Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Irresistibly Gooey
There’s something almost magical about breaking open a warm cookie and finding a pool of melted caramel inside. Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves soft, buttery sugar cookies and creamy caramel in one irresistible bite.
These cookies combine two classic favorites — the delicate sweetness of sugar cookies and the rich decadence of caramel — to create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and luxurious. Each cookie bakes up with golden edges, a chewy center, and a surprise caramel core that oozes out when you take that first bite.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special celebration, or just a cozy weekend treat, these cookies are sure to impress family, friends, and your taste buds alike.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies
🍪 Soft and Chewy Texture: A perfectly balanced cookie with crisp edges and a tender, buttery center.
🍯 Surprise Caramel Filling: Each cookie hides a molten caramel center that stays soft even after cooling.
👩🍳 Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: You don’t need anything fancy — just pantry staples and soft caramel candies.
🎁 Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up for holidays, bake sales, or cookie swaps — they look and taste bakery-quality.
If you’re a fan of salted caramel, buttery cookies, and desserts that melt in your mouth, this recipe is a dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling and Finish:
- 18–20 soft caramels (unwrapped, such as Werther’s or Kraft)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (to soften caramels if needed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramel Filling
If your caramels are firm, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with 1–2 tablespoons of milk. Heat for 20–30 seconds until just soft but not fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. The dough should be thick but pliable.
6. Shape and Fill the Cookies
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one soft caramel in the center, then wrap the dough around it completely, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat for all cookies.
7. Roll in Sugar
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.
9. Cool and Finish
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt flakes for a sweet-salty balance if desired.
Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture gradually until a soft dough forms.
- Flatten 1½ tbsp dough, add a caramel center, and seal dough around it.
- Roll each cookie ball in sugar and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies
✨ Seal the Dough Completely: Make sure no caramel is exposed before baking — otherwise, it might leak out.
🔥 Don’t Overbake: The cookies continue to cook as they cool. Remove them while slightly underbaked for a soft texture.
❄️ Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chill the filled dough balls for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold shape.
🍬 Use Soft Caramels: Avoid hard caramel candies; they’ll become too chewy after baking.
💧 Add Milk Carefully: If melting caramels, add only enough milk to soften without turning them runny.
Delicious Variations
- Salted Caramel Sugar Cookies: Sprinkle sea salt before baking for that sweet-salty magic.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle cookies with melted chocolate for a gourmet finish.
- Brown Butter Caramel Cookies: Replace regular butter with browned butter for a nutty, toffee-like flavor.
- Stuffed with Homemade Caramel: Use homemade caramel sauce chilled until firm enough to roll — pure luxury!
- Holiday Twist: Roll in colored sugar for festive vibes or add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies are irresistible fresh from the oven, when the caramel is molten and gooey. Pair them with:
- A cold glass of milk or almond milk
- A latte or cappuccino for afternoon coffee breaks
- Vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich
They also make perfect edible gifts — just let them cool completely before wrapping in cellophane or adding to gift boxes.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Dough: Freeze unbaked dough balls (without sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Reheating: Pop a cooled cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to remelt the caramel center.
Fun Fact: The Evolution of the Sugar Cookie
Sugar cookies originated in the 1700s in Pennsylvania, crafted by German settlers who loved simple, sweet doughs. Over time, bakers began experimenting with fillings — from jam to chocolate — but the addition of caramel is a modern upgrade that transforms this humble cookie into a molten masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Caramel-Filled Sugar Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly elevates any occasion. They’re warm, sweet, and buttery — with that irresistible surprise of gooey caramel inside. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, these cookies promise pure comfort and joy in every bite.
Go ahead, bake a batch — and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds (and the recipe!).
