Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These caramel cheesecake cookies are the perfect combination of two delicious desserts in one bite! They are soft, chewy, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
• Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Enjoy these caramel cheesecake cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee!

Popular questions:

• Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade caramel sauce will give the best flavor.

• Can I substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt?

While you can try using Greek yogurt as a substitute, it will affect the overall texture and taste of the cookies.

• How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

• Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?

Adding chocolate chips is a delicious variation that complements the caramel flavor well.

• Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used, but the cookies may have a denser texture and slightly nutty flavor.

• How can I prevent the caramel from burning?

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.

• Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate for the saltiness.

• How can I make smaller cookies?

For smaller cookies, use a smaller cookie scoop or roll the dough into smaller balls before baking.

Helpful tips:

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the cookies for a decorative finish.
• Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
• Experiment with different types of caramel sauce for a unique twist on the recipe.
• Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better incorporation of flavors.
• Store leftover cookies in the refrigerator for a chilled treat on a hot day.
• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a hint of spice.
• Try drizzling chocolate sauce over the cookies for an indulgent chocolate-caramel combination.
• Customize the cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins like toffee bits, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.

Expert Secrets:

• Bake the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and non-stick results.
• For an extra rich flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the cookie dough.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake at the same rate.
• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• For a gooey caramel center, press a caramel candy into the center of each cookie dough ball before baking.
• Double the recipe and freeze half of the baked cookies for a quick and convenient dessert option.
• Decorate the cookies with a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Add a splash of rum or whiskey to the caramel sauce for a boozy twist. Be sure to cook off the alcohol before drizzling over the cookies.
• Top the cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish that enhances the caramel flavor.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of cookies for a fun and varied presentation.