Soft caramel snickerdoodles are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the classic flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a delightful caramel surprise in each bite. These cookies are soft, chewy, and ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, their rich flavor and unique texture will leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of soft caramel and warm cinnamon creates a taste sensation that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, these cookies are simple enough for bakers of any skill level.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or just as a sweet snack at home, they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Chewy Texture: The edges are perfectly chewy while the center remains soft and gooey—just how a cookie should be!
- Make Ahead Option: The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled, making it easy to bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious soft caramel snickerdoodles, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Ensures that your butter becomes creamy and mixes ingredients evenly for the best cookie texture.
- Baking sheets: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cookies without damaging them.
Ingredients
Soft caramel snickerdoodles with chewy edges and a sweet surprise inside.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 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
How to Make Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color.
3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
On low speed:
1. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be thick.
2. Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap; chill for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
Step 4: Prepare Dough
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If chilled longer than 3-4 hours:
1. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to make scooping easier.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
Step 6: Make Topping
Combine the topping ingredients (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon). Set aside.
Step 7: Form Cookies
Scoop a scant 2 tablespoons of cookie dough:
1. Break it in half.
2. Make a thumbprint into one half; press a caramel half inside.
3. Place the other half on top; roll into a smooth ball ensuring caramels are completely wrapped inside.
4. Roll into cinnamon-sugar topping; place on baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in batches for 11–13 minutes:
1. Rotate pans halfway through bake time for even cooking.
2. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Soft caramel snickerdoodles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with cold milk for a classic combination. The milk complements the sweetness of the caramel and balances the flavors.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Create a dessert sandwich by placing two cookies together with a scoop of ice cream in between. This adds a fun twist and makes for an indulgent treat.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve these cookies warm right out of the oven. The gooey caramel will be extra melty, providing an irresistible texture and flavor.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- For an elegant touch, dust your soft caramel snickerdoodles with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a bit of sweetness and enhances their visual appeal.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel flavor.
How to Perfect Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
Making perfect soft caramel snickerdoodles requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling your cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies with chewy edges.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid using too much, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies from the oven when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Best Side Dishes for Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
While soft caramel snickerdoodles are delightful on their own, pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options:
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully, complementing the sweet flavors of the snickerdoodles.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over cookies for an extra decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with whipped cream for added creaminess; consider flavored whipped cream like vanilla or cinnamon.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm drink like coffee or tea offers a comforting contrast to the sweet cookies, enhancing their flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: For true caramel enthusiasts, serve alongside warmed caramel sauce for dipping, creating an indulgent experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making soft caramel snickerdoodles can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the perfect cookie.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dough that doesn’t mix properly, resulting in dense cookies.
- Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough for at least one hour for chewier edges.
- Overbaking cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should look soft in the center when you take them out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Make sure to use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at 350°F (177°C) for perfectly baked snickerdoodles.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make your cookies dry.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store soft caramel snickerdoodles in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 15-20 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes soft caramel snickerdoodles different from regular snickerdoodles?
Soft caramel snickerdoodles have a delicious gooey caramel center that adds richness and sweetness, making them extra special compared to traditional snickerdoodles.
Can I use different types of caramel?
Yes! You can substitute soft caramels with caramel bits or even homemade caramel sauce for unique flavors in your soft caramel snickerdoodles.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned while the centers look soft and slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I customize my soft caramel snickerdoodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices like nutmeg for added flavor variations.
Final Thoughts
Soft caramel snickerdoodles are not only delicious but also versatile. Their chewy texture combined with a sweet surprise inside makes them irresistible. Experiment with different flavors or toppings to make this recipe your own, and enjoy these delightful treats any time of year!
Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of soft caramel snickerdoodles, the perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies combine the classic flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a luscious caramel surprise that oozes from within. Soft, chewy, and utterly irresistible, they are ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night at home. Whether shared among friends or savored alone, each bite delivers a rich flavor and unique texture that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g), softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar (135g), packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 soft caramels, halved
- Topping: 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) + 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy; add sugars and beat until fluffy. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Chill dough for at least one hour.
- Scoop dough, press a caramel half into it, cover with more dough to seal it in, then roll in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are slightly golden; let cool on sheets before transferring to racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For chewier cookies, ensure to chill the dough adequately before baking. Customize by adding chocolate chips or nuts for additional flavor.