Quick Description:
Soft, cinnamon-sugar coated cookies with a luscious, gooey caramel center — the perfect treat for any occasion! These cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients List
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- Soft caramel candies (such as Kraft or Werther’s soft caramels)
For Rolling:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). This helps create the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt. These dry ingredients help flavor and provide structure for the cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the dough comes together and is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Centers
If using larger caramel candies, cut them in half to make them easier to wrap inside the cookie dough.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place 1–2 soft caramel candies (depending on the size of your dough) in the center and wrap the dough around the caramel, ensuring it is completely sealed. Roll the dough into a ball.
Step 8: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the rolled cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The cookies should remain soft in the center with a gooey caramel surprise inside!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to allow the caramel center to set slightly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salted caramel twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for dessert, a snack with your favorite drink, or even pack them into a lunchbox for a fun surprise! You can also enjoy them with a glass of milk or coffee for a cozy indulgence.
Tips & Variations
- Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking for a salted caramel flavor.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.
- Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (per cookie)
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Potassium: 18mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 11g
- Net Carbs: 13g
These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with your family, offering the perfect balance of soft, chewy cookie and rich, gooey caramel. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store for a later treat!