Are you craving a delicious dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! These caramel stuffed cookies are the perfect answer. Imagine the gooey caramel center melting in your mouth, encased in a perfectly chewy cookie – pure bliss! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, promising a delightful homemade treat that will impress everyone. Get ready to dive into a world of sweet indulgence with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (optional)
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Making the Caramel Filling:
- Prepare the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color. This takes patience; don't rush it!
- Add the cream carefully: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up vigorously!), whisking constantly until smooth.
- Incorporate butter and salt: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt until completely melted and combined. Let the caramel cool completely.
Making the Cookies:
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry to wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips (optional): If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Assemble the cookies: Roll the cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a teaspoon of the cooled caramel filling in the center. Cover the filling with more cookie dough, sealing it completely.
- Bake the cookies: Place the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Caramel Stuffed Cookies:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
- Cool completely: Allowing the cookies to cool completely allows the caramel to set properly.
- Chill the dough: For easier handling, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a delightful crunch.
- Use different chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Sea salt topping: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies after baking for a sweet and salty contrast.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 20-25g
Enjoy these delightful caramel stuffed cookies! They are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight treat or a special gathering. These easy recipes and healthy meals are always a great success. Making delicious dishes from scratch is truly rewarding, and this recipe is a testament to that. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them one of the best recipes you can find for quick dinner ideas or a sweet ending to any meal. Homemade cooking at its finest!