1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the graham cracker crumbs for added crunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and tender.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate small mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully combined. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
4. Assemble the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
Spoon a small amount of the cheesecake filling (about ½ teaspoon) onto the center of each cookie dough ball. Gently fold the edges of the dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Re-flatten the cookies slightly to ensure even baking.
5. Add Caramels
Place a soft caramel square (or a small piece of caramel) on top of each sealed cookie. Press down lightly so the caramel sticks to the dough.
Optional : If using hard caramels, microwave them briefly to soften before placing on the cookies.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even browning.
7. Cool and Serve
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow the caramels to set slightly before serving.
Optional: Drizzle melted caramel or chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra flair.
Tips for Success
- Use Softened Caramels : Microwave caramels briefly to make them pliable and easier to work with.
- Don’t Overfill the Cookies : Keep the cheesecake filling portioned appropriately to prevent leaks during baking.
- Make It Ahead : Prepare the dough and filling up to a day in advance; assemble and bake just before serving.
- Experiment with Toppings : Swap out caramels for chocolate chunks or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
Conclusion
These Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are more than just dessert—they’re a celebration of sweetness, creaminess, and convenience. With their chewy texture, gooey caramel centers, and customizable options, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor this delightful creation! Don’t forget to share your results with us in the comments below—we’d love to see how they turned out.
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out our other articles for more dessert inspiration and easy baking ideas. Happy baking, and remember—life’s too short not to enjoy something sweet now and then! 🍴✨
