As I stepped into the kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar danced through the air, instantly transporting me back to those lovely afternoons spent with my grandmother. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies—a delightful treat that perfectly marries a rich, gooey caramel center with an irresistible spiced exterior. These cookies are not only incredibly quick to whip up, making them perfect for those busy weeks, but they also promise to bring a sweet smile to the faces of family and friends alike. Whether you’re looking to create cozy memories at home or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are the answer to your cravings. Ready to bake something extraordinary?
Why are these cookies so irresistible?
Chewy Delight: With a gooey caramel center wrapped in a spiced dough, every bite is a flavor explosion that will leave you reaching for more.
Quick Preparation: You can prepare these cookies in no time, making them perfect for a weeknight treat or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends, making them an ideal choice for sharing at parties or holiday events.
Customization Options: Looking to mix things up? Add chopped nuts or swap caramel for chocolate chips for a unique twist.
Comforting Aroma: The warm scent of cinnamon and brown sugar fills your kitchen, creating that nostalgic atmosphere that everyone loves.
Trust me, once you try these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies, they will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened to the right consistency for better mixing.
- Light Brown Sugar – Provides deep, toasty sweetness; pack tightly for the best results.
- White Sugar – Balances sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s texture.
- Large Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the mix.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the sturdy structure of the cookies.
- Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice, making them extra cozy.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
For the Gooey Center
- Soft Caramel Candies or Caramel Baking Bits – This key ingredient provides the signature gooey center that defines Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture – A delightful blend of brown and white sugar with cinnamon, perfect for rolling the cookies and adding a crunchy texture.
Optional Add-ins
- Flaky Sea Salt – For a gourmet salted caramel twist.
- Espresso Powder – Enhances the deep brown sugar notes beautifully.
- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts – Add a delightful crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of unforgettable Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies that will warm hearts and bring smiles!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies. While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies release easily after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of light brown sugar, and ½ cup of white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. As you mix, take in the delightful aroma!
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined, which should take about 1 minute. The batter will become creamy and smooth, blending the rich flavors that will define your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This will ensure that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough, setting the stage for flavor and texture.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky. At this point, you can feel the warmth of the cinnamon and brown sugar blending beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Centers
Divide the dough into portions, about 1.5 tablespoons each. Flatten each portion slightly in your hand, placing a soft caramel candy or caramel baking bits in the center. This step is crucial for that gooey, signature center in your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies.
Step 7: Encase and Roll
Carefully enclose the caramel with the dough, rolling it into a ball. Once formed, roll the cookie ball in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (a blend of both sugars and cinnamon) to give it that extra sweetness and crunch on the outside.
Step 8: Place on the Baking Sheet
Arrange the coated cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This allows room for spreading as they bake. You’ll know when they’re ready as the delightful smell starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Sprinkle the tops lightly with white sugar before placing the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; the aroma of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies will be irresistible!
Step 10: Cool and Transfer
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling allows the gooey caramel center to set slightly, making it easier to transfer the cookies to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
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Perfect Butter Softening: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened, not melted. This is crucial for light and fluffy cookies.
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Caramel Monitoring: Watch closely during baking; if caramel overflows, gently nudge it back into the cookie while it’s still warm to maintain that gooey center.
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Dough Handling: If the dough feels sticky while shaping, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to work with and form those delightful cookie balls.
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Cooling Period: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow cookies to set on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring, ensuring the sticky caramel center becomes manageable.
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Customization Adventures: Feel free to explore optional ingredients like chopped nuts or espresso powder to elevate the flavor of your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time in the kitchen! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply follow the recipe up to Step 6, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. If you’re looking to prep even further ahead, you can roll the formed cookie balls in the cinnamon-sugar coating and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies ready with minimal effort on those busy weeknights!
How to Store and Freeze Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cookies soft and ensures they maintain their delightful flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze any leftovers in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. These cookies can be frozen for up to one month without losing their gooey charm.
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Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked feel, reheat cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back the delightful gooey caramel center!
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Airtight Tips: Always use airtight containers for storing your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies to prevent them from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge or freezer.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
There’s nothing like creating a full meal of warmth and comfort that complements the rich, gooey flavors of your favorite cookies.
