Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Soft, rich cookies swirled with caramel cheesecake filling and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgence. Imagine a buttery cookie base, a creamy swirl of caramel‑infused cheesecake, and a touch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. They’re decadent yet perfectly balanced, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or whenever you want to impress.

Ingredients (Makes ~24 cookies)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all‑purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

8 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup caramel sauce (store‑bought or homemade)

1 tsp flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make Cookie Dough

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.

Prepare Cheesecake Swirl

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Fold in caramel sauce gently, leaving visible swirls.

Assemble Cookies

Scoop ~2 tbsp dough onto baking sheets. Flatten slightly. Add 1 tsp cheesecake caramel mixture on top, swirling with a toothpick.

Bake

Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft.

Finish

Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt. Cool 5 minutes on sheet, then transfer to wire rack.

Prep & Bake Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 34 minutes

Calories: ~220 per cookie

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix the caramel into cream cheese — visible swirls look beautiful.

Chill dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft.

Use homemade caramel sauce for richer flavor.

Sprinkle sea salt while cookies are still warm so it sticks.

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add dark chocolate chips instead of white.

Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.

Festive Version: Drizzle extra caramel and decorate with holiday sprinkles.

Mini Cheesecake Bites: Bake in mini muffin tins for bite‑sized treats.

Serving Ideas

Pair with coffee or hot chocolate.

Stack in gift boxes for edible holiday presents.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Arrange on dessert platters with brownies and truffles.

Storytelling Element

Picture pulling a tray of these cookies from the oven — golden edges, gooey centers, and caramel cheesecake swirls glistening under a sprinkle of sea salt. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, creamy and chewy, indulgent yet comforting.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a show‑stopping treat that combines the best of cookies, cheesecake, and caramel. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.