Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cookies that bring together the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and a gooey surprise at the center, then you are going to absolutely adore this Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe. These cookies take the beloved classic snickerdoodle, known for its cinnamon-sugar crust and tender crumb, and elevate it by adding melted caramel right inside. The result? A warm, chewy cookie with a luscious caramel core that’s as irresistible as it is comforting. Trust me, whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking one (or three!) straight from the batch, these cookies will become a fast favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Every ingredient is essential, lending its special touch to make these cookies soft, chewy, flavorful, and that perfect shade of golden brown.

• 1 1/4 cup flour: The base that gives structure to these soft cookies.
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar: A classic snickerdoodle ingredient that adds a subtle tang and helps with the chewy texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that warm, cozy spice that snickerdoodles are famous for.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become tender.
• 1/2 cup butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Contributes to the classic snickerdoodle crackly crust.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor complementing the caramel filling.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and enriches the texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
• 8-10 Caramels (individually wrapped): The star surprise inside each cookie for that luscious gooey center.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Creates the signature crisp coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping): Intensifies the spicy sugar crust.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining your flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Mixing these well upfront ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which means your cookies will have consistent flavor and perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it creates air pockets that help make the cookies tender and soft, while also giving them a subtle caramel undertone thanks to the brown sugar.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg provides structure and moisture, while the vanilla enhances the cookie’s sweetness and depth of flavor. Your dough is starting to come together beautifully now!

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gradually

Slowly add the flour mixture into the butter mixture about half a cup at a time. This gentle folding avoids overmixing which can make cookies tough. Keep mixing until just combined and you have a smooth, pliable dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap your dough with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes or up to two days if you want to prepare ahead. Chilling firms up the dough, which makes it easier to handle and helps achieve that coveted chewy texture once baked. In a pinch, a quick 10-minute stint in the freezer works too.

Step 6: Mix Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the dough chills, combine the extra granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture will coat the cookies, giving them their classic snickerdoodle look and that delightful sweet-spicy crunch on the outside.

Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Filling and Form Cookies

Cut your individually wrapped caramels into small pieces about a quarter inch thick. Then, scoop generous tablespoon-sized dough balls and flatten them gently. Place a couple pieces of caramel in the center, carefully reseal the dough around the caramel, and roll it back into a smooth ball. This step is the magic behind that soft and melty caramel surprise in every bite.

Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Roll the caramel-stuffed dough balls in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are well coated. This not only adds texture but also gives your cookies that trademark crackly and flavorful exterior.

Step 9: Adjust Size if Desired

If you prefer smaller cookies, roll the dough into one-inch balls instead, keeping in mind the cookies will yield more servings and bake a little faster. For those who love generously sized cookies with gooey centers, stick with 1.5 to 2 inch balls.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place your cookies on a baking sheet and pop them in a 350°F oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes for larger cookies or 9-11 minutes for the smaller ones. Watch closely – you want them lightly golden but still soft and chewy in the center to truly enjoy the Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe at its best.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cookie presentation extra special, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking. The salt heightens the caramel’s sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch. For a festive twist, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make these cookies look as decadent as they taste.

Side Dishes

These cookies go wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. The spices in the cookie blend perfectly with the aromatic teas and coffee. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla ice cream to contrast the warm caramel filling with cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling a bit fancy? Stack these golden beauties on a pretty plate and tie them with twine for gifting. You can also wrap individual cookies in parchment paper and place them in a cookie jar for an inviting homemade gift. Another idea is to embed one caramel-filled snickerdoodle on top of a cupcake or cake slice for a delicious surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers fresh by storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and chewy for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for a treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls after rolling them in cinnamon sugar. Place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm and to bring back that irresistible gooey caramel center, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm them in a low oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes. This little step breathes life into leftovers and tastes like they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

What type of caramel works best for this recipe?

Individually wrapped caramels, like Kraft caramels, are ideal because they are easy to portion and seal inside the cookie dough. They melt nicely and create that lovely chewy center you’re after in this Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe.

Can I use salted butter or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is preferred because it allows you to control the salt content precisely, but if all you have is salted butter, it will work. Just reduce any added salt slightly to avoid an overly salty cookie.

Why is cream of tartar used in snickerdoodle cookies?

Cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tangy flavor and helps achieve their characteristic chewy yet tender texture by reacting with the baking soda.

Can I substitute the caramel filling with another sweet filling?

Absolutely! While caramel offers that unique gooey burst, you can experiment with soft chocolate pieces or even fruit preserves for different delicious surprises inside your snickerdoodles.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Make sure you fully wrap the caramel pieces within the dough, sealing all edges well, so the caramel stays contained as it melts. Chilling the dough before shaping the cookies also helps reduce caramel leakage.

Final Thoughts

There is something endlessly comforting and joyful about biting into a warm cookie filled with molten caramel, and this Soft and Chewy Caramel-Filled Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe delivers that experience perfectly. It takes a classic favorite and adds a playful twist that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or giving them as a heartfelt gift, these cookies promise to bring smiles and maybe even a few happy cookie crumbs. Give this recipe a go and prepare to fall in love all over again with snickerdoodles!

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