Soft Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies with Gooey Center (Print version)
Soft cinnamon brown sugar cookies wrapped around melty caramel, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and baked until chewy with a gooey center.
# Ingredients:
For the cookie dough
01 -
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
02 -
3/4 cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar
03 -
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
04 -
1 large egg, room temperature
05 -
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
06 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 -
2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
08 -
2 teaspoons cornstarch
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
11 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
For the filling and coating
12 -
14 soft caramel candies, unwrapped, cut in half if large
13 -
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 -
1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
15 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 -
Flaky sea salt, for finishing, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C).
02 -
Beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until creamy and slightly lighter in color.
03 -
Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Scrape the bowl so the dough mixes evenly.
04 -
Whisk flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low just until a soft dough forms.
05 -
Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Flatten each portion, place 1 caramel in the center, and wrap the dough completely around it. Roll smooth.
06 -
Mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the coating, place on a lined sheet, and chill for 20 minutes.
07 -
Arrange chilled dough balls 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look puffed but soft.
08 -
Sprinkle with flaky salt if using. Cool on the baking sheet for 8 minutes, then move to a wire rack. Serve slightly warm for the gooey center.
# Good to know:
01 -
Prep time includes a 20 minute chill for the filled dough balls.
02 -
Best served slightly warm for a soft caramel center.
03 -
Use soft caramel candies, not thin caramel sauce.