Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies combine the rich, creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweet, buttery flavor of caramel, resulting in a treat that’s simply irresistible. The graham cracker crumbs add a delightful crunch and hint of flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of caramel. Whether for a casual dessert or a special occasion, these cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies take your traditional cookie experience to the next level with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the warm, sweet undertones of caramel. The combination of graham cracker crumbs in the dough gives these cookies a unique texture and flavor that reminds you of a cheesecake crust. Soft on the inside, with golden, slightly crisp edges, these cookies are the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can enjoy them any time the craving strikes!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra caramel kick, drizzle some caramel sauce over the cooled cookies.
• Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Mini Cheesecake Version: Incorporate small dollops of cream cheese into the dough for an even cheesier, richer taste.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to stay fresher longer, place a piece of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.
• Reheating: To enjoy these cookies warm, microwave them for about 10 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter in these cookies?

Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter, but the flavor may not be as rich as using real butter.

2. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough by rolling it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure the dough is chilled before baking, as this helps the cookies hold their shape. Also, avoid using overly softened butter.

4. Can I use graham cracker crumbs instead of crushing whole graham crackers?

Yes, pre-made graham cracker crumbs are fine. Just ensure they measure ¾ cup for this recipe.

5. How can I make these cookies even more caramel-flavored?

You can fold in caramel chips or drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies for an added caramel touch.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Yes! Chocolate chips would complement the caramel and graham cracker crumbs perfectly. Use ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delicious twist.

7. How do I make sure the cookies stay soft?

To keep these cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This also helps the flavors to deepen.

9. What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs, you can crush digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even vanilla wafer cookies as an alternative.

10. Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a great addition to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a sweet, chewy delight that combines the irresistible flavors of caramel, cheesecake, and graham crackers. These cookies are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any dessert lover looking for something a little different. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick snack or serving them at a gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

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