Hello, fellow cookie lovers! Are you craving something extra special today? Get ready to take your cookie game to a whole new level with these Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies! These Warm and Chewy Caramel Lava Cookies are the ultimate treat—soft on the outside with a deliciously gooey caramel center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with a homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in and make some magic!
Introduction
If you love soft, chewy cookies that surprise you with every bite, this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookie recipe is one you won’t want to miss. These decadent cookies combine classic cookie flavors with a warm, molten caramel center. Originating from classic American baking traditions, stuffed cookies have become popular for their delightful layers of flavor and texture. This recipe is simple to follow, and the end result is worth every step. Imagine biting into a warm cookie and discovering a rich caramel filling—pure bliss!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers a uniquely satisfying experience that’s bound to impress family and friends. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
To make the Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 15 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
For substitutions:
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
- Eggs: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) if you prefer an eggless cookie.
- Caramel: Opt for dairy-free caramel candies if needed.
How to Make Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies – Step by Step
Follow these steps to make Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies from scratch:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a warm, rich flavor to the cookie dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Prepare the Caramel-Filled Dough Balls: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a caramel candy in the center of the dough, then wrap the dough around the caramel, ensuring it’s fully enclosed. This step is crucial to avoid caramel leakage during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked; this is ideal for a soft texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your warm Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies fresh from the oven, or let them cool for a firmer texture!
Helpful Tips for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
For the best Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies, keep these tips in mind:
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing will make the cookies tough.
- Space the Dough Balls Properly: Place the dough balls at least 2 inches apart to prevent them from sticking together as they spread.
- Let Them Cool Slightly: These cookies are best enjoyed warm but not hot. The caramel will be gooey and delicious if you wait a few minutes before taking a bite.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
To elevate your Warm and Chewy Caramel Lava Cookies, try these tips:
- Use a Cookie Scoop: This helps ensure each cookie is the same size, which leads to even baking.
- Chill the Dough: If you want a thicker cookie, chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Consider a Caramel Alternative: If you can’t find soft caramel candies, try using caramel baking bits or even chocolate-covered caramels for a twist.
Serving Suggestions for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few pairing suggestions:
- Milk or Coffee: The classic choice—enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
- Topped with Sea Salt: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie just before serving.
Nutritional Information
These Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies are indulgent but satisfying! Each cookie (based on 15 servings) provides the following nutrients:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Storage and Leftovers for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
To keep your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm frozen cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them gooey again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies
- Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
- Absolutely! Just ensure the caramel is firm enough to handle when stuffing the cookies.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, freeze the dough balls (with caramel inside) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
- Why did my caramel leak out?
- Ensure the caramel is fully enclosed in the dough before baking to prevent leakage.
- How do I make the cookies gluten-free?
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
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Conclusion
Thank you for joining us in making these delicious Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies! We hope they bring a bit of warmth and joy to your day. Try this recipe and let us know in the comments how yours turned out—did you add your own twist? We’d love to hear your feedback and any variations you’ve tried. Happy baking!
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Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe – Easy Dessert Idea
Description
Hello, fellow cookie lovers! Are you craving something extra special today? Get ready to take your cookie game to a whole new level with these Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies! These Warm and Chewy Caramel Lava Cookies are the ultimate treat—soft on the outside with a deliciously gooey caramel center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with a homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive in and make some magic!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 15 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
For substitutions:
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
- Eggs: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) if you prefer an eggless cookie.
- Caramel: Opt for dairy-free caramel candies if needed.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a warm, rich flavor to the cookie dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Prepare the Caramel-Filled Dough Balls: Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Place a caramel candy in the center of the dough, then wrap the dough around the caramel, ensuring it’s fully enclosed. This step is crucial to avoid caramel leakage during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked; this is ideal for a soft texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your warm Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies fresh from the oven, or let them cool for a firmer texture!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Cold butter can lead to dense cookies.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Over-mixing will make the cookies tough.
- Space the Dough Balls Properly: Place the dough balls at least 2 inches apart to prevent them from sticking together as they spread.
- Let Them Cool Slightly: These cookies are best enjoyed warm but not hot. The caramel will be gooey and delicious if you wait a few minutes before taking a bite.
