Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies combine the irresistible textures of a soft graham cracker cookie base with the creamy richness of a cheesecake topping and the indulgent sweetness of salted caramel. These cookies are a show-stopping dessert that blends the comfort of cookies with the decadence of cheesecake and the luxurious finish of caramel. The graham cracker crumbs in the dough provide a toasty flavor that complements the smooth, tangy cream cheese topping, while the salted caramel adds a rich, buttery contrast.
Ideal for special occasions, gifting, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are both beautiful and indulgent. The recipe is easy enough for beginner bakers but elegant enough to serve at a party. Their layered texture—chewy cookie, creamy topping, silky caramel—makes each bite an experience in itself. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead, so you can always have a gourmet treat ready when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesecake Meets Cookie
Creamy cheesecake topping on a chewy graham cookie base is a dream combo.
Rich Salted Caramel Finish
Homemade or store-bought salted caramel adds a luxurious final touch.
Perfectly Textured
Crunchy edges, soft center, and a smooth topping for the ultimate bite.
Great for Special Occasions
Beautiful and indulgent—ideal for holidays or parties.
Make Ahead Friendly
Freeze or refrigerate for easy prep ahead of time.
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Ingredients
Graham Cracker Cookie
- All-purpose flour
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Extra graham cracker crumbs (for rolling)
Caramel Cheesecake Topping
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salted caramel sauce
Variations
Chocolate Swirl
Drizzle with melted dark chocolate over the caramel for added richness.
Nutty Crunch
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and flavor.
Mini Cookie Cups
Bake the dough in mini muffin tins and fill with the cheesecake mixture after baking.
Spice Infusion
Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm spice profile.
Fruit Topping
Top with a slice of banana or apple under the caramel for a twist.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1
Preheat the oven and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a bowl, mix flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3
In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4
Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
Step 5
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Step 6
Scoop dough balls and roll them in the additional graham cracker crumbs.
Step 7
Place dough balls on baking sheets and press slightly to flatten. Bake until golden around the edges.
Step 8
While cookies cool, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
Step 9
Once cookies are completely cool, pipe or spoon the cheesecake topping onto each one.
Step 10
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and topping.
- Chill the dough slightly if it’s too sticky to roll.
- Don’t overbake the cookies—they should be soft in the center.
- Cool cookies fully before adding cheesecake topping.
- Store the cookies chilled once topped for best results.
How to Serve
Serve these cookies chilled for a firmer cheesecake texture or at room temperature for a softer bite. Perfect for dessert tables, afternoon tea, or as a special treat with coffee or hot chocolate. Garnish with a pinch of sea salt or a swirl of caramel just before serving for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days once topped.
Freezing
Freeze plain cookies and cheesecake filling separately; thaw and assemble when ready.
Reheating
Not needed. Enjoy these cookies chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, just make sure it’s a good quality salted caramel for best flavor.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid overmixing.
3. Can I make the cookies in advance?
Yes, bake and freeze them, then add the topping when ready to serve.
4. Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs?
Use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as an alternative.
5. What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat block cream cheese gives the best texture and taste.
6. How thick should the cheesecake topping be?
It should be smooth but thick enough to pipe or spoon easily.
7. Are these cookies overly sweet?
They are rich but well-balanced with the salt in the caramel.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just scale the ingredients and bake in batches.
9. How long can I keep the cheesecake topping in the fridge?
Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
10. What’s the best way to drizzle caramel?
Use a spoon or piping bag for clean, decorative lines.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are an indulgent fusion of dessert favorites—cookies, cheesecake, and caramel—crafted into one unforgettable bite. With their soft graham cracker base, creamy topping, and luxurious caramel finish, these cookies are both elegant and satisfying. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any celebration, they are sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert collection.
PrintSalted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft graham cracker cookies topped with a rich cheesecake filling and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. These indulgent cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy—a must-try for caramel lovers.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Cookie Base:
-
2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
-
1 cup (134g) graham cracker crumbs
-
1 teaspoon baking soda
-
½ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
-
½ cup (104g) granulated sugar
-
½ cup (112g) packed light brown sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
Additional ¼ cup (34g) graham cracker crumbs, for rolling
For the Cheesecake Topping:
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10 oz cream cheese, room temperature
-
1¾ cups (201g) powdered sugar
-
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel Topping:
-
Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
-
Make the Cookie Dough:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. -
Shape and Chill:
Scoop dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each), roll in the extra graham cracker crumbs, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. -
Make the Cheesecake Topping:
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined and creamy. -
Assemble the Cookies:
Once cookies are completely cooled, pipe or spoon a dollop of cheesecake topping onto each cookie. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce. - Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate cookies for at least 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake topping to firm up. Store leftovers in the fridge.
Notes
-
Be sure to fully cool cookies before topping to prevent melting the cheesecake layer.
-
For cleaner presentation, use a piping bag or small scoop for the cheesecake topping.
- Homemade or high-quality store-bought salted caramel will elevate the flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American