Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in deliciously soft and fudgy Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies featuring a rich chocolate dough enveloping a gooey caramel center. These easy-to-make cookies perfectly balance sweetness and decadence, making them a favorite treat for cozy nights, parties, or gifts.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 30-45 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- Caramels or caramel candies (soft variety), about 1 per cookie
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Dark or milk chocolate chunks
- Cayenne or cinnamon pinch
- Vegan butter and dairy-free caramel candies for dairy-free version
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, then gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until smooth and chocolatey.
- Shape and Stuff: Take a generous tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one caramel candy in the center, then carefully fold the dough around it, sealing completely. Roll into a smooth ball ensuring no caramel shows.
- Chill the Dough: Place the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This prevents the caramel from melting too quickly during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Enjoy Your Heavenly Cookies: Allow cookies to cool just enough to handle. Enjoy the warm, molten caramel center combined with soft chocolate cookie in every bite.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth dough.
- Chill dough thoroughly to keep caramel from leaking.
- Seal caramel candy fully inside dough to avoid burning or leakage.
- Watch baking time carefully to maintain soft centers.
- Serve cookies slightly warm or reheat briefly for best gooey texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel stuffed cookies, chocolate cookies, gooey caramel center, soft cookies, easy dessert, gluten-free cookies, homemade cookies