Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that’s easy to make? These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies blend rich cream cheese and buttery goodness, topped with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll impress friends and family with cookies that taste like a dessert dream. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will satisfy any sweet tooth and bring joy to your kitchen!
Ingredients
Complete List of Required Ingredients
– 1 cup cream cheese
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 3/4 cup caramel sauce
– 1/4 cup coarse sea salt for topping
These ingredients create a cookie that is rich and creamy. The cream cheese adds a nice tang. The unsalted butter gives a smooth texture. Both sugars provide sweetness and depth. The egg binds everything, making your cookies hold together well. Using pure vanilla extract lifts the flavor.
Flour and baking soda are the base. They help the cookies rise and stay soft. The fine sea salt balances the sweetness. The caramel sauce brings a sweet, gooey surprise inside each cookie. Finally, the coarse sea salt on top gives a perfect salty crunch.
I recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best taste. This recipe is easy to follow, and you can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step. Enjoy making these delightful salted caramel cheesecake cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Dough
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth.
3. Add the granulated and brown sugars. Mix until fluffy.
4. Crack the egg into the bowl. Pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and fine sea salt.
2. Gradually blend the dry mix into the cream cheese mixture. Stop when no dry flour is visible.
3. Gently fold in the caramel sauce with a spatula. The dough should be thick.
Baking the Cookies
1. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
2. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This adds a nice salty touch.
3. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the centers should look set.
4. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For more details, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get the best cookies, start with the right dough. The dough needs to be thick but still soft. Use room temperature cream cheese and butter. This helps them blend well. Cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy dough.
Avoid overmixing your cookie dough. Mix just until there are no dry bits left. If you mix too much, the cookies may turn out tough. You want them soft and chewy, not hard.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters! Drizzle some caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. This adds a nice touch. Sprinkle a few extra sea salt flakes on top, too. It makes them look fancy and adds flavor.
The best serving temperature is just warm or at room temperature. Warm cookies taste amazing! Pair them with milk or coffee. The flavors work well together and make a great treat.
For the full recipe, check the steps above!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the salted caramel cheesecake cookies in fun ways. One simple twist is adding chocolate chips. Just mix in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. This adds a nice richness to the cookies.
Next, consider infusing different flavors. You can use almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla. This gives a unique taste to each bite. Try it out and see what you like best.
Toppings can also be fun. Instead of just coarse sea salt, you can sprinkle crushed nuts or toffee bits on top. These add crunch and extra flavor. You can mix and match to find your perfect cookie topping.
Dietary Adaptations
If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in cookies. Just make sure to check the package for the right amount.
For vegan substitutions, use plant-based cream cheese and butter. You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
If you want to adjust the sugar content, use less granulated sugar. You can also try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you can enjoy these cookies while keeping your health in mind.
You can find the full recipe to guide you through making these delicious cookies.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
How do you store these cookies for freshness?
Store your salted caramel cheesecake cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. You can layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to one week.
What are the freezing instructions for longer storage?
For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze for two hours. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
How can you reheat cookies for a warm treat?
To reheat, place the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms them up nicely. You can also use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
FAQs
Common Questions about Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
– Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It will change the texture. The cookies might be less creamy but still tasty.
– How can I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
To stop spreading, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted.
– What is the difference between coarse and fine sea salt?
Coarse sea salt has larger crystals and adds crunch. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and mixes well into the dough.
Baking and Ingredient FAQs
– Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Wrap it tightly and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– What should I do if my cookies are too soft?
If your cookies are too soft, bake them a bit longer. They should look slightly firm at the edges.
– How long do the cookies last once baked?
Baked cookies will last about a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them.
This blog post covered everything you need to make salted caramel cheesecake cookies. We reviewed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the texture. You now have options for variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions.
Baking can be a fun adventure. With these cookies, you can impress friends and family. Try these steps and enjoy every delicious bite!
