Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe | Sweet & Salty Delight

When it comes to desserts, the combination of sweet and salty flavors can create a truly irresistible treat. One such dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy sweetness and a salty bite is Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies. These cookies offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, with a graham cracker base, rich cheesecake frosting, gooey caramel, and a touch of flaky sea salt to elevate every bite.

Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply indulging in a weekend treat, these cookies are sure to impress. With their decadent flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the recipe, from the graham cracker base to the cheesecake frosting, and give you tips for making them even more delicious.

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Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

There are several reasons why these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies will become your go-to treat:

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The graham cracker crust base provides a slightly crunchy, sweet, and buttery texture. This is complemented by the creamy, smooth cheesecake frosting and topped with gooey caramel sauce. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavors with a subtle saltiness that perfectly balances the sweetness.

2. Versatility for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a party, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are versatile enough to serve in any setting. They’re perfect for a dessert table or a casual after-dinner treat.

3. Easy to Make

Although the cookies have multiple components, the recipe itself is easy to follow. The dough comes together quickly, and the cheesecake frosting adds just the right amount of indulgence to each bite.

4. Mouthwatering Texture

The graham cracker crust offers a crisp bite, while the cheesecake frosting is rich, creamy, and smooth. The caramel drizzle adds a gooey layer of sweetness, and the sea salt garnish creates a delightful contrast, making every bite better than the last.

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Ingredient Breakdown for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Now that we’ve covered why you’ll love these cookies, let’s dive into the ingredient list. Each component serves an important purpose in creating the ideal cookie.

For the Graham Cracker Cookies:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs (1½ cups, about 12 sheets)
  Graham cracker crumbs form the base of these cookies. They add a slight sweetness and a subtle crunch, giving the cookies their signature texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups)
  The flour provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) and Baking Soda (½ teaspoon)
  These leavening agents ensure that your cookies have the perfect rise and texture. Baking soda helps the cookies spread, while baking powder ensures they bake evenly.
• Salt (½ teaspoon)
  Salt is essential to balance the sweetness of the cookies and bring out the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter (¾ cup, softened)
  Butter contributes to the richness and softness of the cookies. It also adds a slight buttery flavor, which pairs perfectly with the graham crackers.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
  Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps with browning, creating a light golden color on the cookies’ edges.
• Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed)
  Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, giving the cookies a chewier texture and deeper sweetness.
• Egg (1 large)
  The egg binds the ingredients and helps the dough hold together as it bakes.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
  Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the other flavors in the cookie.

For the Cheesecake Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened)
  Cream cheese forms the base of the frosting. Its tanginess perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel and the cookies’ graham cracker base.
• Powdered Sugar (1 cup)
  Powdered sugar gives the frosting a smooth, creamy texture and adds sweetness without being too heavy.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
  Just like in the cookies, vanilla extract is key in rounding out the flavor of the frosting.

For the Topping:

• Caramel Sauce (½ cup)
  Caramel sauce is the star of the topping. It’s drizzled over the frosting, providing a luscious, sticky sweetness that takes these cookies to the next level.
• Flaky Sea Salt
  The final touch—a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a burst of salty flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake frosting.

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How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Let’s break down the steps for making these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies, so you can create the perfect batch at home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake the cookies. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures that your cookies have the perfect texture and rise.

In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating soft, chewy cookies.

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until combined. The egg helps bind the dough, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop about ¼ cup of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Gently flatten each dough ball to about ½-inch thickness. This will help the cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake them.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cheesecake frosting. Beat the cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined. The frosting should be thick, smooth, and easy to spread.

Step 5: Assemble the Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cheesecake frosting onto each cookie. You can use a piping bag for a decorative swirl or simply spread it with a butter knife for a more rustic look.

Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the frosting, allowing it to pool slightly on the edges. The caramel adds a rich, sticky sweetness that complements the cheesecake frosting beautifully.

Finally, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt. The sea salt will enhance the sweetness of the caramel and provide a savory contrast to the rich frosting.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies set for a few minutes, allowing the caramel to firm up slightly. Serve them as a decadent dessert at any occasion, or enjoy them as a treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

While Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are delicious on their own, you can make them even more indulgent with these serving ideas:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream complements the flavors of the cookies.
• With Hot Chocolate or Coffee: The richness of these cookies pairs perfectly with a hot drink.
• As Part of a Dessert Table: These cookies make a stunning addition to any dessert spread, alongside cakes, pies, and other sweet treats.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to use a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost them just before serving.

3. How do I store leftover cookies?

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies.

4. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies (without frosting) for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then frost and top with caramel before serving.

5. Can I make the cookies without the frosting?

The cookies are delicious on their own, but the cheesecake frosting adds a creamy richness that takes them to the next level. We highly recommend trying it!

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a true dessert indulgence. From the graham cracker cookie base to the rich cheesecake frosting, gooey caramel drizzle, and the perfect touch of sea salt, these cookies offer a flavor experience that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite!

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