Soft Caramel Cookies: A Sweet Delight

If you’re looking for a cookie that marries the warmth of homemade goodness with the delightful surprise of soft caramel, you’ve come to the right place! These Soft Caramel Cookies are a mouthwatering creation perfect for cozy gatherings, after-school snacks, or just a sweet treat when you’re craving something special. I stumbled upon this recipe during a baking marathon with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked cookie that encases ooey-gooey caramel — that’s what you can expect here!

What Makes These Cookies Worth a Try

Why you’ll love this dish

These Soft Caramel Cookies are not only easy to make, but they also appeal to adults and kids alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or treating your family on a typical weekday, the combination of sweet caramel and rich spices will leave everyone reaching for another. Plus, they use simple ingredients you likely have at home, making them a budget-friendly dessert option.

“These cookies became an instant hit in my house. The caramel is such a fun surprise in each bite! My kids keep asking for them.” – Sarah L.

Preparing Soft Caramel Cookies

The cooking process explained

Making Soft Caramel Cookies is a breeze, and the process can be broken down into a few straightforward steps. This allows you to anticipate each phase of cookie creation, ensuring a delightful baking experience. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the cookie-making adventure!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment or silicone mats on your baking sheets.
Cream the softened unsalted butter with light brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Mix in the large egg and pure vanilla extract, incorporating everything until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mix with the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
Shape the cookies by taking about two tablespoons of dough, flattening it, placing a soft caramel candy in the center, and wrapping the dough around it to create a ball.
Roll each ball in a mixture of brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon for that tempting cinnamon sugar coating.
Arrange on your baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Gather These Ingredients

Key ingredients

To create these indulgent cookies, you will need the following items:

Unsalted butter
Light brown sugar, packed
White sugar
Large egg
Pure vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Soft caramel candies or caramel baking bits
Brown sugar (for cinnamon sugar coating)
White sugar (for the topping)
Flaky sea salt (optional)
Espresso powder (optional)
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Feel free to swap out the nuts or even the caramel for a different filling, depending on your preference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your baking sheets ready with parchment or silicone mats.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with light brown sugar and white sugar until it’s pale and creamy.
Add the egg and pure vanilla extract into the mixture and blend until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix it into the buttery mixture until a soft dough forms.
Using about two tablespoons of dough, flatten it, place a caramel candy in the center, and wrap the dough around it to form a ball.
Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
Place the balls on your baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden.
Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to complete cooling. Enjoy your treats!

How to Serve Soft Caramel Cookies

Best ways to enjoy it

These cookies shine on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Pair them with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat. They’re perfect for cozy gatherings or as an after-dinner dessert to impress your guests!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Storage and reheating tips

To maintain the freshness of your Soft Caramel Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes!

Pro Chef Tips for Success

Helpful cooking tips

Don’t overmix the cookie dough once you add the dry ingredients; it can make the cookies tough.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking.
If you’re a coffee lover, a teaspoon of espresso powder can complement the sweetness wonderfully, giving depth to your cookies.

Creative Twists to Try

Recipe variations

Feel free to get adventurous with your Soft Caramel Cookies! Here are a few variations to consider:

Swap out the caramel for chocolate or peanut butter filling.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or toffee bits into the dough for added texture.
For a festive flair, use pumpkin spice in place of cinnamon during the fall season.

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the prep time for Soft Caramel Cookies?
- The prep time is around 15 minutes, and baking takes about 10-12 minutes.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but if you choose to use salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

By following these steps and embracing your culinary creativity, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of Soft Caramel Cookies that will surely become a beloved staple in your home!