Decadent Caramel Cheesecake Cookies with a rich, creamy center and golden edges—perfectly sweet, chewy, and absolutely irresistible every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy center: Each cookie hides a smooth cheesecake surprise inside.
Caramel topping: A rich drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch.

Perfect texture: Soft, chewy edges with a rich, moist center.
Easy to assemble: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Make-ahead friendly: Dough and filling can be prepared in advance.

Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for parties, potlucks, and gift boxes.
Customizable: Switch up the filling or drizzle for variation.
Freezer-friendly: Store and bake when needed.

Great for holidays: Elegant enough for festive occasions.
Deliciously indulgent: Every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Filling:

6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Topping:

½ cup soft caramel candies

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges around the filling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Place cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

While the cookies cool, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Drizzle the caramel over the cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 18 cookies

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 39 minutes

Calories: Approximately 265 kcal per cookie

Variations

Salted caramel: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle.
Chocolate caramel: Use chocolate chips in the dough or drizzle melted chocolate on top.

Fruit-filled: Add a small bit of jam with the cheesecake filling.
Spiced version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warmth.
Mini cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-size treats; reduce baking time.

Nutty version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
Caramel swirl: Mix a little caramel into the dough for added flavor.
Stuffed with candy: Use a Rolo or caramel candy inside instead of sauce.

Cookie sandwich: Bake flat cookies and sandwich the filling between two.
No drizzle: Skip the topping and roll in sugar for a simpler version.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5–6 days; best enjoyed at room temperature.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.

FAQs

Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce?

Yes, pre-made caramel sauce can be used for convenience.

Do I Have To Chill The Dough?

It’s not required, but chilling helps the cookies hold shape better while baking.

Can I Make These Without Cream Cheese?

For a non-cheesecake version, omit the filling or replace with a different filling like Nutella.

What Kind Of Caramel Should I Use?

Soft caramel candies work best, but thick caramel sauce will also do in a pinch.

Can These Be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

How Do I Keep The Cheesecake Filling From Leaking?

Seal the cookie edges well and don’t overfill.

Do These Need To Be Refrigerated?

Not immediately, but refrigerating can extend freshness due to the cream cheese.

Can I Freeze The Dough?

Yes, form filled dough balls and freeze; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

How Do I Know When They’re Done Baking?

Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers—they’ll continue to set as they cool.

What Can I Serve These With?

Great with coffee, milk, or as part of a dessert platter with fruit and other cookies.

Conclusion

Caramel cheesecake cookies are the ultimate sweet indulgence—soft, rich, and packed with flavor in every bite. With a creamy filling, chewy cookie base, and luscious caramel topping, these treats offer everything you want in a homemade dessert. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you need a sweet fix, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie rotation.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you enjoyed the vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients in our Vegan Sweet Potato Lentil Patties, you’ll love exploring more unique recipes from our kitchen. Try this protein-rich Carrot and Lentil Salad with Creamy Hummus for a satisfying plant-based side, or bring a little gourmet flair to your table with Roasted Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks. For a lighter, bite-sized option, the Zucchini Pizza Bites are perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers. If you’re craving a wholesome bean-based dish, don’t miss the comforting Mediterranean White Beans & Greens. And for dessert lovers, treat yourself to a gooey, indulgent twist with our No-Bake Caramel Rolo Cheesecake—a sweet finish to your plant-powered meal!

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 39 minutes

Yield: 18 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These soft and chewy caramel cheesecake cookies combine brown sugar cookie dough with a rich, creamy cheesecake center and gooey caramel drizzle—perfect for dessert lovers who crave indulgence in every bite.

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup soft caramel candies
2 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Scoop 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten slightly. Place 1 teaspoon of cheesecake filling in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Seal edges to enclose the filling. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
While cookies cool, melt caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Drizzle caramel over cooled cookies and let set before serving.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother filling.
Use a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

Chilling dough slightly before assembling can make shaping easier.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American