Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles – A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite!

Imagine biting into a soft, cinnamon-coated cookie only to find a gooey, sweet caramel center waiting for you. That’s the magic of Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles! These cookies take the classic snickerdoodle to a whole new level by hiding a rich caramel surprise inside. They’re perfect for holidays, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and indulgent.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive. Let’s explore how to make these irresistible cookies and why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles

• Irresistible Texture: Soft, chewy cookies with a molten caramel center.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and store-bought caramels.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or gifting.
• Fun to Make: Rolling the cookies and adding the caramel filling is a hands-on, enjoyable process.

Ingredients for Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles

For the Dough

Ingredient	Amount
Butter (softened)	½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Large egg	1
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	1¾ cups
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Baking powder	½ teaspoon
Cinnamon	1½ teaspoons
Caramels (unwrapped)	18 pieces

For Rolling

Ingredient	Amount
Granulated sugar	¼ cup
Cinnamon	1 tablespoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.

3. Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie and roll it into a ball.
2. Flatten each dough ball slightly and place an unwrapped caramel in the center.
3. Fold the dough over the caramel, ensuring it’s completely enclosed. Roll the dough back into a ball to seal the edges.

4. Coat in Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
2. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well coated.

5. Bake the Cookies

1. Arrange the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked.

6. Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
2. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey caramel center, or let them cool completely and store in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles

• Choose the Right Caramels: Soft, chewy caramels work best for this recipe. Avoid hard caramels that may not melt properly.
• Seal the Dough: Ensure the dough completely covers the caramel to prevent any leakage during baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone when removed from the oven. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes before shaping the cookies.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Cookie (Approx.)
Calories	~150
Protein	~2g
Carbohydrates	~20g
Fat	~6g
Fiber	~0.5g
Sodium	~75mg

Serving Suggestions

• For Parties: Arrange the cookies on a festive platter alongside other treats like brownies and sugar cookies.
• With Hot Beverages: Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider for a cozy snack.
• Holiday Gifts: Wrap them in decorative bags or tins for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
• For Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

FAQs About Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles

1. Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes, you can use small pieces of homemade caramel. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

2. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To extend their freshness, refrigerate them and reheat slightly before serving.

3. Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Shape the dough balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

4. Why did my caramel leak out?

This happens if the dough isn’t sealed properly around the caramel. Ensure there are no gaps or thin spots in the dough.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. Can I add other flavors?

Certainly! Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough or sprinkling sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salted caramel twist.

Why You Should Make Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles Today

Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodles aren’t just cookies—they’re an experience. From the cinnamon-sugar coating to the molten caramel center, each bite is a delightful surprise. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

So preheat your oven, unwrap those caramels, and get ready to bake a treat your friends and family won’t stop raving about!

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