Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe

Welcome to the world of soft, chewy, and utterly delicious cookies. This soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe is a wonderful fusion of the classic snickerdoodle, known for its sweet, cinnamon flavor, and the richness of soft caramel. With the right mix of sweetness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies will be the star of your next gathering or the ideal treat for a cozy night in.

Photos of Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe

You may not have all the ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen, particularly cream of tartar and soft caramels. Cream of tartar is a baking staple that helps activate the baking soda, giving your cookies the perfect texture. It's easily found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Soft caramels, on the other hand, give these snickerdoodles their unique, gooey center. These can be found in the candy aisle.

Ingredients for Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

All purpose flour: Used as the base of the cookie dough, providing structure.

Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise.

Cream of tartar: Activates the baking soda and adds tanginess.

Salt: Enhances flavor.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies brown.

Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture. Its molasses content gives a deeper flavor than white sugar.

Large eggs: Provide structure and bind the ingredients together.

Pure vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Soft caramels: Gives the cookies a gooey, caramel center.

Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (for topping): Creates the signature sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating of snickerdoodles.

One reader, Irita Kinsey says:

This soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe is a game-changer! The cookies turned out perfectly soft and chewy, with a delightful caramel surprise in the center. The cinnamon-sugar topping adds a lovely touch. My family couldn't get enough of them. I'll definitely be making these again!

Irita Kinsey

Techniques Required for Making Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

How to prepare the cookie dough: Combine the dry ingredients and mix with the wet ingredients until a thick dough forms. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour before using.

How to assemble the cookies: Scoop a small amount of cookie dough, press a caramel half inside, and roll the dough into a ball. Roll the dough in the cinnamon-sugar topping and place on a baking sheet.

How to bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in batches at 350 degrees F for 11 to 13 minutes, or until lightly browned and crisp around the edges. Rotate the pan once during bake time for even cooking.

How to cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

How To Make Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Bake some soft and chewy treats with this snickerdoodles recipe. Each cookie comes with a soft caramel center and a cinnamon-sugar coating.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 13 minutes

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 23 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
1tspbaking powder
1tspbaking soda
1tspcream of tartar
½tspsalt
1cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
1cupgranulated sugar
⅔cuplight brown sugar,packed
2large eggs,at room temperature
1½tsppure vanilla extract
12soft caramels,cut in half

For Topping:

¼cupgranulated sugar
1½tspground cinnamon

Instructions

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed for about 2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.
Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and light in color.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract at high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
At low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be thick.
Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour and up to 3 days.
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the cookie dough chilled longer than 3 to 4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This makes the cookie dough easier to scoop and roll.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.
Combine the topping ingredients. Set aside.
Scoop a scant 2 Tablespoons of cookie dough. Break in half. Make a thumbprint into the bottom of one half and press a caramel half inside.
Place the other cookie dough half on top and roll the dough between hands to make a smooth ball. Make sure the caramels are completely wrapped inside.
Roll into cinnamon-sugar topping and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cookies.
Bake the cookies in batches for 11 to 13 minutes, or until very lightly browned and crisp looking on the edges. Be sure to rotate the pan once during bake time. The baked cookies will look extremely soft in the centers when removed from the oven.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 207.14kcal
Fat: 8.63g
Saturated Fat: 5.14g
Trans Fat: 0.31g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.23g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.61g
Carbohydrates: 30.50g
Fiber: 0.51g
Sugar: 17.71g
Protein: 2.46g
Cholesterol: 36.19mg
Sodium: 115.52mg
Calcium: 33.16mg
Potassium: 62.84mg
Iron: 0.88mg
Vitamin A: 71.99µg
Vitamin C: 0.03mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

When incorporating the caramel into the cookie dough, ensure that it is fully enclosed within the dough. This prevents the caramel from leaking out during the baking process, which could result in a sticky mess on your baking sheet. Also, using soft caramels as opposed to hard ones will give your snickerdoodles a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply irresistible.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Prepare the dough: To save time, consider preparing the dough in advance and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, when you're ready to bake, the dough will be ready to use.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you create uniform cookie shapes quickly and efficiently, ensuring even baking and a professional presentation.

Pre-cut caramels: Pre-cut the soft caramels before starting the recipe to save time during the assembly process. This will make it easier to incorporate them into the cookie dough.

Bake in batches: Instead of baking all the cookies at once, consider baking them in batches. This will allow you to manage the baking process more effectively and ensure consistent results.

Chill dough in advance: Chilling the dough in advance for at least an hour will make it easier to handle and shape when you're ready to bake, saving time during the preparation process.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper before baking. This will make cleanup easier and save time on washing the baking sheets between batches.

Pre-measure ingredients: Before starting the recipe, pre-measure all the ingredients. This will streamline the preparation process and make it easier to assemble the cookies quickly.

Organize your workspace: Before you begin, organize your workspace and gather all the necessary tools and ingredients. This will help you work more efficiently and save time during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe

all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies. It provides a similar texture and structure to traditional all-purpose flour.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than granulated sugar and adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
light brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a delightful sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: For a vegan option, flax eggs can be used as a binding agent in place of traditional eggs.
soft caramels - Substitute with homemade date caramel: A homemade date caramel can provide a natural and healthier alternative to store-bought soft caramels, adding a luscious caramel flavor to the snickerdoodles.

