Growing up, I have so many fond memories of baking with my grandma. The warmth of the oven, the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar, and the laughter that filled the kitchen – these moments are etched in my heart forever. And one recipe that always stood out was her famous Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. These little bites of heaven were the stuff of legends, with their rich, creamy centers and the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Whenever I’d visit, I’d eagerly await the moment when Grandma would pull a fresh batch out of the oven, their golden tops glistening with a dusting of flaky sea salt. I can still remember the way the first bite would melt in my mouth, the tangy cream cheese and the decadent caramel dancing on my tongue. It was a moment of pure bliss, one that always brought a smile to my face.
Why This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Over the years, I’ve tried countless variations of this beloved recipe, but none have come close to the perfection of Grandma’s original. The secret? It’s all in the careful balance of the ingredients and the technique. This recipe yields a whopping 24 cookies, each one a decadent and satisfying treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, you’ll need a few key ingredients: cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and of course, flaky sea salt. The cream cheese gives the cookies a rich, creamy texture, while the sugar and vanilla add sweetness and depth of flavor. The baking powder ensures they rise to perfection, and the sea salt? Well, that’s the magic that ties it all together, providing the perfect salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
Step-by-Step Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
This recipe takes 34 minutes total – 20 minutes for prep and 14 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools, like a mixing bowl, a hand mixer, and a baking sheet. Once you have everything ready, let’s dive in and create these mouthwatering Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4- Scoop the dough into 24 equal-sized balls, about 1-2 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5- Bake the cookies for 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Once the cookies are cooled, sprinkle them generously with the flaky sea salt, ensuring each one gets a touch of that irresistible salty-sweet flavor.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t overmix the dough – this can lead to tough, dense cookies. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Be generous with the sea salt – the contrast between the sweet caramel and the salty topping is what makes these cookies truly special.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Serving and Storing Your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the ultimate treat, whether you’re enjoying them on their own or pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to any dessert spread, complementing the flavors of other sweets like brownies or apple pie. And with 24 cookies in the batch, you’ll have plenty to share with friends and family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To keep your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, making them the perfect make-ahead treat. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving, and don’t forget to add that final dusting of sea salt!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Creative Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Variations
While Grandma’s classic Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are hard to beat, you can certainly get creative with this recipe. Try swapping the sea salt for a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and crunch. Or, for a seasonal twist, fold in a handful of chopped apple or pumpkin puree to the dough. The possibilities are endless!
Making Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies a bit more diet-friendly, you can try using a sugar substitute or opting for a low-fat cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. No matter how you customize them, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your dietary needs in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of salt instead of flaky sea salt?
A: While flaky sea salt is the traditional choice for these cookies, you can certainly experiment with other types of salt. Coarse Himalayan pink salt or even a pinch of kosher salt can work well, just adjust the amount to taste.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 24 cookies, with each serving being 1 cookie.
Q: Can I refrigerate the dough before baking?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can actually enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just be sure to let the dough come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
Q: How do I store the leftover Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies?
A: For best results, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months, thawing them at room temperature before serving.
Q: My cookies didn’t spread as much as I’d like. What could be the issue?
A: If your cookies didn’t spread as much as you’d hoped, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure you’re using room-temperature cream cheese, and don’t overmix the dough. You can also try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 34
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of creamy cheesecake and buttery, salted caramel with these irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup prepared salted caramel sauce
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Add the cream cheese and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
4. 4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. 6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. 7. Scoop heaping tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. 8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. 9. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of each cookie.
10. 10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more pronounced caramel flavor, use a homemade salted caramel sauce. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a true classic, and this recipe is a testament to the timeless flavors that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of generations. With its perfect balance of salty and sweet, creamy and crunchy, this is a recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible cookies that will have everyone coming back for more. Bon appétit!
