still creamy in the center.
Top with caramel
Once completely cooled, pipe or drizzle caramel sauce on top of each cookie in a decorative swirl pattern. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch.
Recipe picture pin it
Gourmet cheesecake cookies with sea salt flakes and caramel drizzle on white marble surface | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

The first time I made these cookies, I accidentally overbaked them slightly, but discovered that the slightly firmer texture actually paired wonderfully with the creamy filling! Since then, I've experimented with adding a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cookie base and cheesecake filling for an even more decadent treat. My family especially loves when I use brown butter in the cookie base for an extra nutty flavor that complements the caramel beautifully. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but I find homemade gives that perfect gooey consistency.

Perfect Pairings

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies pair beautifully with a variety of beverages. Try serving them with a bold coffee to balance the sweetness, or a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. For an adult dessert, they're wonderful alongside a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or a cream sherry. If you're creating a dessert platter, these cookies complement fresh berries, dark chocolate truffles, and vanilla ice cream. For a complete dessert experience, serve slightly warmed with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side.

Creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between buttery cookie base and salted caramel frosting pin it
Creamy cheesecake filling sandwiched between buttery cookie base and salted caramel frosting | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies actually benefit from being made ahead. You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together, making them even more delicious.

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Freeze without the caramel topping, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the caramel and salt just before serving.

→ What if I don't have a muffin tin?

While a muffin tin creates the perfect cup shape, you can also make thumbprint cookies on a regular baking sheet. They won't be exactly the same, but will still have all the delicious flavors.

→ Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but you can use low-fat if necessary. The filling might be slightly less creamy but will still taste delicious.

→ How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookie edges should be just turning golden, but the centers should still be soft. Don't overbake or they'll become too hard. The cheesecake filling should be just set but still look slightly moist in the center.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with multiple textures that create a truly special dessert experience. The buttery cookie base provides a delicious foundation for the creamy cheesecake filling, while the caramel topping adds a rich sweetness that's beautifully balanced by the sea salt flakes. They're impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough to make whenever you're craving something indulgent.

Cheesecake Caramel Cookies

Decadent cookies with a buttery base, creamy cheesecake filling, and salted caramel topping that will satisfy any sweet craving.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
120 Minutes
By: chris

Category: desserts

Difficulty: intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 balls)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dessert

Ingredients

011 cup unsalted butter, softened
023/4 cup granulated sugar
032 cups all-purpose flour
041/2 teaspoon salt
058 oz cream cheese, softened
061/2 cup powdered sugar
071 teaspoon vanilla extract
081 egg yolk
091/2 cup caramel sauce
101/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

Step 01

In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add flour and salt, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll cookie dough into 1.5-inch balls and place in a muffin tin. Press down in the center to create a cup shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden.

Step 03

While cookies are baking, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Once cookie cups are baked, remove from oven and immediately press centers down again if they've puffed up.

Step 04

Fill each cookie cup with the cream cheese mixture, about 1-2 teaspoons each. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the filling. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 05

Once cooled, carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack. Warm caramel sauce slightly if too thick, then transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a decorative swirl of caramel on top of each cookie. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.

Step 06

Refrigerate the cookies for at least 1 hour to set completely. For best texture and flavor, allow cookies to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  1. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake filling.
  2. If you don't have a piping bag, you can drizzle the caramel with a spoon for a more rustic look.
  3. The cookies can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  4. For cleaner removal from the muffin tin, let the cookies cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully loosening the edges with a knife.

Tools You'll Need

  • Muffin tin
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Piping bag with star tip
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, cream cheese)
  • Gluten (flour)
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 34 g
  • Protein: 5 g

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