Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies with an irresistible twist, then these Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat. Soft and chewy with a gooey caramel center, these cookies are a delightful blend of two favorite flavors—chocolate and caramel. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 12 caramel candies, unwrapped

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.
5. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
6. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a caramel candy in the center. Wrap the dough around the caramel, forming a ball.
7. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cookies
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Stuffed with Other Candies: Swap the caramel for other candies like chocolate truffles, peanut butter cups, or even marshmallows for a different gooey center.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free while still maintaining the rich taste and texture.
• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty crunch that complements the caramel and chocolate.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for an added contrast of sweet and salty flavors.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.
• Reheating: Reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the gooey caramel center once more. You can also warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   • Yes, but you may want to reduce the added salt by half to avoid the cookies becoming too salty.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel instead of caramel candies?
   • Yes, you can use caramel sauce or squares, but be sure they are firm enough to hold up in the cookie.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
   • Absolutely! You can chill the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it soften slightly before rolling it into balls.
4. What can I do if the caramel leaks out while baking?
   • If some of the caramel leaks out, it will still make the cookies extra gooey, but be careful not to overfill the dough around the caramel.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   • Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for an extra minute or two.
6. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   • You can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease the baking sheet if parchment paper is unavailable.
7. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
   • Yes, milk chocolate chips will give a sweeter flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the caramel center.
8. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
   • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their shape.
9. How can I tell when the cookies are done?
   • The cookies should be golden brown around the edges, and a little soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
10. Can I add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the dough?

• Yes, adding a little cinnamon or extra vanilla extract can give your cookies an additional flavor layer, but keep it subtle so it doesn’t overpower the caramel and chocolate.

Conclusion

Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies offer the perfect balance of chewy, gooey, and sweet flavors. These decadent treats are sure to satisfy any cookie lover and make an impressive addition to any occasion. With their soft texture, rich caramel centers, and chocolate chip goodness, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as an irresistible snack later on!

Print