Presentation Ideas for Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Elevate the plating: When presenting the soft caramel snickerdoodles, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and gold leaf to add a touch of sophistication to the plate.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a contrast in textures by serving the snickerdoodles alongside a quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream. This will provide a delightful contrast to the soft and chewy cookies.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the snickerdoodles to stand out. Use a minimalist approach, allowing the cookies to be the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with caramel drizzle: Drizzle a delicate pattern of caramel sauce on the plate to add a touch of decadence and to enhance the caramel flavor in the snickerdoodles.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the snickerdoodles in a symmetrical pattern on the plate, creating a visually pleasing and balanced presentation that showcases the care and attention to detail in the plating.

Essential Tools for Making Snickerdoodles

Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically made of metal loops.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various dishes.
Hand-held or stand mixer: A kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients to create smooth and creamy textures.
Paddle attachment: An attachment for a stand mixer used for mixing cookie dough and batters.
Aluminum foil or plastic wrap: Used for covering and wrapping cookie dough to chill and store.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Used for lining baking sheets to prevent cookies from sticking.
Baking sheets: Flat, rectangular metal sheets used for baking cookies and other baked goods in the oven.
Cooling rack: A rack used to cool baked goods by allowing air to circulate around them.

Storing and Freezing Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To freeze the baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze the unbaked cookie dough, roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake the frozen cookie dough, remove the dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling in the cinnamon-sugar topping and baking as directed in the recipe.
To enjoy frozen baked cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

To reheat leftover soft caramel snickerdoodles, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' texture and bring out the flavors of the caramel and cinnamon-sugar coating.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even soggy. Microwaving is a quick and convenient method, but it may not yield the same crispy texture as oven reheating.
For a more indulgent treat, try warming your soft caramel snickerdoodles in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey caramel center.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, you can wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help soften the cookies without making them soggy. This method is ideal for those who enjoy a more tender and chewy snickerdoodle experience.

Interesting Fact About Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

The soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe is a delightful combination of classic snickerdoodle flavors with a gooey caramel surprise inside. This treat is perfect for those who love the rich taste of caramel paired with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar. The addition of soft caramels adds a delightful twist to the traditional snickerdoodle cookie, making it a unique and indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you're a fan of classic snickerdoodles or have a sweet tooth for caramel, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Is Making Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of the ingredients. While caramels and pure vanilla extract can be pricier, the basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and baking powder are more affordable. Considering the yield and the delightful taste, this recipe earns a solid 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable treat for special occasions or gatherings.

Are Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Healthy or Unhealthy?

The soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The recipe contains a significant amount of butter, sugar, and all-purpose flour, which are high in calories, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates. These ingredients, when consumed in excess, can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and blood sugar imbalances. Additionally, the caramels added to the center of the cookies provide an extra dose of sugar and calories without offering any nutritional benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as the caramels will provide additional sweetness
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol to further reduce the sugar content
Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to decrease saturated fat and calories
Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a boost of healthy fats and protein
Experiment with using date caramel instead of traditional caramels for a more natural, nutrient-dense option

Editor's Opinion on This Snickerdoodle Recipe

The soft caramel snickerdoodles recipe is a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle. The addition of soft caramels adds a gooey and indulgent surprise to each bite. The combination of cinnamon-sugar topping and the rich, buttery cookie dough creates a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The recipe's clear instructions and thoughtful tips ensure success, making it an enjoyable and achievable baking project for both novice and experienced bakers. These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, and the aroma of cinnamon and caramel wafting from the oven will surely bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Enhance Your Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for complementing the sweetness of the soft caramel snickerdoodles.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the snickerdoodles.

Cranberry Orange Salad: A vibrant and tangy salad with a mix of fresh cranberries and juicy oranges, adding a burst of fruity flavor to balance the sweetness of the caramel in the snickerdoodles.

Similar Recipes to Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Citrus Grilled Chicken: This zesty grilled chicken is bursting with bright citrus flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a tangy and refreshing taste that's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These tropical popsicles are a refreshing treat on a hot day. Made with creamy coconut milk and sweet mango, they're a delightful way to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy filling, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with a classic bruschetta featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. The vibrant colors and bold flavors of this dish make it a refreshing and satisfying choice to kick off any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish with tender pieces of chicken, rich alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked fettuccine. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a flavorful and colorful stir fry with thinly sliced beef, a variety of crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Why trust this Soft Caramel Snickerdoodles Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle, combining the warmth of traditional spices with the indulgent sweetness of soft caramels. The careful balance of granulated sugar and light brown sugar ensures a perfect texture, while the use of pure vanilla extract enhances the rich flavor profile. The step-by-step instructions guarantee a successful outcome, and the meticulous attention to detail, from the chilling of the dough to the precise baking time, reflects a commitment to quality. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your baking experience.

Want to share your experience baking these soft caramel snickerdoodles or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the saltiness.

Can I make the dough in advance and freeze it?

Yes, you can make the dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Can I substitute the soft caramels with caramel sauce?

Using caramel sauce instead of soft caramels will change the texture and flavor of the cookies. It's best to use soft caramels for the intended chewy caramel center.

How do I store the baked cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Can I use a different type of sugar for the topping?

You can experiment with different types of sugar for the topping, such as turbinado sugar or coconut sugar, for a slightly different flavor and texture.