Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine two beloved desserts—cheesecake and cookies—into one mouthwatering treat. The combination of buttery cookies, graham cracker crumbs, and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting base that complements the creamy and slightly tangy cheesecake filling. The caramel adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies irresistible. Plus, they’re simple to make and can be customized with different toppings or fillings. If you love rich, decadent cookies, these are a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Incorporate graham cracker crumbs: Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assembling the Cookies:
- Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into small balls (about 1 ½ inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten the cookies: Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a round cookie shape.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 18-20 cookies.
Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 8-10 minutes
Variations
- Cheesecake flavor: You can add a bit of lemon zest or juice to the dough or filling to mimic the tangy flavor of a traditional cheesecake.
- Topping ideas: Top the cheesecake filling with crushed toffee bits, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Nutty version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a bit of crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. You can also freeze these cookies by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake as directed.
Can I use graham cracker crumbs from a store-bought crust?
Yes, store-bought graham cracker crumbs work well for this recipe, but you can also crush your own graham crackers if preferred.
Can I make these cookies without the caramel cheesecake filling?
Yes, the cookie itself is delicious on its own. You can skip the cheesecake filling for a simpler version, or top the cookies with chocolate or other toppings instead.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and bake as needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of the egg?
You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version of this recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Can I add more spices to the cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for extra warmth and flavor.
How can I make the filling thicker?
If you want the filling to be thicker, you can use less cream cheese or add a little bit of powdered sugar to help stiffen it up.
Can I use a different type of crumb for the cookie base?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor base.
Can I make these cookies with a different flavor of filling?
Yes, you can swap the caramel cheesecake filling with other cheesecake-flavored fillings like strawberry, blueberry, or chocolate for a variety of tastes.
Conclusion
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an indulgent and unique dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and graham crackers. These cookies are a wonderful treat for anyone who loves rich, creamy desserts with a bit of crunch. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy these delectable cookies anytime you need a sweet, satisfying snack. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on your own, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
Print
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the warmth of cinnamon and graham crackers. These soft, buttery cookies are topped with a delicious caramel cheesecake filling, making them an irresistible dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a balance of sweetness and texture, with a graham cracker crunch and creamy caramel topping. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
For the Cookie Dough:
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Mix the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
-
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
-
Incorporate graham cracker crumbs: Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Assembling the Cookies:
-
Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough into small balls (about 1 ½ inches in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
-
Flatten the cookies: Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to form a round cookie shape.
-
Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Cheesecake flavor: Add a bit of lemon zest or juice to the dough or filling to mimic the tangy flavor of traditional cheesecake.
- Topping ideas: Top the cheesecake filling with crushed toffee bits, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Nutty version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for a bit of crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
