These gingerbread cookies are a holiday treat with a sweet twist! Each cookie is stuffed with gooey caramel, making bites extra special. They’re sure to warm your heart!
When I make these, I can’t help but smile when that warm caramel oozes out. They’re perfect for sharing, but let’s be real—I keep a few for myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. It’s a simple swap that works well!
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves give these cookies their warm flavor. If you want a milder taste, feel free to reduce the amounts. Pumpkin pie spice can also work in place of the individual spices.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dough. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a non-dairy butter alternative works well.
Molasses: It adds depth and color. For a lighter taste, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will be different.
Caramels: Soft caramels, like Rolos, make for a gooey center. If you’re looking for a healthier route, try using homemade caramel or even a chocolate point for a different experience!
How Do I Shape and Seal the Caramel in the Cookie Dough?
Wrapping the caramel correctly is crucial to ensure it stays inside while baking. Here’s how:
- Take about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your palm into a disc.
- Place a piece of caramel in the center, then gently fold the edges of the dough over the caramel.
- Pinch the seams together carefully to seal it completely, and roll it gently into a ball.
- Make sure there are no visible cracks, or the caramel could leak during baking.
This technique is simple but key to keeping all that deliciousness inside. Enjoy creating these delightful treats!
Caramel-Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 20 soft caramel candies (e.g., Rolos or individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 1 hour for chilling the dough. Baking will take around 10-12 minutes. All in all, expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture will help give your cookies structure, so make sure it’s well combined. Set this bowl aside for later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s crucial for creating a nice, airy texture in your cookies.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Once your butter and sugar are creamed, beat in the large egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until all the wet ingredients are fully combined into the butter mixture.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough will be thick, which is just perfect for these cookies!
5. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.
6. Prepare Caramels:
While the dough is chilling, unwrap your caramel candies. If they’re too hard, microwave them for just 5-10 seconds wrapped in parchment paper to soften them a bit—don’t melt them, just make them easier to work with!
7. Preheat Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
8. Shape Cookies:
Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chilled dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a piece of caramel in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing the caramel completely. Roll it into a smooth ball.
9. Coat with Sugar:
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar until coated. This adds a delightful sparkly finish to your cookies!
10. Arrange and Bake:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto the lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. They will spread a little as they bake, so give them room to grow!
11. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out!
12. Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is when the caramel inside remains gooey and delicious.
13. Serve:
Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them soft and scrumptious.
These caramel-stuffed gingerbread cookies are a delightful treat, combining spiced gingerbread with rich, warm caramel in each bite. The shiny sugar coating adds a festive touch that’s perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Type of Sugar?
Yes! While granulated sugar is ideal for rolling, you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Just keep in mind that it will alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser.
Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter alternative. Make sure your caramel candies are also dairy-free.
How to Store the Cookies Properly?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add More Fillings or Change the Caramels?
Definitely! You can get creative by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even using chocolate caramel candies as your filling. Just ensure that whatever you add can melt well, so it stays gooey inside the cookie!
