Apple Cider Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 10 packets (0.74 oz each) instant spiced apple cider mix
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for filling)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for topping)
- Coarse sea salt (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until completely smooth. Use a small spoon to drop 24 teaspoon-sized dollops onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Place the tray in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and all 10 packets of the apple cider mix. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature to prevent the butter from curdling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one frozen cheesecake dollop in the center and wrap the dough around it, pinching the edges to seal. Roll it into a ball and place it on a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden. The centers may still look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
- Once the cookies have cooled significantly, drizzle them with caramel sauce. If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt over the caramel to enhance the flavors. Serve once the caramel has set.