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Cold Milk: A classic pairing, cold milk accentuates the sweetness of the cookies while balancing their gooey texture perfectly.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream on the side to create a delightful contrast to the warm cookies, making every bite a heavenly experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: The deep, rich flavors of coffee enhance the cookies’ brown sugar notes, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea echo the flavors of cinnamon in the cookies, creating a warm, comforting beverage to sip alongside your sweets.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies for an elevated dessert that adds a hint of decadence and a pop of flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Bright, tart berries provide a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s sweetness, adding a splash of color and a burst of freshness to your dessert spread.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Spread a light layer of cream cheese frosting on each cookie for an added creamy touch and a complementary tanginess.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: For a fun twist, serve these alongside fluffy doughnuts coated in cinnamon sugar for a delightful sweet pairing.
Each of these delicious options will enhance the delightful experience of enjoying your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies—perfect for sharing and savoring!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing your cookies with these exciting options!
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Chocolate Chip Twist: Swap out caramel for chocolate chips to create a chocolate lovers’ delight that perfectly balances sweetness with richness.
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Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough for a crunchy texture that complements the gooey caramel beautifully. In every bite, you’ll experience a delightful mix of chewy and crunchy.
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Spiced Upgrade: Incorporate pumpkin spice for an autumn twist, enhancing the cozy warmth of the cookies. Just a pinch will transport you to a beautiful fall afternoon.
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Gluten-Free Bliss: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture. They’ll still be just as gooey and delightful!
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Dried Fruit Surprise: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a touch of fruity tartness to balance the sweet caramel. This unexpected twist adds depth to every cookie.
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Salted Caramel Kick: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for that irresistible salted caramel flavor that enhances sweetness. Just the right amount of salt elevates this treat to gourmet sensations.
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Instant Coffee Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder to amplify the rich brown sugar flavor, which will pleasantly surprise coffee lovers. It’ll give a subtle but enticing kick to the cookies.
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Cinnamon Sugar Swap: For an exciting surface crunch, mix some nutmeg or ginger into your cinnamon sugar coating for a warm, spiced finish that dances on your taste buds.
No matter which variation you choose, these ideas will make your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies uniquely yours!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ingredients for my cookies?
Absolutely! For the best cookies, opt for unsalted butter that is at room temperature—this ensures proper creaming with the sugars. Select light brown sugar that is packed tightly for that deep sweetness, while synthetic substitutes can still work if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option. When choosing caramel, soft caramel candies melt better in the oven for that gooey center we love.
How should I store my leftover cookies?
Very good question! Keep your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will maintain their soft texture. If you want to save them longer, freeze any leftovers by first laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then store them in a freezer bag for up to one month.
Can I freeze these cookies? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies, follow these steps:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely to prevent condensation.
- Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer.
- Once the cookies are firm (about 1-2 hours), transfer them to an airtight freezer bag.
- Label the bag with the date. These cookies can be kept frozen for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! First, make sure your butter was not melted but properly softened. If it’s still hard to handle, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape the cookies without them losing their form. Chilling solidifies the butter, improving the dough’s texture for rolling.
Are these cookies safe for guests with dietary restrictions?
Great question! These cookies are vegetarian, but they do contain eggs and dairy. For anyone with egg allergies, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) for a similar binding effect. If someone has nut allergies, you can simply omit any optional nuts and ensure your chocolate chips are made in a nut-free facility if you choose to add those. Always communicate with your guests to ensure their comfort!
What’s the best way to ensure a gooey caramel center?
To guarantee that warm, gooey center, make sure to fully enclose your caramel candy with the cookie dough when shaping. No gaps should be visible. Additionally, be cautious about baking time—overbaking can cause the caramel to firm up. Bake just until the edges are golden, allowing the center to remain soft and melty. Enjoy this delectable treat!
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies: A Cozy Treat to Share
Equipment
- Oven
- mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- spatula
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar packed tightly
- 0.5 cup White Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
For the Gooey Center
- 12 pieces Soft Caramel Candies or Caramel Baking Bits
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 0.25 cup Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Optional Add-ins
- to taste Flaky Sea Salt
- to taste Espresso Powder
- to taste Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Divide the dough, place caramel in the center, and form into balls.
- Roll cookie balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place on baking sheet with 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.