Hey, you! Yes, you—the one who can’t resist a gooey, sweet treat. I’ve got something special for you today: Caramel Stuffed Cookies. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie and hitting a molten pocket of caramel that oozes out like a delicious little surprise. Oh, it’s pure heaven! I’m so excited to share this with you because, trust me, these cookies are a game-changer. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a fun get-together, or just because you deserve it (you do!), these babies are about to steal your heart. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love Caramel Stuffed Cookies
These cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing anyone lucky enough to snag one, here’s why they’re a total winner:
- Versatile: Great for movie nights, holiday trays, or a sneaky midnight snack. Picture curling up with a plate of these or watching your friends’ eyes light up when they take a bite.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry basics plus a little caramel magic. No fancy stuff needed—just everyday ingredients turned into something extraordinary.
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps that’ll have you munching in no time. Even if you’re new to baking, these are totally doable and stress-free.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite caramel or add a twist—think sea salt or chocolate chips. Make them your own, however you like ‘em!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids, adults, cookie monsters—everyone’s obsessed. These hit that sweet spot (pun intended) that makes them impossible to resist.
Ingredients in Caramel Stuffed Cookies
Here’s the lineup that makes these cookies so irresistible—it’s simple stuff that transforms into pure bliss:
- Butter: Creamy and rich, it gives that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened butter is key for the perfect dough.
- Sugar: A mix of white and brown for sweetness and that chewy, caramelized vibe. Brown sugar’s molasses kick is everything here.
- Eggs: They bind it all together and keep things soft and tender. Room temp works best!
- Flour: The sturdy base that holds all that gooey goodness in place. All-purpose is your trusty friend.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of this adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it!
- Caramel Candies: The star of the show! Soft, chewy caramels that turn into molten pockets of joy.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s whip up these dreamy cookies together—here’s how to make the magic happen:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This gets things nice and toasty so your cookies bake evenly to golden perfection.
- Combine Ingredients: In a big bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Add flour and stir until you’ve got a smooth, soft dough. This is where the cookie vibes start coming to life!
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It keeps those cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that?
- Assemble the Dish: Take a scoop of dough, flatten it, and wrap it around a caramel candy. Pinch the edges to seal it tight—think of it like tucking in a little treasure. Place them on the sheet, spaced apart.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Don’t overbake—the caramel needs to stay gooey!
- Finishing Touches: Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving to a rack. This firms them up just enough while keeping that warm, chewy center.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while they’re warm for maximum caramel bliss. Pair with milk, coffee, or just your happy self!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Stuffed Cookies
These cookies are amazing on their own, but here’s how to take them to the next level:
- Fresh Salads: Okay, not really—but a cold glass of milk counts as a refreshing combo, right? It’s a classic for a reason!
- Crusty Bread: Swap that for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm cookie and cold ice cream? Divine.
- Creamy Accompaniments: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that fancy bakery feel.
- Vegetable Sides: Kidding! How about a handful of nuts on top—think pecans or almonds—for a little crunch?
- As a Standalone: Honestly, these shine solo. Stack ‘em on a cute plate, and you’re golden.
Presentation’s key—arrange them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a caramel drizzle to wow your crew.
Additional Tips
A few insider tricks to make these cookies even better:
- Prep Ahead: Make the dough a day early and chill it. It’s easier to handle and deepens the flavor—win-win!
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy twist.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour or vegan butter and egg substitutes if needed—they’ll still rock.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pop ‘em in the microwave for 10 seconds to revive that gooeyness.
- Double the Batch: These freeze like a dream. Shape the dough balls, freeze on a tray, then bag ‘em up for up to 2 months—fresh cookies anytime!
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I use homemade caramel instead of candies?
A1: You bet! Just make sure it’s thick and cooled so it doesn’t ooze out too much during baking. - Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Totally! Prep the dough balls, stuff ‘em, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. - Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Pop them in an airtight container at room temp for 5 days or in the fridge if you like ‘em chilled. - Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two. - Q5: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A5: Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes—gooey caramel guaranteed. - Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Oh, please do! Double everything and bake in batches. More cookies, more happiness. - Q7: What if my caramel leaks out?
A7: No stress—it happens! Seal the dough tighter next time, but a little leak just means extra caramel crunch. - Q8: Can I add chocolate chips?
A8: Heck yes! Toss some in the dough for a chocolate-caramel mashup—drool-worthy! - Q9: Are these okay for kids to make?
A9: With supervision, sure! It’s a fun, easy project—just watch the hot oven part. - Q10: Can I use salted caramel?
A10: Absolutely—salted caramel adds a sweet-salty vibe that’s next-level delicious.
Conclusion
And there you go, my sweet-toothed pal—Caramel Stuffed Cookies that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. These little gems are all about indulgence made simple: soft, chewy, and packed with that irresistible caramel center. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing the love, they’re bound to brighten your day. So grab your mixing bowl, crank up the oven, and let’s bake some happiness together. I can’t wait to hear how much you adore them—drop me a note when you’ve had your first bite!
Print
Caramel Stuffed Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 large cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft and chewy cookies have a rich caramel center that oozes out with every bite! Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a gooey, buttery, and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra softness)
For the Caramel Filling:
- 12 soft caramel candies (like Werther’s Soft Caramels or homemade caramel squares)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a softer caramel center)
For Topping (Optional):
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
- Melted caramel drizzle
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- If your caramel candies are too firm, melt them in a small saucepan over low heat with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. Let cool slightly before using.
- If using soft caramel squares, no need to melt—just unwrap them!
2️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
3️⃣ Assemble the Cookies:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
- Place a soft caramel or a spoonful of melted caramel in the center.
- Take another small piece of dough, place it on top, and seal the edges completely. Roll into a ball.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and caramel.
4️⃣ Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the stuffed cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft!
5️⃣ Cool & Serve:
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Drizzle with melted caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra indulgence!
Notes
✔️ Use soft caramels for a gooey center. If using hard caramel candies, slightly warm them before stuffing.
✔️ Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.
✔️ Seal the edges well so the caramel doesn’t leak while baking.
✔️ Reheat cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave for that warm, molten caramel effect!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 3g