Description
These cheesecake caramel cookies feature buttery cookie cups filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a swirl of rich salted caramel. They make an elegant dessert that’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1½-inch balls and place one into each muffin cup.
- Press the center of each dough ball to form a cup shape.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth.
- If needed, gently press the centers of the baked cookie cups down again.
- Fill each cookie cup with 1–2 teaspoons of the cheesecake mixture.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the filling.
- Cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly if needed and pipe or drizzle it over each cookie.
- Sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
Use full-fat block cream cheese for the creamiest filling.
Top with melted chocolate, chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits for extra flavor and texture.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal variation.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep refrigerated because of the cheesecake filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
