Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
Cookies are often a comforting treat, and these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are no exception. Bursting with rich flavors and a delightful texture, this recipe is a perfect blend of buttery goodness and sweet caramel.
Why Make This Recipe
These cookies not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of grandma’s baking on cozy afternoons. The addition of brown sugar and cinnamon gives each bite a warm hug, while the gooey caramel center creates a delicious surprise. Ideal for gatherings, snack time, or simply to enjoy on your own, making these cookies will fill your home with delightful aromas and create lasting memories.
How to Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
Baking these Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies is a straightforward process. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of ingredients along with simple directions to guide you through.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12-14 soft caramel candies (unwrapped) or 1/2 cup caramel baking bits
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt (for salted caramel flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (to enhance the brown sugar notes)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (for texture)
Directions
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
-
Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial as it helps create a tender cookie texture.
-
Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This will add moisture and flavor, making for perfectly soft cookies.
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
-
Form the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Flatten each ball slightly and place a caramel candy or a few caramel baking bits in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the caramel to enclose it fully.
-
Coat the Cookies: In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Sprinkle the Tops: For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining white sugar.
-
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit underbaked—this is okay as they will firm up upon cooling.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success with Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
-
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation and texture.
-
Chill the Dough: If you’re finding the dough too sticky to handle, consider chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
-
Use Quality Caramel: The quality of your caramel makes a difference. Choose soft caramel candies or high-quality caramel bits for a gooey center.
-
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overdo it, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
-
Experiment with Nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts not only improves the texture but also enhances the flavor. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free cookie!
-
Make it Espresso-flavored: Adding a touch of espresso powder enhances the brown sugar notes, creating a richer cookie.
Flavor Variations for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
-
Chocolate Chip Addition: Mixing in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can elevate the flavor profile, adding a delightful richness to each cookie.
-
Pumpkin Spice: For a fall twist, incorporate pumpkin spice instead of the ground cinnamon, resulting in a seasonal treat.
-
Nutty Flavors: Swap out the pecans for almonds or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
-
Sea Salt Caramel: For a more gourmet touch, sprinkle the cookies with a bit of flaky sea salt just before baking for that sweet-and-salty balance.
Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Here are a few serving suggestions:
-
Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee to accentuate the rich flavors of the caramel and spices.
-
Milk: A classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk complements the sweetness and balances the flavors nicely.
-
Tea: Serve alongside a warm cup of chai or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
-
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use these cookies to make delectable ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, follow these tips:
-
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
-
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
-
Frozen Cookie Dough: If you want to bake fresh cookies anytime, freeze the unbaked dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen—just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|——————|———-|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
FAQ About Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! You can replace the white sugar entirely with brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the texture, making the cookies taller and denser.
What can I use if I don’t have caramel candies?
If you don’t have soft caramel candies, you can use caramel baking bits or even chocolate bar pieces as a substitute. They won’t give the same gooey texture but will still provide sweetness.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for optimal texture, or add it separately according to the package instructions.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping and baking, as it may be too firm straight from the fridge.
What if I want to make smaller cookies?
You can certainly create smaller cookies—just reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Smaller cookies can be a hit for parties or as a fun treat for kids!
Final Thoughts
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are a spectacular treat you can whip up any time you crave something sweet. With the right balance of flavors—sweet caramel, warm spices, and a buttery cookie base—these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking (or eating!) them, and don’t hesitate to share them with family and friends for a delightful taste experience. Happy baking!
Print
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cookies filled with gooey caramel and enhanced with brown sugar and cinnamon for a cozy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12-14 soft caramel candies (unwrapped) or 1/2 cup caramel baking bits
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon white sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt (for salted caramel flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, flatten slightly, and enclose a caramel candy or several caramel bits in the center.
- Roll each dough ball in the mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon before placing on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tops with white sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overbaking. Chill the dough if too sticky.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American