Name: Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487061H56M2S
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (softened); 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 12 soft caramel candies; 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)

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These Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are little parcels of joy: soft and buttery cookies wrapped around gooey caramel centers, with a fragrant dusting of cinnamon sugar on the outside. Each bite captures the sweet warmth of cinnamon and that irresistible caramel stretch, making them perfect for every occasion from cozy afternoons to festive gatherings. If you love cookies with a surprise inside and crave fall-inspired flavors, this is the treat you’ll want to bake again and again!

Cinnamon Caramel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Cinnamon Caramel Cookies—the ingredient list is short and simple, yet every single item plays a starring role. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference, lending these cookies their signature taste and famous caramel surprise.

Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides that melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor that every classic cookie needs.
Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and helps the cookies crisp just at the edges.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses background that pairs beautifully with caramel.
Egg (1): Binds the dough together and keeps every bite tender.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Just a touch for a cozy, aromatic undertone.
All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 cups): The main structure—sifted for perfectly soft cookies.
Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Ensures your cookies puff up and remain light.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): The hero spice that gives these cookies warmth and their unmistakable aroma.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify flavors.
Soft Caramel Candies (12): Tucked inside each cookie, these create that dreamy, molten core—choose your favorite brand!
Cinnamon Sugar (1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon): To roll each cookie in for that sweet, spiced crust.

How to Make Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepped pans not only prevent sticking, but also help the Cinnamon Caramel Cookies bake up evenly, delivering golden bottoms and perfectly set edges.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating cookies with that irresistible soft, chewy middle. If you have a stand mixer, now’s its time to shine—otherwise, a little elbow grease works wonders!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in your egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Give it all a good mix until everything is smooth and fully combined. This infuses the dough with that unmistakable homemade aroma, setting the stage for the deep cinnamon and caramel flavors to come.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix—just blend until no flour streaks remain for tender, pillowy cookies.

Step 5: Shape with Caramel Centers

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a soft caramel candy right in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing well so the caramel is fully hidden. This is the secret to that magical molten center in every Cinnamon Caramel Cookie!

Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Stir together the sugar and cinnamon for rolling in a shallow bowl. Gently roll each dough-wrapped caramel ball in the cinnamon sugar, ensuring every surface is beautifully coated for that sparkling spiced exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Arrange the coated cookie balls on your baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for a little spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look set but the centers are still a bit soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the sheet after you pull them, so don’t overbake! Let them cool a bit to help the caramel settle before enjoying that perfect gooey bite.

How to Serve Cinnamon Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

A dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top really makes these Cinnamon Caramel Cookies pop. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a bit of melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving—everyone will think you got them from a gourmet bakery!

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea for the cosiest experience ever. If you’re feeling extra decadent, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—caramel heaven in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Cinnamon Caramel Cookies in a rustic basket lined with a checkered cloth for a picnic vibe, or pile them high on a tiered cake stand for a dessert table showstopper. For parties, tuck each cookie in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon as a sweet takeaway gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Cinnamon Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Their centers stay soft and gooey, and the cinnamon sugar crust keeps them tasting super fresh. Tuck a slice of bread in the container to help maintain perfect moisture!

Freezing

For long-term storage, freeze the shaped (unbaked) dough balls, caramel center and all, on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the bake time—homemade cookies anytime!

Reheating

If you want to recreate that just-baked gooey caramel, pop cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The centers turn all molten again and the outside stays delicately crisp—the perfect quick treat whenever a craving strikes.

FAQs

Can I use different caramels in these Cinnamon Caramel Cookies?

Absolutely—any soft, chewy caramel candy will work. You can even get creative and try caramel chocolate squares or sea salt caramels for a twist!

Why did my cookies spread too much?

It’s likely the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled before baking. Pop the shaped cookies in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Do I have to roll them in cinnamon sugar?

Rolling adds the signature sparkle and spiced crust, but if you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can skip this step or use coarse sanding sugar for added texture.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients—these Cinnamon Caramel Cookies are always a hit, so making a larger batch is a smart move for parties and potlucks.

How do I keep the caramel centers soft after baking?

The trick is not to overbake. Pull the cookies out when they’re just set at the edges, then let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying. If they firm up, a few seconds in the microwave returns that gooeyness.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these Cinnamon Caramel Cookies, you’ll see why they’re a baker’s best-kept secret—rich, fragrant, and completely addictive. Give them a go, share them with friends, and let the cozy aromas fill your kitchen. Happy baking!