Name: Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, softened (salted or unsalted); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (about 7 sheets); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ⅓ cup additional graham crackers, finely crushed (about 2 sheets), for rolling; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup caramel sauce (thick, not runny); Sea salt, for sprinkling

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Soft, buttery, and irresistibly indulgent, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are the perfect treat for caramel lovers and cheesecake fans alike. These cookies combine the cozy texture of graham cracker cookie dough with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting and a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce. Topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, every bite offers the ultimate sweet-and-salty experience that melts in your mouth.

This recipe captures the essence of classic cheesecake in handheld cookie form, making it ideal for parties, holiday platters, or simply indulging in a late-night snack. The graham cracker base gives a familiar flavor and texture, reminiscent of a cheesecake crust, while the frosting adds creamy sweetness balanced by the salty caramel drizzle. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare, with no need for fancy tools or baking skills.

These cookies not only deliver on flavor but also on presentation—making them a showstopper at bake sales, brunch tables, or gifting tins. With layers of texture, rich flavor, and just the right balance between decadent and delicate, Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a delicious twist on two timeless desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Combines Cheesecake and Cookies

It brings together the creamy indulgence of cheesecake and the comfort of a soft cookie.

2. Sweet and Salty Perfection

The sea salt and caramel sauce create the perfect balance for those who love layered flavors.

3. Easy to Make

No special equipment or complicated techniques—just mix, bake, frost, and drizzle.

4. Great for Any Occasion

Whether for holidays, birthdays, or casual snacking, these cookies fit every celebration.

5. Customizable

You can adapt the frosting, use different toppings, or even stuff them with extra caramel.

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Cookies

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Graham crackers
Salt
Baking soda
Baking powder

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese
Butter
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Caramel sauce
Sea salt

Variations

Stuffed cookies: Add a small spoonful of cream cheese in the center of the dough before baking for a filled version.
Different toppings: Drizzle with chocolate instead of caramel, or add chopped nuts for crunch.
Use flavored graham crackers: Try cinnamon or chocolate grahams for a twist.
Add caramel chips: Fold caramel baking chips into the cookie dough for extra flavor bursts.
Mini cookie sandwiches: Turn these into sandwich cookies with a layer of frosting in between.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, finely crushed graham crackers, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 6

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Step 7

For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.

Step 8

Once cookies are cool, frost each with cream cheese frosting.

Step 9

Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosted cookies and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
Don’t overbake the cookies—they should be soft in the center.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Chill the frosting slightly for easier spreading.
Store caramel sauce at room temperature before drizzling for best consistency.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on texture preference.
Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert combo.
Add to holiday cookie trays for a gourmet touch.
Serve on a platter with extra caramel on the side.
Top with crushed nuts or graham crumbs for added presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The frosting and caramel hold best when chilled.

Freezing

Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost and add frosting and caramel before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best served chilled or at room temp, but if desired, microwave an unfrosted cookie for 5–10 seconds for a warm treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, high-quality store-bought caramel works perfectly. Just ensure it’s pourable.

2. Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes. If using unsalted butter, you may want to increase the added salt slightly to balance flavors.

3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it soften before spreading.

4. Can I skip the sea salt?

Yes, but it adds great contrast to the sweetness. Optional, but recommended.

5. What kind of graham crackers should I use?

Plain honey graham crackers work best, but cinnamon or chocolate are fun alternatives.

6. How do I know when the cookies are done?

Edges should be lightly golden, and centers just set. Avoid overbaking for a soft texture.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, easily. Just bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

8. Do these travel well?

Yes, but it’s best to add caramel and salt after transport to avoid a sticky mess.

9. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham crackers for a GF version.

10. Are these cookies overly sweet?

They’re rich, but the sea salt and tangy cream cheese help balance the sweetness.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies are a dream dessert for those who crave a mix of creamy, sweet, and salty in every bite. With a graham cracker cookie base and smooth frosting topped with rich caramel and sea salt, these cookies taste just as amazing as they look. Easy to bake and beautiful to serve, they’re a fantastic choice for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.