Caramel chocolate cookies are a decadent twist on a classic, offering a surprise gooey center that elevates the humble chocolate chip cookie to new heights. The secret lies in perfectly encasing a soft caramel within the cookie dough, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This recipe for caramel chocolate cookies is designed for both novice and experienced bakers, ensuring a professional-tasting result with minimal fuss. It’s the ideal treat to impress guests or simply to indulge your own sweet cravings.

⏱ Time: 45 min
👥 Servings: 24
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Caramel Stuffed Cookies: Sweet Surprise! - caramel chocolate cookies - Caramel chocolate cookies: bake these ultimate gooey stuffed cookies with a rich, melty c

Caramel Stuffed Cookies: Sweet Surprise!

Caramel chocolate cookies: bake these ultimate gooey stuffed cookies with a rich, melty center. A delightful treat for any occasion, perfect for sharing!
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Prep Time 33 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, (room temperature)
  • 2 ¼ cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, (plus extra for sprinkling over aluminum foil)
  • 2 cups (336 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 24 soft caramels, (unwrapped, flattened to a circle shape (about 1 ½-inches in diameter))

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to chill the filled cookie dough. Set aside.
  2. In a stand mixer, cream butter, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  4. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
  6. Take 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten, place a flattened caramel in the center, and seal completely. Repeat for all caramels.
  7. Place stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and centers are slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

– For perfectly soft caramels, ensure they are at room temperature before flattening. Cold caramels will be difficult to work with and may crack.
– Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
– Chilling the dough is crucial! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps the caramel stay in place, ensuring a beautiful, gooey center. I once skipped this step to save time, and my cookies spread too thin, losing their perfect shape.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For perfectly soft caramels, ensure they are at room temperature before flattening. Cold caramels will be difficult to work with and may crack.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial! It prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps the caramel stay in place, ensuring a beautiful, gooey center. I once skipped this step to save time, and my cookies spread too thin, losing their perfect shape.

These caramel stuffed chocolate chip cookies are a true delight, combining classic flavors with an irresistible surprise. Enjoy baking them and share the joy with friends and family!

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