The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, and today I’m bringing you a recipe that takes a childhood favorite to the next level: caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies. Growing up in Crete, my grandmother taught me the joy of baking simple cookies, but I always loved sneaking in a little twist. There’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie, only to find gooey caramel melting inside. It feels like a sweet surprise every time.
These cookies remind me of cozy afternoons when the kitchen smelled of sugar and butter, and everyone gathered around the table for “just one more.” That’s the beauty of food—it brings people together. With this recipe, you’ll turn a classic into something extra special. Don’t worry if your caramel oozes out a little—that’s part of the fun (and mess) of baking with love!
If you’ve ever wanted to make chocolate chip cookies that wow your family and friends, this caramel-stuffed version is the perfect recipe. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for a party tray. Whether you serve them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these cookies will steal the show.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bake about 18 large caramel-stuffed cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 18 soft caramel candies (unwrapped)
- 2 tablespoons milk (optional, for softening caramel)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Centers
If your caramel candies are a bit hard, warm them slightly with a splash of milk in the microwave for 10 seconds. This keeps them gooey inside the cookies without hardening too much after baking.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a caramel candy in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges well. Roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough and caramels.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey caramel center, or let them cool completely for a chewy surprise.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to make them extra special:
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert.
- Stack them and wrap them with a ribbon for a homemade gift.
- Serve warm with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty treat.
- Enjoy with a cup of Greek coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.
Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
These ultra-thick bakery-style chocolate chip cookies are soft, chewy in the center, and loaded with gooey chocolate chunks. A classic comfort recipe with a bakery-style twist—perfect for cookie lovers who like a thick bite with golden edges and soft centers.
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 6 large cookies
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
Optional: flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Slowly mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
Scoop large dough balls (about ¼ cup each) and place on baking sheet, leaving 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden on the edges but soft in the middle.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (optional). Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for extra thickness.
Use a mix of chocolate chunks and chips for more texture.
Best enjoyed slightly warm so the chocolate is melty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Conclusion
Caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little piece of happiness in every bite. They bring together the familiar comfort of classic cookies with the gooey surprise of caramel. And the best part? They’re fun to make, even if your kitchen gets a little messy along the way.
So go ahead—gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch. You’ll see how a simple twist can turn an ordinary cookie into something unforgettable.
Recipe Card (100-Word Version)
Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat! To make them, prepare a classic chocolate chip cookie dough with butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and chocolate chips. Take 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it, place a caramel candy inside, and roll into a ball. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden on the edges but soft in the middle. Serve warm for gooey centers or let them cool for a chewy caramel surprise. Perfect with milk, coffee, or ice cream, these cookies are a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite!