Name: Caramel-Stuffed Ginger Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup molasses; 1 large egg; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp baking soda; Wrapped soft caramels (approximately 18 pieces)

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If you love the cozy aroma of ginger combined with the irresistible pull of melted caramel, you’re in for a real treat with this Caramel-Stuffed Ginger Cookies Recipe. These soft, spiced ginger cookies are filled with gooey caramel centers that create a warm and decadent bite every time. They’re perfect for chilly afternoons, festive gatherings, or any time you want a little sweet comfort wrapped in a spicy hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with white flour placed on a digital scale displaying

To make these luscious caramel-stuffed ginger cookies, you’ll want to gather some simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender crumb of the cookie to the rich, buttery flavor and the perfect spice balance that makes these stand out.

½ cup butter: Provides richness and ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
½ cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
½ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the ginger.
⅓ cup molasses: The heart of ginger cookies, imparting deep spiced sweetness and beautiful color.
1 egg: Binds everything together while adding tenderness.
2 cups flour: Forms the sturdy base for these sturdy yet soft cookies.
1 tsp ginger: Gives that bright, warm ginger kick that defines the cookie’s character.
1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that balances the sharp ginger notes.
½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them tender.
Wrapped soft caramels: The magic center—soft and gooey, creating the luscious surprise inside.

How to Make Caramel-Stuffed Ginger Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This not only aerates the dough for tender cookies but also helps the sugars dissolve and spread evenly, giving a perfect texture and sweetness from the start.

Step 2: Add Molasses and Egg

Mix in the molasses for that signature sticky sweetness and vibrant color. Then, add the egg which acts as a natural binder, ensuring the dough comes together smoothly and the cookies stay soft after baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and baking soda. Gradually fold this mixture into your wet ingredients. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the spices, giving each cookie a consistent burst of flavor.

Step 4: Wrap Dough Around Caramels

Take portions of the dough and wrap them securely around each soft caramel, shaping them into smooth balls. This little technique traps the caramel inside, so it melts perfectly during baking, nestled inside the spicy ginger cookie shell.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the center still soft—that’s the sweet spot where the caramel will be gloriously molten and the cookies tender.

How to Serve Caramel-Stuffed Ginger Cookies Recipe

A stack of four large brown cookies with a cracked, rough texture and a light sugar coating on top is shown sitting on a piece of parchment paper. The top cookie is broken open slightly, revealing a soft, melted caramel layer inside that is a shiny, golden-brown color. The background features a white marbled texture and a soft focus on a white and black cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of your cookies right after they come out of the oven brings out the caramel’s richness and balances the sweet-spicy flavor perfectly. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch that makes these cookies irresistible on any dessert plate.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous cup of hot chamomile tea. The creamy ice cream cools the warm caramel center, creating an indulgent contrast while the herbal tea offers a delicate cleanse to the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack a few caramel-stuffed ginger cookies with layers of whipped cream and caramel drizzle to build a cookie trifle. Or serve them warm in a little basket lined with parchment paper for a charming and cozy holiday gifting idea that shows off their gooey goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your caramel-stuffed ginger cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft but be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking or losing their gooey centers.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the unbaked dough balls wrapped around caramels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag after they firm up. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, rewarm your cookies in a low oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the caramel inside again, giving that delightful molten texture that makes these cookies so special.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel?

Absolutely! Sea salt caramels add a nice salty contrast, but classic soft caramel candies work perfectly too. If you like a little extra flavor, experiment with caramel infused with vanilla or bourbon flavors.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you want thicker cookies. It helps the dough firm up so the cookies spread less during baking, resulting in a chewier texture that complements the gooey center.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookie’s texture intact.

What’s the best way to keep the caramel from leaking out?

Make sure to completely seal the dough around the caramel, pinching it tight to avoid openings. If the dough is too warm or sticky, chilling it briefly can make it easier to handle and better encapsulate the caramel.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days of baking since the caramel remains soft and the cookie stays tender. After that, the caramel center might firm up and the cookie can start to dry out.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a warm ginger cookie that surprises you with a luscious caramel core. This Caramel-Stuffed Ginger Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring together spicy, sweet, and melty textures all at once. I encourage you to give these a try, share them with loved ones, and savor every gooey, spiced mouthful. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.