Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe

These gooey caramel-stuffed cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with a warm, melty caramel center. With crisp golden edges and a buttery cookie dough infused with brown sugar and vanilla, these indulgent treats are perfect for caramel lovers. Whether for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a sweet craving, these cookies are guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Buttery – Soft, chewy cookies with deep caramel flavor.
• Gooey Caramel Center – A warm, melty caramel surprise in every bite.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

For the Caramel Filling:

• Soft caramel candies (like Kraft or Werther’s), unwrapped
• Heavy cream (optional, for softer caramel centers)

For Topping (Optional):

• Sea salt flakes
• Melted chocolate drizzle

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine Dough – Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Stuff the Cookies with Caramel:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Form Dough Balls – Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly.
3. Add Caramel – Place a caramel candy in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing tightly.
4. Space on Baking Sheet – Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake & Serve:

1. Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
2. Cool Slightly – Let cookies sit for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
3. Optional Garnishes – Sprinkle with sea salt or drizzle with melted chocolate.
4. Enjoy Warm!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookies – Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Cookies – Mix peanut butter into the dough for a nutty twist.
• Double Chocolate Caramel Cookies – Use cocoa powder in the dough for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Salted Caramel Cookies – Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
• Reheat – Microwave cookies for 10-15 seconds to re-melt the caramel.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! Just chill small caramel pieces before stuffing the cookies to prevent spreading.

How do I keep caramel from leaking out?

Ensure the cookie dough is completely sealed around the caramel and don’t flatten too much.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best caramel to use?

Soft, chewy caramels work best (like Kraft or Werther’s). Avoid hard caramels.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt by half.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

What’s the best way to measure flour?

Spoon the flour into a measuring cup and level it off—don’t pack it in.

Can I stuff these with other fillings?

Yes! Try Nutella, peanut butter cups, or chocolate ganache instead of caramel.

Do I have to use an electric mixer?

No, but it helps with creaming the butter and sugar for a smoother dough.

Conclusion

Gooey caramel-stuffed cookies are the ultimate sweet treat, combining a soft, buttery cookie with a rich caramel center. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or reheated for extra gooeyness, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Try them today for a delicious, indulgent dessert!

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