How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Making salted caramel cheesecake cookies involves a few easy steps, but the end result is totally worth the effort. Here's how to do it:
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
Mix the Cheesecake Ingredients: In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside for later.
Assembling the Cookies
Shape the Cookie Dough: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
Add the Cheesecake Filling: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake filling in the indentation. Then, take another tablespoon of cookie dough and cover the cheesecake filling, pressing the edges together to seal the filling inside.
Form the Final Cookie Shape: Roll the dough balls again to ensure that the cheesecake filling is fully enclosed within the cookie dough. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking the Cookies
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers should remain soft and slightly underbaked.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Salted Caramel Drizzle
Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns into a golden caramel.
Add the Butter and Cream: Once the sugar has melted, carefully add the butter and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth. Be cautious as the caramel can bubble up. Add the sea salt and stir to combine. Let the caramel simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
Drizzling and Finishing Touches
Drizzle the Caramel: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the salted caramel generously over the top of each cookie.
Let the Caramel Set: Allow the caramel to cool and set before serving. This gives the cookies a beautiful, glossy finish and enhances the flavor.