Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Melt caramels with cream in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Scoop 1 tbsp of dough and flatten. Add ½ tsp cheesecake mixture and ½ tsp caramel to center. Top with another piece of dough, seal, and roll into a ball.
Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden.
Cool for 5 minutes on sheet, transfer to wire rack. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired.
