Welcome, fellow cookie lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines a rich, caramel-filled center with a soft, buttery cookie base, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies. This indulgent cookie recipe is guaranteed to satisfy any caramel craving and leave your taste buds dancing. Ready to bake up a storm with these luscious caramel delights? Let’s get started!
Introduction
Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies are a fusion of buttery, chewy cookies and the luxurious, creamy goodness of dulce de leche. Originating from Latin America, dulce de leche has captivated dessert lovers worldwide with its smooth, caramelized flavor. These cookies take that experience to the next level, featuring a gooey dulce de leche filling that oozes out with each bite. Whether you’re a fan of caramel desserts or simply looking for a new twist on your classic cookie, this Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookie recipe is the perfect treat to whip up. Best of all, it’s easy to make, yet impressive enough to wow family and friends.
Ingredients for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
To create these delicious cookies, you’ll need a handful of basic baking ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these decadent caramel treats:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche – You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free flour can be used to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free butter makes the cookies suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can give the cookies an extra layer of texture and flavor.
How to Make Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies – Step by Step
How to Make Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies couldn’t be easier with these step-by-step instructions. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies come out perfect every time!
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This step ensures your cookies have the perfect soft texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic base.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your cookies stay soft and tender.
- Form the cookie dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill with dulce de leche: Place a teaspoon of dulce de leche in the indentation, then carefully seal the dough around the filling, ensuring no caramel peeks through.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. The centers will remain soft and gooey.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. As tempting as they may be, allow them to cool fully so the dulce de leche sets in the middle.
Helpful Tips for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
To make sure your cookies are absolute showstoppers, here are a few Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookie tips:
- Chill your dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to shape.
- Don’t overfill: When filling the cookies with dulce de leche, be careful not to overstuff them. A teaspoon is enough to ensure a delightful gooey center without causing the cookies to break apart during baking.
- Seal tightly: Be sure to fully enclose the dulce de leche inside the dough so it doesn’t leak out during baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and keep the caramel filling inside.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
Looking for the best Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookie hacks? Here are a few cooking techniques to elevate your cookie game:
- Use room temperature ingredients: For best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps the dough mix together smoothly, resulting in soft, evenly baked cookies.
- Slightly underbake for a gooey center: These cookies are all about the gooey caramel filling, so slightly underbaking them will give you that perfect soft and chewy texture.
- Experiment with fillings: While dulce de leche is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other caramel fillings, such as salted caramel sauce or even Nutella for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
Once your Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies are baked to perfection, they’re ready to be served! Here are some pairing ideas to enhance the cookie experience:
- Coffee or tea: The rich, caramel flavor of these cookies pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Ice cream sandwiches: For an extra indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich.
- Serve warm: These cookies are best served warm when the dulce de leche is still gooey and melty. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to recreate that just-baked experience.
Nutritional Information
When enjoying Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies, you can indulge in moderation. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional value:
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per cookie
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 18g
Storage and Leftovers for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
These cookies are just as delicious the next day! Follow these tips to ensure they stay fresh:
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply form the dough balls, fill them with dulce de leche, and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cookies warm and gooey, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies
- Can I use caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche?
Yes, you can substitute caramel sauce for dulce de leche, but keep in mind that dulce de leche has a thicker, creamier texture that works better as a cookie filling. - How do I prevent the dulce de leche from leaking out of the cookies?
Make sure to completely seal the dough around the dulce de leche, ensuring there are no gaps or holes. Chilling the dough before baking can also help the cookies maintain their shape. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the dulce de leche you’re using is also gluten-free. - How can I make the cookies extra chewy?
To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and use more brown sugar, as it contains molasses, which contributes to a softer, chewier texture.
Related Recipes for Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookie Lovers
If you loved this Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookie recipe, here are two similar cookie recipes you should try next:
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got all the steps, tips, and tricks for creating the perfect Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies, it’s time to put on your apron and start baking! These cookies are perfect for any occasion—from casual family snacks to impressive party desserts. Be sure to share your experience in the comments below, and let us know if you added your own special twist to the recipe. We can’t wait to hear about your baking adventures!
Print
Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies – Soft & Chewy Treats
Description
Welcome, fellow cookie lovers! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet treat that combines a rich, caramel-filled center with a soft, buttery cookie base, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Gooey Caramel Dulce de Leche Cookies. This indulgent cookie recipe is guaranteed to satisfy any caramel craving and leave your taste buds dancing. Ready to bake up a storm with these luscious caramel delights? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup dulce de leche – You can make your own or use store-bought for convenience.
Optional substitutions:
- Gluten-free flour can be used to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free butter makes the cookies suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can give the cookies an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This step ensures your cookies have the perfect soft texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a rich, aromatic base.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures your cookies stay soft and tender.
- Form the cookie dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Create a small indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Fill with dulce de leche: Place a teaspoon of dulce de leche in the indentation, then carefully seal the dough around the filling, ensuring no caramel peeks through.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. The centers will remain soft and gooey.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. As tempting as they may be, allow them to cool fully so the dulce de leche sets in the middle.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Chill your dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft to handle, chilling it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make it easier to shape.
- Don’t overfill: When filling the cookies with dulce de leche, be careful not to overstuff them. A teaspoon is enough to ensure a delightful gooey center without causing the cookies to break apart during baking.
- Seal tightly: Be sure to fully enclose the dulce de leche inside the dough so it doesn’t leak out during baking. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and keep the caramel filling inside.
