Dessert

Cheesecake Caramel Cookies Recipe

ByElla Hart January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

These Cheesecake Caramel Cookies combine a buttery cookie base with a creamy cheesecake filling and a luscious caramel topping. They’re a perfect treat for anyone who loves the mix of sweet and salty flavors in a delicate, bite-sized dessert.

The image shows several round cookies with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown cookie base with a rough texture, the middle layer is a thick, smooth white frosting, and the top layer is a shiny caramel drizzle in wavy stripes covering the frosting. One cookie near the center has a bite taken out, revealing the soft inside of the cookie base. The cookies are placed close together on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined into a soft dough. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the chilled dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them in a muffin tin. Press down in the center of each ball to create a cup shape. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just golden.
Step 3: While the cookies bake, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Once cookie cups are done, remove them from the oven and gently press the centers down again if they have puffed up.
Step 4: Fill each cookie cup with about 1-2 teaspoons of the cream cheese mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to set the filling. Allow the cookies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the cooled cookies to a wire rack. If the caramel sauce is too thick, warm it slightly. Transfer the caramel to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe a decorative swirl on top of each cookie. Finish by sprinkling sea salt flakes over the caramel.
Step 6: Refrigerate the cookies for at least 1 hour to allow them to set completely. Before serving, let the cookies sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to bring out the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest cheesecake filling.
If you don’t have a piping bag, drizzle the caramel with a spoon for a more rustic look.
The cookies can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
For easier removal from the muffin tin, let the cookies cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully loosening the edges with a knife.

Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy, let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes or serve chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

The image shows several round cookies with three visible layers; the bottom layer is a light brown, crumbly cookie base with a rough texture, the middle layer is a smooth, thick white icing, and the top layer is a glossy, caramel-colored drizzle forming wavy lines across each cookie. One cookie in the center has a bite taken out, revealing the crumbly texture of the cookie base under the creamy white icing. The cookies rest on a slightly textured, crinkled parchment paper that contrasts with the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?

Yes, any caramel sauce you prefer will work well—just ensure it’s smooth enough to pipe or drizzle on the cookies.

Can I make these cookies without a muffin tin?

A muffin tin helps create the perfect cup shape, but if you don’t have one, you can try shaping the dough into thick discs and carefully pressing a small well in the center. Just watch baking times closely.