Quick Caramel Stuffed Cookies Recipe: Gooey Sweet Perfection

Sweet caramel secrets sneak into these irresistible cookies, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.

Soft dough cradles gooey pockets of golden sugar magic.

Chocolate chips peek through tender edges, promising decadent moments of pure comfort.

Memories of childhood bakeries dance in each warm, melting morsel.

Crisp outer layers give way to molten caramel centers that whisper indulgence.

We dream about cookies that spark instant joy and connection.

Let the aroma of these treats pull you into a world of delicious comfort.

How Caramel Stuffed Cookies Steal The Show

• Surprise Inside Delight: Discover a magical cookie with a hidden caramel center that creates an unexpected burst of sweetness in every bite.
• Quick Customization Magic: Easily adapt the recipe by using soft caramel squares or melting caramel with cream, giving home bakers flexible preparation options.
• Foolproof Baking Experience: Simple step-by-step instructions make these cookies perfect for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring delicious results every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert moments where everyone craves a special homemade sweet that looks impressive yet requires minimal technical skills.

Ingredients of Caramel Stuffed Cookies

• Caramel Candies: Soft, gooey center that melts inside the cookie, choose soft caramel squares or traditional wrapped caramels.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt firmer caramels and creates smooth consistency.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides tender texture and deep flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides structure and additional sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structure for cookie dough, standard wheat flour works best.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Cornstarch: Creates softer, more tender cookie texture.

• Flaky Sea Salt: Optional topping for extra flavor contrast.
• Extra Caramel: For drizzling on top of baked cookies.

Caramel Stuffed Cookie Dough Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Caramel Filling

If caramel candies are firm, gently melt them in a small saucepan over low heat with heavy cream until smooth and silky.

Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using.

Soft caramel squares can be used directly without melting.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch until well blended.

Step 5: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Form Cookie Bases

Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and gently flatten it in your palm, creating a small disc.

Step 7: Add Caramel Center

Place a soft caramel square or a spoonful of melted caramel in the center of the flattened dough.

Step 8: Seal Cookie Balls

Take another small piece of dough and cover the caramel completely.

Carefully seal the edges and roll into a smooth ball, ensuring no caramel peeks through.

Step 9: Repeat Process

Continue forming caramel-stuffed cookie balls with the remaining dough and caramel.

Step 10: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 11: Arrange Cookies

Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.

The centers will remain soft and gooey.

Step 13: Cool and Rest

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 14: Final Touch

Drizzle with additional melted caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an irresistible finishing touch.

Cookie Tips For Caramel Filling

• Gently melt hard caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat to create a smooth, spreadable consistency for easy cookie filling.
• Completely seal cookie dough edges when stuffing to keep the melted caramel center locked inside during baking.
• Use slightly chilled dough for easier shaping and to prevent cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookies to enhance the sweet caramel's richness and create a gourmet touch.
• Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers remain soft for that ideal chewy, gooey consistency.

Storing Caramel Cookies Without Losing Filling

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove cookies from the freezer and let them thaw naturally at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Sweet Pairings For Stuffed Cookies

• Sweeten Coffee Companionship: Pair these gooey caramel cookies with a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements the sweet caramel notes and cuts through the richness.
• Elevate Dessert Wine Experience: Serve alongside a late-harvest Riesling or a golden Sauternes, whose honeyed sweetness and slight acidity perfectly match the caramel's deep flavor profile.
• Craft Milk Matching Magic: Choose whole milk or a creamy cold brew for a classic, nostalgic combination that balances the cookie's intense sweetness and enhances its smooth texture.
• Create Ice Cream Indulgence: Top the warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream, creating a decadent dessert experience with contrasting temperatures and complementary flavors.

Caramel Cookie Stuffing Ideas

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Caramel Cookie Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Cookies: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, using sugar-free caramel alternatives for health-conscious bakers.
• Nut-Infused Caramel Cookies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for extra crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the rich caramel center.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of caramel for this recipe?

Yes, you can use soft caramel squares, caramel bits, or homemade caramel sauce. Just ensure the caramel is soft enough to be enclosed in the cookie dough.

• How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Seal the edges of the cookie dough completely and make sure the caramel is fully enclosed. Chilling the stuffed cookie dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help prevent leakage.

• Is cornstarch necessary in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can omit it, but the cookies might be slightly less soft.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and stuff with caramel, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the stuffed cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.

Caramel Stuffed Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sinful caramel stuffed cookies deliver pure indulgence straight from homemade paradise. Gooey centers and crisp edges create an irresistible sweet experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 12 soft caramel candies (like Werthers Soft Caramels or homemade caramel squares)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for a softer caramel center)
• Flaky sea salt for garnish
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra softness)

Baking Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Melted caramel drizzle

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Instructions

1. Prepare caramel candies by gently melting them in a saucepan with heavy cream over low heat until smooth and pliable. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
2. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
4. Separately combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch, whisking to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated without overmixing the dough.
6. Divide cookie dough into portions, flattening each piece into a small disc shape.
7. Position a soft caramel square or spoonful of melted caramel at the center of each dough disc.
8. Cover the caramel completely with another piece of dough, carefully sealing the edges to prevent leakage during baking.
9. Gently roll each stuffed dough portion into a uniform ball, ensuring the caramel remains fully enclosed.
10. Arrange cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow proper spreading.
11. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the cookies for baking.
12. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown, keeping the centers soft and tender.
13. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
14. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.
15. Elevate the presentation by drizzling with additional melted caramel and sprinkling flaky sea salt for a gourmet finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent caramel leakage by thoroughly sealing cookie dough edges when stuffing to keep the gooey center intact.
• Create uniform cookies by using a cookie scoop for consistent sizing and even baking.
• Adjust caramel texture by warming slightly at room temperature or gently heating to ensure smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different caramel varieties like salted, dark, or flavored options for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg