Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegan-Friendly: Crafted with vegan butter and soy milk, these cookies are perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, both novice and experienced bakers can enjoy making these treats.
- Decadent Flavor Combination: The balance of sweet caramel, tangy cream cheese frosting, and a hint of sea salt creates an irresistible taste sensation.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raw or granulated cane sugar
- 3/4 cup salted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup soy vanilla milk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (adjust to taste)
Garnish:
- Caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the vegan butter and cane sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, white vinegar, and soy vanilla milk to the mixture; blend until well combined.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda into the wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a separate bowl, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and vegan butter.
- Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting the vegan butter quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on each.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting.
- Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling and assembly)
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the decadence by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the caramel layer.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place the assembled cookies in a single layer within an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause the frosting to melt.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular butter and milk instead of vegan alternatives?
Yes, if you’re not following a vegan diet, you can substitute with regular butter and dairy milk.
2. How can I make my own caramel sauce at home?
Homemade caramel sauce can be made by melting sugar until it turns amber, then adding butter and cream. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to prevent crystallization.
3. Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt for garnish?
Flaky sea salt provides a pleasant texture and flavor contrast, but if unavailable, a light sprinkle of regular sea salt can suffice.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop portions onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
5. What can I use as a substitute for soy vanilla milk?
Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used as a substitute. Ensure it’s unsweetened to control the sweetness of the cookies.
6. How can I achieve a thicker frosting consistency?
To thicken the frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.
7. Can I omit the cream cheese in the frosting?
The cream cheese adds a tangy flavor characteristic of cheesecake. Omitting it will result in a different taste profile.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling and assembly)
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies—a vegan-friendly delight with a soft, buttery base, creamy cheesecake frosting, luscious caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for plant-based and gourmet cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup raw or granulated cane sugar
- 3/4 cup salted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup soy vanilla milk
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegan butter (adjust for consistency)
Garnish:
- Caramel sauce
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- Cream vegan butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla, vinegar, and soy milk; mix well.
- Blend in flour, baking powder, and baking soda to form a dough.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto the sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and vegan butter until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Assemble:
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate drizzle for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
