Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting all the required ingredients. You will need: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, an egg, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cream cheese. Don’t forget the caramel sauce and sea salt for topping.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and have the perfect texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add one cup of softened unsalted butter, half a cup of granulated sugar, and one cup of light brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugars are well mixed, add one large egg and two teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

Step 6: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, combine eight ounces of softened cream cheese, one egg, and a third of a cup of powdered sugar. Mix until the filling is smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, drop a mound of cookie dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make a small indent in the center, then spoon in a bit of the cream cheese filling. Flatten slightly, then top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remember, the centers may look slightly underbaked.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with sea salt before serving.