Irresistibly Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies

Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe: The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft cookie with a surprise burst of molten caramel that oozes out with every bite—this is the magic of the Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe that has everyone talking. As a busy home baker, I know the struggle of finding desserts that deliver wow-factor without hours in the kitchen. That’s why this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe, featuring an irresistibly gooey center from using soft caramels and precise baking techniques, stands out as your go-to treat. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create cookies that are chewy on the outside and decadently gooey inside, making it perfect for family gatherings or a quick indulgence. This recipe from cookinwithlalyta.com ensures foolproof results every time, elevating your baking game effortlessly.

The sensory experience of these Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe is truly unforgettable. Picture the buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake to golden perfection, releasing hints of vanilla and caramel that make your mouth water. Each cookie boasts a soft, chewy exterior that gives way to a luscious, gooey caramel center, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The caramel’s rich, buttery sweetness melds with the subtle crunch of the cookie dough, offering a symphony of flavors—from the deep notes of brown sugar to the pure vanilla undertones. It’s not just a cookie; it’s a comforting hug in edible form, ideal for satisfying those sweet cravings on any day.

What sets this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe apart on cookinwithlalyta.com is the expertise of Chef Lalybeth, whose passion for baking shines through in every detail. This version incorporates a Chef’s Secret that ensures maximum gooeyness without the mess, making it superior to ordinary recipes. You’ll learn insider tips on ingredient selection, step-by-step techniques, and even customizations to make it your own. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this comprehensive guide will build your confidence in the kitchen, turning out perfect batches that impress. Stick around for FAQs, storage hacks, and more to master these stuffed cookies like a pro.

Why This Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe is a Game-Changer

The Chef’s Secret to this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe lies in the strategic use of soft caramels and a precise “rest and seal” technique for that irresistible gooey center, setting it apart from standard cookie recipes. By allowing the dough to envelop the caramel completely before baking, we lock in moisture and prevent leakage, ensuring a molten surprise in every bite. This method, tested extensively, creates a cookie that’s not just stuffed but perfectly gooey, thanks to the caramel’s high sugar content which melts at lower temperatures.

Unbeatable Texture: The science behind the texture comes from creaming the butter and sugars to incorporate air, which expands during baking for a chewy yet tender result. Using softened unsalted butter helps achieve this by evenly distributing fat, preventing a tough cookie while the baking soda reacts for a slight lift, making these gooey caramel-stuffed cookies irresistibly soft.

Foolproof for a Reason: This Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe has been baked and refined multiple times in our kitchen to guarantee success, even for beginners. With clear instructions and tips, it’s designed to yield consistent, delicious results, minimizing common pitfalls like overbaking that could harden the caramel.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): This staple provides the structure for your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe, giving the dough its chewy base. Opt for unbleached flour for better gluten development, which ensures the cookies hold their shape without becoming dense. If you’re out of all-purpose flour, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but note it might slightly alter the texture, making it a tad crumblier.

Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): Acting as a leavening agent, baking soda helps these gooey caramel-stuffed cookies rise and achieve that perfect spread and lightness. Fresh baking soda is key for optimal reaction; stale soda can lead to flat cookies. For a substitute, use an equal amount of baking powder if needed, though it will add a bit more lift and change the flavor profile slightly.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors in this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the caramel’s depth. Always use fine sea salt for even distribution; table salt works in a pinch but can be too intense. If watching sodium, reduce to 1/4 teaspoon, but this might make the cookies taste a bit bland.

Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, softened): The fat in butter creates the rich, tender crumb of these gooey caramel-stuffed cookies. Choose high-quality, European-style butter for extra creaminess due to its higher fat content. Substitute with salted butter by omitting the added salt, or use vegan butter for a dairy-free version, which will keep the texture similar but alter the flavor slightly.

Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This provides sweetness and helps with browning, giving your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe its golden hue. Use organic cane sugar for a purer taste; it’s less processed. If substituting, coconut sugar works well for a caramel-like note, though it may make the cookies darker and moister.

Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brown sugar adds moisture and a molasses depth, contributing to the gooeyness in this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe. Freshly packed light brown sugar is ideal; dark brown can be used for a richer flavor. Substitute with white sugar plus molasses for similar results, ensuring you maintain that essential chewiness.

Large Egg (1): The egg binds the ingredients and adds richness, helping create the perfect dough for gooey caramel-stuffed cookies. Fresh, room-temperature eggs work best for even incorporation. For a vegan swap, use flaxseed mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), which will bind similarly but result in a slightly denser cookie.

Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): This enhances the overall flavor, complementing the caramel in your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe with its warm notes. Always go for pure vanilla extract for authentic taste; imitation can taste artificial. Substitute with almond extract for a nutty twist, using half the amount to avoid overpowering the caramel.

Caramel Candies (24, unwrapped): The star of the show, these provide the gooey center that defines this Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe. Soft, chewy caramels ensure they melt just right; avoid hard varieties. For alternatives, try chocolate pieces for a variation, or if allergic, use date paste for a natural, gooey substitute that keeps the cookies vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.

Pro Tip: Use a reliable oven thermometer to verify the temperature, as an inaccurate oven can affect the gooeyness of your caramel-stuffed cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until fully combined. This creates a uniform base for your dough.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t skip whisking thoroughly, as clumps of baking soda can lead to uneven rising and bitter spots in your gooey caramel-stuffed cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tip: Let the butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes for easier creaming, which incorporates more air and results in softer, more gooey caramel-stuffed cookies.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed for even mixing.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Add the egg one at a time if doubling the recipe to prevent curdling, which could make your dough greasy and affect the final texture of the cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.

Pro Tip: Mix by hand for the last few turns to ensure the dough doesn’t become too dense, preserving the chewy quality in your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe.

Step 6: Stuff the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls using a tablespoon, place one unwrapped caramel candy in the center of each ball, and carefully seal the dough around it to fully enclose the caramel.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Ensure the caramel is completely sealed to prevent leakage during baking, which could cause the cookies to spread unevenly and lose their gooey center.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Place the stuffed dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.

Pro Tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking, ensuring all your gooey caramel-stuffed cookies have that perfect, underbaked center.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t rush the cooling process, as moving them too soon can cause them to break, affecting the gooey caramel’s integrity.

Serving & Presentation

Elevate your Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe by plating them on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to enhance the caramel’s sweetness and add a gourmet flair. These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. For a cozy afternoon tea, complement them with herbal teas or coffee, making them the star of any gathering.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

For make-ahead strategy, prepare the dough balls up to 3 days in advance by stuffing them with caramels, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready, bake from chilled for an extra 1-2 minutes. To store leftovers, keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain gooeyness. For freezing, wrap individual cookies in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature. The best way to reheat is in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore the original soft texture and gooey caramel center without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies

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• Author: Chef Lalybeth
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Soft and chewy cookies stuffed with gooey caramel centers, perfect for a sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 24 caramel candies, unwrapped

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until combined.
6. Scoop dough into balls, place a caramel candy in the center of each, and seal.
7. Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.
8. Cool on wire racks before serving.

Notes

For extra gooeyness, use soft caramels and avoid overbaking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 2g