INTRODUCTION
Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with a burst of sweet caramel in the center. The combination of a sugar and cinnamon coating gives them a warm and inviting flavor. They are perfect for a cozy night at home or for sharing with friends and family. Making these cookies is easy and fun, making it a great activity for all ages.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles because they are not just ordinary cookies. They have a delightful surprise in the middle with a gooey caramel that melts in your mouth. The soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible. The taste of the cinnamon and sugar brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or just because, these cookies will be a hit. They are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
HOW TO MAKE Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Making Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles is simple. You will start by gathering the ingredients and equipment needed. Then, follow the step-by-step instructions provided. Soon you will have a batch of delicious cookies ready to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles, you will need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (135g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 12 soft caramels, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Make sure they are well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter on high speed until it is smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is combined. Do not overmix. Cover the dough tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days if you want to make the cookies later.
- Preheat the Oven: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to take a small amount of dough, about 2 tablespoons. Press a half of a caramel inside the dough. Cover the caramel with another piece of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Roll in Cinnamon-Sugar Mix: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie ball in this cinnamon-sugar mixture until they are fully coated.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Cool the Cookies: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
HOW TO SERVE Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. You can also serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. These cookies are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack throughout the day.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
To store Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating each layer with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them sit at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can enjoy Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles on their own or pair them with a variety of treats. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
- Try them alongside a warm beverage, like hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
- Use them as part of a dessert platter to impress guests during gatherings.
- Pair them with fresh fruit for a balanced snack.
VARIATIONS
There are many fun variations you can try with this recipe:
- Chocolate Chips: Add some chocolate chips to the dough for added chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Different Fillings: Try using a piece of chocolate or a peanut butter cup instead of caramel.
- Add Zest: Incorporate a little lemon or orange zest into the dough for a citrusy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
2. What if I don’t have cream of tartar? If you do not have cream of tartar, you can omit it. Just add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
3. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking? The cookies should be lightly browned around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook a little on the baking sheet after you take them out.
4. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes! You can make the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to three days before you bake the cookies.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
If you want to save time, you can make the dough a day or two in advance. After mixing the dough, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. You can also freeze the formed cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your baking adventure with Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles!
Print
Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Delightful cookies with a soft, chewy texture and a gooey caramel center, coated in cinnamon sugar for a warm flavor.
- Total Time: 73 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup (135g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 12 soft caramels, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars, beating until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until combined. Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies by taking about 2 tablespoons of dough, inserting a caramel half, and rolling it into a ball.
- Roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Place on baking sheets with space in between and bake for 11-13 minutes until lightly browned.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
Notes
For a fun variation, try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, snickerdoodles, caramel, dessert, baking
