Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Cookies

Salted caramel cream cheese cookies are soft, sweet, and rich without feeling heavy. Each cookie has a smooth cream cheese dough that bakes into a tender center. Inside, there are pockets of caramel that stay warm and slightly gooey. A small sprinkle of salt on top brings out the sweetness and makes every bite balanced.

I like making these cookies when I want something special but not complicated. The dough is easy to mix and does not require fancy tools. These cookies are great for family gatherings, bake sales, or slow weekends at home. They feel cozy and familiar, yet a little different from everyday cookies.

If you enjoy soft peanut butter cookies with a creamy texture, this recipe is a good one to keep close. The flavors are gentle, and the steps are clear from start to finish.

Why These Cookies Work So Well

These cookies work because of the cream cheese. It adds moisture and keeps the cookies soft even after they cool. Unlike some cookies that turn dry the next day, these stay tender.

The caramel adds sweetness in small bursts. It melts into the dough while baking and creates soft spots inside the cookie. You do not need a lot of caramel for this to work. A little goes a long way.

The salt on top plays an important role. It keeps the cookies from tasting too sweet and helps the caramel flavor stand out. The mix of sweet and salty makes these cookies easy to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.

Ingredients You Will Need

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• One cup unsalted butter
• Four ounces cream cheese
• One cup granulated sugar
• One half cup brown sugar
• One large egg, at room temperature
• One teaspoon vanilla extract
• Two and three-quarter cups all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon baking powder
• One half teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping

• One cup soft caramel candies, cut into small pieces
• Flaky sea salt for topping

Cream cheese and butter should be soft before mixing. This helps the dough come together smoothly.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the baking sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set them aside so they are ready when the dough is finished.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until everything is combined. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream the butter and cream cheese

In a large bowl, add the butter and cream cheese. Mix on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This step helps create a soft cookie texture.

Step 4: Add the sugars

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Mix until the mixture looks light and smooth. This should take about two minutes.

Step 5: Add the egg and vanilla

Add the egg and mix until just combined. Pour in the vanilla extract and mix again briefly. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Add the dry ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or stir by hand. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 7: Chill the dough

Cover the bowl and place the dough in the refrigerator for thirty minutes. This helps the dough firm up and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.

Step 8: Fill the cookies

Preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Scoop dough into balls about two tablespoons each. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball. Place a small piece of caramel inside, then close the dough around it.

Step 9: Shape and salt

Place the filled dough balls on the baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky salt on top of each cookie.

Step 10: Bake the cookies

Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes. The edges should look set, but the centers should still feel soft. Do not bake until fully firm.

Step 11: Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool fully. The caramel will set slightly as the cookies cool.

Texture and Flavor

These cookies are soft and creamy in the center. The outside holds together without being crisp. When you bite into one, the caramel inside feels warm and smooth.

The cream cheese gives the dough a gentle richness. The caramel adds sweetness, and the salt keeps the flavor balanced. Each part works together without taking over.

Helpful Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature ingredients so the dough mixes evenly.
• Cut caramel into small pieces so it melts evenly inside the cookie.
• Do not skip chilling the dough. It helps with shape and texture.
• Remove cookies while the centers are still soft.
• Add salt lightly. A little is enough.

Cookie Ideas You Might Also Like

If you enjoy soft cookies with a rich flavor, you may also like Soft Peanut Butter Cookies. They have a smooth texture and a warm peanut taste that feels comforting.

For a faster option, Cake Mix Cookies are another easy choice. They come together quickly and are great when you want something sweet without much prep.

Each cookie recipe has its own feel, but all of them are easy to make and great for sharing.

How to Store These Cookies

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking.

For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before eating so the texture stays soft.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze baked cookies for up to two months. Wrap each cookie in parchment paper and place them in a freezer safe container.

To freeze dough, shape the filled dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen and add one or two minutes to the bake time.

Variations to Try

• Add chopped pecans for crunch.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
• Use caramel sauce instead of candies for a softer center.
• Sprinkle cinnamon into the dough for warmth.

These small changes keep the cookies interesting while keeping the base recipe the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low fat cream cheese

Full fat works best. Low fat may change the texture.

Why did my caramel leak out

This happens if the dough is not sealed well. Make sure the caramel is fully covered.

Can I make smaller cookies

Yes. Use less dough and reduce the baking time slightly.

Do these cookies stay soft

Yes. The cream cheese helps them stay tender even after cooling.

A Cozy Cookie Worth Making Again

Salted caramel cream cheese cookies bring together soft dough, sweet filling, and a touch of salt in a simple way. They are easy to bake and feel special without being complicated.

These cookies work well for sharing, gifting, or enjoying at home. Once you make them, they are likely to become a favorite in your cookie rotation.