Plate of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies freshly baked and golden brown.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

Posted: Emily Wilk

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Warm, comforting, and perfect for a cozy kitchen, Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies will melt in your mouth. This delightful recipe promises a sweet treat filled with gooey caramel and hints of cinnamon that you won’t forget. Ready to bake a batch and share the joy? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients List for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  • 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)

How To Make Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly. Place a caramel candy or a few caramel baking bits in the center of each cookie, then fold the dough around it.

Step 7: Prepare Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cookie in this mixture before placing it on the baking sheet.

Step 8: Sprinkle and Bake

Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining white sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

Time Breakdown

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  1. Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  2. Chill the Dough: If you want to save some dough for later, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This can help the cookies keep their shape.
  3. Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined for the best texture.
  4. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to swap out the caramels for chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or other favorite candies for a new flavor twist.

Reasons Why You’ll Love Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  1. A Warm, Cozy Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon makes each bite comforting and delicious.
  2. Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
  3. Gooey Surprise: Every cookie has a delightful, melty caramel center that makes it extra special.
  4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these cookies fit right in.

Serving Suggestions for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  • Pair with Hot Beverages: Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the ultimate cozy snack.
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.
  • Gift in a Jar: Stack the cookies in a jar and tie a ribbon around it for a sweet homemade gift.

Tips For Success

  • Check for Doneness: Remember that cookies will continue to cook a little after they’re taken out of the oven, so don’t wait until they are completely firm to pull them out.
  • Bake in Batches: If your oven is small, bake in batches to ensure even cooking.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking soda and spices will enhance the flavor significantly.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: Have fun by adding dried fruits or more nuts for different textures.

Flavor Variations

  1. Chocolate Chip Combo: Add in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a double treat.
  2. Nutty Delight: Use almond flour or add more chopped nuts like macadamia or hazelnuts for extra crunch.
  3. Coconut Twist: Incorporate shredded coconut in the dough for a tropical flavor add-on.
  4. Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Swap cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired cookie.

How To Storage Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  1. Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  2. Refrigerate: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies where they can last up to two weeks.
  3. Freeze for Later: Place cookies in a sealed freezer bag to freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
  4. Keep Them Soft: Add a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft MOIST; they absorb excess moisture.
  5. Don’t Stack: If possible, store layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

FAQs About Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

  1. Can I substitute the butter for margarine?
    Yes, margarine works, but the flavor may vary.
  2. What can I use instead of caramel candies?
    You can use chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
  3. Why are my cookies flat?
    This may happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough was over-mixed.
  4. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Absolutely! Chill the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 48 hours before baking.

Closing Notes

These Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home. With warm spices and gooey caramel, they bring comfort to any day. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe is ideal for all skill levels in the kitchen. So grab your ingredients and bake up a batch today; the delightful aroma will have everyone gathering around to enjoy! Happy baking!

Plate of Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies freshly baked and golden brown.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

ee8d2c4fa85a1f7e263a052ae6581b29e45d88341ce9275f54b8d86f6180e5af?s=30&d=mm&r=gEmily Wilk
Warm, comforting cookies filled with gooey caramel and hints of cinnamon that melt in your mouth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 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

For the Filling and Topping

  • 12-14 pieces 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)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly. Place a caramel candy or a few caramel baking bits in the center of each cookie, then fold the dough around it.
  • In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Roll each cookie in this mixture before placing it on the baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the remaining white sugar.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking for better shape retention. Don’t overmix once the wet and dry ingredients are combined.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 75mgSugar: 10g
Keyword brown sugar cookies, Caramel Cookies, Cinnamon Cookies, Cozy Treats, Homemade Cookies
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