Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies are soft, thick, and chewy cookies with a surprise molten caramel center in every bite. These bakery-style treats combine a classic cookie exterior with a rich, gooey caramel filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to something irresistibly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies take your typical chocolate chip cookie to the next level. The warm caramel center creates a delightful contrast to the golden, buttery dough. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to impress. Serve them warm for the ultimate gooey experience—or enjoy them cooled for a chewy, caramel-filled treat.

ingredients

Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe 10 Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies are soft, thick, and chewy cookies with a surprise molten caramel center in every bite. These bakery-style treats combine a classic cookie exterior with a rich, gooey caramel filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to something irresistibly indulgent.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter (softened)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
Soft caramels (unwrapped)
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips, if using.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly. Place a soft caramel in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing completely.
Place dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate: Mix in dark or milk chocolate chips for extra richness.
Use flavored caramels: Try sea salt, bourbon, or chocolate caramels for unique flavor.
Stuff with other fillings: Substitute caramel with peanut butter cups, marshmallows, or Nutella.
Make it festive: Add sprinkles or colored sugar for holidays or celebrations.
Nutty version: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing (baked): Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Freezing (unbaked): Freeze dough balls (with caramel inside) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

FAQs

What kind of caramels work best?

Use soft, chewy caramels like Kraft or Werther’s Soft Caramels for the best melt and texture.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?

Make sure to fully seal the cookie dough around the caramel with no gaps or cracks.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes, but it should be firm and pliable to wrap easily in the dough.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.

Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

They’re soft and chewy, especially when served warm.

Can I reheat these cookies?

Yes! Microwave for about 10–15 seconds to re-soften the caramel center.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Warm with a glass of milk or alongside vanilla ice cream.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but chilling helps prevent spreading for thicker cookies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales up well for large batches.

Conclusion

Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies are a decadent twist on a classic favorite, offering the perfect balance of chewy texture and rich caramel filling. They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show—and maybe even your heart.

Gooey Caramel-Stuffed Cookies Recipe