Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe | Gooey Cookies with Cream Cheese & Caramel Swirl

The Cookie That Has It All

Salted caramel, cheesecake, and cookies—each a dessert icon on its own. But when combined, they create a trifecta of indulgence that’s hard to beat. Inspired by beloved recipes from Meaty Delights, Things Cook, and James Cooking, this cookie is a celebration of texture and flavor: chewy, creamy, gooey, and perfectly balanced.

The buttery cookie base wraps around a tangy cheesecake center, while a generous drizzle of salted caramel adds a luxurious finish. It’s the kind of treat that feels festive enough for holidays, thoughtful enough for gifting, and irresistible enough for everyday indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or sneaking one with your afternoon coffee, these cookies deliver a moment of pure dessert bliss.

What Makes These Cookies So Irresistible

These cookies are a masterclass in contrast and harmony. The base is soft and chewy, with just the right amount of crisp edges. Nestled inside is a creamy cheesecake filling that adds a rich, tangy surprise with every bite. But the real magic happens when warm salted caramel enters the picture—either swirled into the dough or drizzled on top.

The sweet and salty balance is what makes these cookies unforgettable. The caramel’s buttery richness plays off the cheesecake’s tang, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt heightens every flavor. It’s a sensory experience: warm, melty, chewy, creamy, and just a little crunchy. One bite and you’ll understand why this cookie is more than the sum of its parts—it’s dessert perfection.

Ingredient Overview

To make these cookies, you’ll need three main components: cookie dough, cheesecake filling, and salted caramel.

Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda
• Salt

Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Salted Caramel:

• Store-bought or homemade using:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Sea salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• Flaky sea salt for garnish
• Mini chocolate chips or toffee bits
• Graham cracker crumbs for texture

Pro Tip: Chill the cheesecake filling into small scoops before assembling. This makes it easier to wrap with cookie dough and helps maintain structure during baking.

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s rich, balanced, and indulgent. Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins or flavored cream cheese for a personal twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Scoop into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and freeze for 30–60 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Chill dough for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies Take a scoop of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing completely. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Bake Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a lined baking sheet, spaced apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

Step 5: Add Salted Caramel Warm your caramel slightly. Drizzle generously over cooled cookies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish.

Tip: Let cookies cool slightly before drizzling to prevent the caramel from melting too much and losing its texture.

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they store beautifully and taste just as decadent the next day.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ons

Want to mix things up? Try these delicious twists:

• Add mini chocolate chips or toffee bits to the cookie dough for extra texture.
• Use flavored cream cheese like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or even chocolate for seasonal flair.
• Swap the classic cookie dough for a chocolate base to create a brownie-like version.

These variations let you tailor the cookies to your taste or occasion. Whether you’re going for cozy fall vibes or rich chocolate indulgence, there’s a version for everyone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort treat. They shine on cookie platters, make standout bake sale items, and are perfect for gifting—just wrap them in parchment and a ribbon.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to revive the gooey caramel and soft center. Whether shared or savored solo, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.