Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination: The rich caramel and creamy cheesecake frosting create a harmonious blend of sweetness, enhanced by a touch of sea salt.
• Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy cookies paired with a luscious, velvety frosting provide a satisfying bite every time.
• Impressive Presentation: These cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning, making them perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies

For the Salted Caramel Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Cookies:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramel candies.
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Salted Caramel Frosting:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the light brown sugar.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the milk, stirring constantly.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.

3. Assemble the Cookies:

   • Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of frosting on each one.
   • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the frosting for garnish.
   • Allow the frosting to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour, including cooling and frosting

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the frosted cookies for an extra layer of flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture and taste.
• Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Reheating: If desired, warm unfrosted cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture before frosting.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the frosting?

While homemade caramel provides a richer flavor, you can use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce. Adjust the consistency with additional powdered sugar if needed.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.

What type of sea salt is best for sprinkling?

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, is ideal for sprinkling over the frosting, as it adds a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.

Can I substitute the caramel bits with something else?

If caramel bits are unavailable, chopped soft caramel candies or even butterscotch chips can be used as substitutes.

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