Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

If you love the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake but crave the warmth of a spiced cookie, these Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat! The soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie base pairs beautifully with a luscious cheesecake filling, topped off with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for that classic cheesecake flavor. I love making these for holiday gatherings, dessert trays, or just as a special indulgence when I’m craving something sweet and decadent. Best of all, they’re easy to make and even better after chilling—so every bite is creamy, chewy, and full of caramel goodness!

Why You'll Like It

✔️ Chewy & Creamy – Soft cookies with a smooth cheesecake layer and gooey caramel topping.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for the holidays or a cozy weekend treat, these are always a hit.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no need for a water bath like traditional cheesecake!
✔️ Rich & Flavorful – Cinnamon, brown sugar, and graham cracker crumbs add warmth and depth.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – These cookies taste even better after chilling!

The Recipe

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

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• ½ cup caramel sauce
• ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
• In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, followed by the graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the dough is smooth.

2️⃣ Bake the Cookies

• Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before adding the filling.

3️⃣ Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Assemble the Cookies

• Spread a generous layer of the cheesecake filling over each cooled cookie.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for garnish.

5️⃣ Chill and Serve

• Place the cookies in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes for the best texture.
• Serve and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: These cookies are best served chilled for a firmer cheesecake texture, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies (without the filling) for up to 3 months. Thaw, then add the cheesecake layer before serving.

Helpful Notes

✅ For a Thicker Filling – Use slightly less powdered sugar to make the cheesecake layer even richer.
✅ Make it Extra Caramelized – Lightly toast the graham cracker crumbs for extra depth in flavor.
✅ Homemade Caramel Sauce – If you have time, making your own caramel sauce takes these cookies to the next level!
✅ Add a Crunch – Sprinkle some chopped nuts or toffee bits on top for extra texture.
✅ Drizzle it Up – Want even more flavor? Add a touch of melted white chocolate with the caramel drizzle!

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies actually taste even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Of course! Store-bought caramel sauce works great, but if you want a deeper caramel flavor, homemade is always an option.

3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking if needed.

4. Can I make these cookies without graham crackers?

Yes, but the graham crackers give them that signature cheesecake crust-like taste. If needed, you can substitute with finely crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.

5. Can I use a different kind of sugar?

For a deeper caramel flavor, you can swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or use dark brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy, creamy, and caramelized goodness. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert table or just want to treat yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. The cinnamon-spiced cookie, smooth cheesecake filling, and rich caramel drizzle create a truly indulgent bite. Make a batch, chill them to perfection, and enjoy these dreamy cookies with a cup of coffee or tea!

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