My sister is obsessed with these Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies. She literally asks me to make them every single week and I totally get it because they are that good. As a recipe creator, I almost never remake the same thing over and over since I am always itching to try something new, but these cookies are hard to beat. The soft, chewy base topped with creamy frosting and drizzled with salted caramel is everything you need for those cozy fall and winter months. If you are looking for a crowd pleaser that feels warm, cozy, and indulgent, this is it.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness, moisture, and flavor while helping create a chewy and fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Helps with spreading and adds sweetness and a slightly crisp edge.
- Brown sugar: Adds deeper caramel flavor and extra moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help with structure and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth and depth.
- All purpose flour: Provides structure, body, and chewy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for soft centers and crisp edges.
- Cream cheese: Base of the frosting for rich, tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives the frosting structure.
- Caramels: Melt into the rich caramel drizzle.
- Milk: Thins the caramel so it drizzles nicely.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and gives that sweet salty contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, buttery, chewy cookie base
- Light creamy frosting that tastes like cheesecake
- Sweet meets salty with that caramel drizzle
- Cozy and festive but still super easy
- Easy to customize for different diets or ingredients
All of the Delicious Layers of These Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies
- The base: Rich, buttery, and soft with the perfect amount of chew.
- Cream cheese frosting: Dreamy and tangy without being overly sweet.
- Salted caramel drizzle: Sweet and salty balance that makes every bite so good.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients evenly.
- Hand or stand mixer for smooth, fluffy frosting.
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measuring and consistent texture.
- Cookie scoop so cookies bake evenly and look cute.
- Baking sheet and parchment so the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Microwave safe bowl for melting caramels with milk for the drizzle.
Substitutions and Modifications
- Butter: use plant based butter.
- Flour: a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend works.
- Cream cheese: dairy free cream cheese works.
- Caramel: use store bought salted caramel sauce.
- Less sweet frosting: reduce the powdered sugar or add a splash of milk.
- Extra chewy: chill the dough longer before baking.
Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ¾ cup room temperature unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz room temperature cream cheese
- 4 tbsp room temperature butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 8 caramels
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt
- OR you can make my homemade caramel – I STRONGLY recommend if you have the time! It is only a few simple ingredients & tastes AMAZING!!
Instructions
1. Create & Bake the Cookie:
- Step 1: In a large bowl, beat together together 3/4 cup room temperature unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 2: Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Whisk until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch (if desired for extra chewiness).
- Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Step 5: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cookies keep their shape and improve texture.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 7: After chilling, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Leave enough space (around 2 inches) between each dough ball as they will spread during baking.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the center remains soft.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Whip Together the Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add 8 oz of room temperature cream cheese and 4 tbsp of room temperature butter.
- Step 2: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue mixing.
- Step 4: Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, adding it in 1/2 cup portions. Beat on low speed at first to avoid powdered sugar flying everywhere, then increase the speed as it blends in.
- Step 5: Continue beating the frosting until it’s smooth, creamy, and holds its shape. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Step 6: Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.
3. Create the Easiest Salted Caramel to Top:
- Step 1: Place 8 soft caramels and 2 tablespoons of milk in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Step 2: Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 3: Let the caramel cool slightly, then drizzle it over the frosted cookies using a spoon or piping bag.
- Step 4: Finish with a light sprinkle of salt (optional but highly recommended for that sweet-salty contrast).
- OR make it from scratch using my homemade salted caramel recipe
4. Enjoy Besties!!
- Allow the caramel to set slightly, then serve these delicious salted caramel cream cheese cookies! Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and salty.
Video
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
- Store: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw and frost.
- Warm: Microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds if you like it slightly warm.
Tips and Tricks
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for thicker, chewier cookies.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter for the frosting are at room temperature.
- Heat the caramel slowly in short bursts and stir often.
- Sprinkle flaky salt while the caramel is still warm for the best sweet salty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes these salted caramel cream cheese cookies so soft?
The combination of butter, brown sugar, and chilling the dough creates a soft, chewy texture with tender centers.
2. Do I need to chill the cookie dough?
Yes, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading and gives the cookies a thicker, bakery-style texture.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Absolutely. Store-bought salted caramel sauce works well and saves time. Just drizzle it over the frosted cookies before serving.
4. Can I frost the cookies while they are still warm?
No, the cookies should be completely cooled before adding the cream cheese frosting or it may melt and lose its shape.
5. Can I make the cookies smaller or larger?
Yes, adjust the scoop size as needed. Smaller cookies will bake faster, while larger cookies may need an extra minute or two.
6. Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, the tangy cream cheese frosting and pinch of salt balance the sweetness from the caramel and sugars.
7. Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend works well and keeps the texture soft and chewy.
8. What type of salt works best for the topping?
Flaky sea salt or kosher salt is ideal. Sprinkle it lightly while the caramel is still warm so it sticks.
9. Can I make the frosting in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese frosting can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
10. How should I store frosted cookies?
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness.
11. Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, freeze the cookies without frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
12. Can I skip the frosting and just use caramel drizzle?
Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own or topped only with caramel for a simpler option.
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