Name: Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup salted butter (browned and cooled); ¾ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 7 sheets graham crackers (about 1 cup crushed); 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 3 tablespoons salted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1½ cups powdered sugar; Caramel sauce (for topping); Flaked salt (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a truly irresistible treat, look no further than this Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast perfectly browned butter for a rich, nutty foundation, mingled with a delightful crunch from graham cracker crumbs, all crowned with a smooth cream cheese frosting, luscious caramel swirls, and a sprinkle of flaky salt. This dessert perfectly balances sweet, salty, and a hint of cinnamon warmth, making every bite a little moment of bliss you will want to share with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl containing a single large ball of light brown dough with a rough, slightly crumbly texture sits on a white marbled surface. The dough has uneven surfaces and small cracks, showing it is soft but firm. There are some faint traces of flour dusted lightly inside the bowl around the dough. The scene is bright and clean with no other objects visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple but powerful ingredients is all it takes to bring these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies to life. Each element plays a crucial role, from the browned butter providing a toasted depth, to the graham crackers adding texture, and the cream cheese creating that classic cheesecake tang in the frosting.

½ cup salted butter (browned and cooled): This adds a deep, nutty flavor that’s key to these cookies’ unique taste.
¾ cups brown sugar: Provides moistness and a rich caramel note that complements the browned butter.
1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together while giving structure to the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances flavor and adds aromatic sweetness.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift and lightness to the cookie texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with baking powder to help the dough rise just right.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with caramel.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookies, giving them structure and chew.
7 sheets of graham crackers (1 cup, crushed): Adds delightful crunch and a hint of honeyed flavor.
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): For the luscious, tangy frosting that complements the cookies perfectly.
3 tablespoons salted butter: Creamed into the frosting for richness and smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with extra flavor.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the cheesecake frosting’s balance.
1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to silky perfection.
Caramel sauce (for topping): The star topping that adds a gooey, sweet finish.
Flaked salt (for topping): Provides a satisfying, crunchy contrast to the soft sweetness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting ½ cup of salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As it melts, keep stirring and watch it carefully. The butter will foam and then gradually turn a gorgeous golden brown with a nutty aroma. This process is the secret to adding a deep complexity to your cookies, but be careful not to burn it! Once browned, pour the butter into a bowl and let it cool completely—pop it in the fridge or freezer to speed things up.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

While your butter is cooling, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the cooled browned butter with the brown sugar. Mix until they are fully incorporated and slightly creamy. Then, beat in the large egg and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a luscious base with lots of flavor and moisture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, all-purpose flour, and crushed graham crackers to the wet ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. The graham cracker crumbs add an irresistible crunch that takes these cookies over the top.

Step 5: Shape the Cookie Dough

Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands to form large balls of dough. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets—about 5 or 6 per sheet. Gently flatten each ball just a bit to create the ideal thickness for baking.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden brown edges. This is what signals that perfect balance of chewy center and slightly crisp edges. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting and Assemble

While the cookies bake, whip up your frosting. In a medium bowl, blend together the cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of salted butter until smooth and creamy. Mix in the vanilla bean paste or extract along with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until silky and spreadable. Once the cookies are cool, generously frost each one, then add a swirl of caramel sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt for that perfect sweet-salty pop.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe

The image shows round cookies on a white marbled surface with a dark baking tray edge visible. Each cookie has two layers: the base is a golden-brown baked cookie with a slightly rough texture, and the top layer is a smooth creamy white frosting spread evenly. In the center of the frosting, there is a dollop of shiny amber caramel sauce with small salt crystals sprinkled on top. One cookie in the front has a bite taken out of it, showing the thickness and texture of the frosting and cookie layers. There are some crumbs and small caramel smears scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are already dressed to impress, but an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can add a fancy touch. You might also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or a few mini chocolate chips for added texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even spiced chai tea. Their sweet and salty notes pair beautifully with beverages that bring warmth and balance, making your dessert time feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, stack two or three of these cookies and tie them with a rustic ribbon. You could also serve them on a pretty platter with caramel dipping sauce on the side for guests to drizzle themselves. If you want to elevate the experience more, try sandwiching the frosting between two cookies before topping with caramel and salt.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To maintain freshness and prevent the frosting from drying out, a cool spot away from direct sunlight is ideal.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to keep the frosting intact.

Reheating

If you prefer them slightly warm, pop the cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating for too long or the frosting may melt entirely, but a gentle warm-up enhances the gooey caramel and soft cookie texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, you can, but be sure to add an extra pinch of salt to the recipe to compensate. The salted butter plays a key role in balancing the sweet flavors.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

A thick, creamy caramel sauce is ideal to hold up on top of the frosting. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel, whichever you prefer. Avoid overly runny caramel to keep your presentation neat.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives, and double-check your caramel sauce is dairy-free as well. The texture might differ slightly, but the flavor can still be amazing.

Do the cookies need to be refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting?

It’s best to refrigerate cookies with cream cheese frosting if not served right away. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and take them out about 30 minutes before enjoying for the best texture and flavor.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much when baking?

Make sure your brown butter is fully cooled before mixing the dough and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it seems too soft. Using parchment paper and not overcrowding the baking sheet also helps keep cookie shape intact.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines so many beloved flavors and textures in one bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these cookies bring comfort and excitement together effortlessly. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the joy that comes from making and sharing such a luscious treat with friends and family. Happy baking!