The Dreamiest Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Soft, chewy caramel snickerdoodle cookies melt in your mouth with an unexpected twist of sweet richness.

Cinnamon-dusted edges bring a warm, comforting aroma that fills the kitchen instantly.

Butter and sugar combine to create a delightful dance of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Sweet caramel threads weave through each bite, creating a magical moment of pure indulgence.

Crisp outside and tender inside, these cookies promise a delectable experience that breaks traditional dessert boundaries.

Baking these treats becomes an invitation to savor something truly special.

One taste, and you’ll understand why these cookies are about to become your new obsession.

Sweet Cookies Like Caramel Snickerdoodles That Store Beautifully

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and fresh.
• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture and melt the caramel center slightly.
• If cookies become slightly hard, place a slice of bread in the container overnight to help them regain moisture and softness.

Sweet Matches For Snickerdoodle Cookies

• Pair with Warm Vanilla Latte: Creamy, smooth vanilla latte complements the sweet caramel and cinnamon notes, enhancing the cookie's rich flavor profile while providing a comforting warm beverage.
• Serve alongside Chai Tea: Spicy, aromatic chai tea highlights the cinnamon undertones in the snickerdoodle, creating a delightful harmony of warm spices that dance on your palate.
• Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Cold, creamy salted caramel ice cream provides a delicious contrast to the warm cookie, intensifying the caramel experience with its smooth, rich texture.
• Enjoy with Classic Milk: Cold, crisp milk cuts through the sweetness of the cookie, offering a classic, refreshing pairing that cleanses the palate between bites.

Caramel Cookie Dough Ideas

• Gluten-Free Caramel Snickerdoodles: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same soft texture and adding xanthan gum for better binding.
• Vegan Caramel Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select dairy-free caramel candies for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free caramel to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Create the cookie using almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and use sugar-free caramel chips to make a low-carb friendly treat.

FAQs

• Why use cream of tartar in Snickerdoodle cookies?

Cream of tartar gives these cookies their signature tangy flavor and helps create a soft, chewy texture by preventing sugar from crystallizing during baking.

• Can I make these cookies without caramel?

Yes, you can skip the caramel and make classic Snickerdoodle cookies by simply rolling the dough in the cinnamon-sugar mixture and baking as directed.

• How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?

Completely seal the caramel inside the dough ball, ensuring no openings. Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain the caramel’s shape.

• What makes the cinnamon-sugar coating stick to the cookies?

The moisture from the butter in the dough helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the cookie’s surface, creating a delicious, crispy exterior.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookies That Hit All The Notes

• Quickly Customize: Adapt the recipe by swapping caramel for chocolate chips or adding nuts for personal flair.
• Minimal Effort Required: Mix, roll, and bake in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Delivers irresistible combination of soft cookies, melted caramel, and warm cinnamon-sugar coating that appeals to all ages.
• Crowd-Pleasing Storage: Stays fresh for five days in airtight container, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or unexpected guests.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookie Ingredients

• Butter: Creamy base for soft, rich cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation with caramel undertones.
• Egg: Binding agent for cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, aromatic flavor enhancer.

• All-Purpose Flour: Structural backbone of the cookie.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Cream of Tartar: Adds tangy flavor and helps cookies stay soft.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice for classic snickerdoodle taste.

• Caramel Candies: Gooey, sweet center surprise for cookies.
• Sugar: Creates sweet, crispy exterior coating.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookies Baking Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a baking sheet and blanket it with parchment paper for smooth cookie removal.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture looks fluffy and cloud-like.

Crack in an egg and splash vanilla, then mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine Dry Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Stir until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

Step 4: Create Cinnamon Sugar Sparkle

In a small dish, swirl together sugar and cinnamon for a sweet coating.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Treasures

Scoop dough into small rounds.

Nestle a caramel candy in the center, completely encasing it.

Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide cookies into the oven.

Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain soft.

Let cookies rest on the sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Indulge and Savor

Enjoy warm for maximum caramel gooeyness or store in an airtight container for later munching.

Snickerdoodle Tips For Caramel Lovers

• Ensure the caramel is fully enclosed within the dough to prevent leaking during baking, creating a perfect surprise center.
• Refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a thick, chewy texture.
• Bring butter and egg to room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie consistency.
• Watch cookies carefully and remove from oven when edges are set but centers look slightly underdone to maintain a soft, gooey texture.
• Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent size and even baking of each snickerdoodle.

Caramel Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible caramel snickerdoodle cookies blend classic cinnamon-sugar warmth with gooey caramel centers for a delightful sweet experience. Crisp edges, chewy middles, and rich caramel notes promise a memorable treat that will satisfy your deepest cookie cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 12 soft caramel candies (like Werthers or Kraft), unwrapped

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure smooth cookie removal.
2. Create a creamy base by thoroughly blending butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, then incorporate egg and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
3. Gradually fold dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground cinnamon into the wet mixture, mixing until a cohesive, soft dough forms without overmixing.
4. Craft a classic cinnamon-sugar coating by thoroughly combining sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate shallow dish for precise cookie rolling.
5. Construct each cookie by extracting a portion of dough, gently flattening it, then strategically positioning a caramel candy at its center and meticulously enveloping the candy completely within the dough.
6. Generously coat each dough ball in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage, then arrange on the prepared baking sheet with adequate spacing.
7. Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, watching for slightly set edges and soft centers, which indicate optimal texture and doneness.
8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
9. Serve immediately for a decadent, molten caramel experience or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Perfectly wrap caramel inside the dough to prevent leaking during baking, ensuring a delightful molten center.
• Chill dough for 30 minutes before forming cookies to prevent spreading and maintain a thicker, more structured shape.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough and more consistent cookie texture, especially butter and egg.
• Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg