Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

Easy Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall! With their soft, gooey centers filled with chocolate caramel candy, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy gathering or a seasonal party. The combination of warm spices and the rich sweetness of caramel makes these cookies an irresistible choice for pumpkin lovers. Get ready to indulge in a cookie experience like no other!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of pumpkin and warm spices creates a comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a cozy snack at home.
• Unique Surprise: The gooey caramel center adds an unexpected twist that elevates your typical cookie experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheet
• Wax or parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing the dough quick and effortless, ensuring even incorporation of ingredients.
• Cookie sheet: Provides an optimal baking surface for evenly baked cookies.
• Wax or parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.

Ingredients

Easy Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are the BEST pumpkin cookie recipe stuffed with chocolate caramel candy! Gooey cookies that are the best for fall!

For the Cookie Dough

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup (81g) pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup (150g) packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 ¾ cups (217g) all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Filling

• About 20 caramel candies (Werthers chewy or soft, Kraft, Rolos or Dove)

For Coating

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

1. Place butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a hand mixer. Mix until combined.
2. Continue mixing and add the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
3. Add the baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Mix until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Form the Dough

1. Slowly mix in flour until a smooth dough forms.
2. Scoop 1 tablespoon sized balls onto a cookie sheet covered with wax or parchment paper. They don’t need to be far apart; this is for chilling.
3. Chill for 30 minutes or until you can easily touch them but they’re still soft enough to roll.

Step 3: Fill with Caramel

1. Sandwich caramel candies between two balls of dough and roll into a large ball.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

1. Stir together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture and place back on the cookie sheet.
3. Chill at least one more hour.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread cookies onto two lined cookie sheets and bake for 12-15 minutes until tops are no longer shiny and bottoms just start to turn brown.
3. Let cool completely before removing from sheets.

Enjoy these delightful Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for up to three days!

How to Serve Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

Serving these delicious Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies can elevate your fall gatherings. Whether for a cozy family night or a festive party, these cookies pair well with various accompaniments.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate: The richness of hot chocolate complements the gooey caramel in the cookies.
• Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider adds a delightful seasonal flavor that enhances the pumpkin taste.
• Coffee: Pairing with coffee balances the sweetness and provides a great morning treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses to balance the sweet flavors of the cookies.
• Fruit Medley: Fresh fruits like apples and pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.

At Fall Gatherings

• Halloween Parties: These cookies are perfect for Halloween treats; they’re fun and festive!
• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: Incorporate them into your dessert spread alongside classic pies for an autumn twist.

How to Perfect Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

To achieve the best texture and flavor in your Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies, follow these simple tips.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough not only helps maintain shape while baking but also enhances flavor.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices provide better flavor than pre-ground alternatives, making your cookies more aromatic.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; underbaking slightly will keep them soft and gooey inside.
• Use Quality Caramels: Choose high-quality caramel candies for a richer taste that melts perfectly within each cookie.

Best Side Dishes for Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

These side dishes will complement your Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies, making for a delightful spread.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with warm cookies.
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This classic fall drink pairs perfectly with pumpkin-flavored desserts.
3. Candied Nuts: Sweet, crunchy nuts add an extra layer of flavor and texture when enjoyed alongside cookies.
4. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination enhances the cookie experience without overwhelming it.
5. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter: A healthy option that offers crispness and nutty flavor against the sweet cookie.
6. Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can be served on top of warm cookies for added indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Boldly skipping chilling time: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Always chill the dough as directed for the best texture.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until combined for tender results.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Boldly not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife for precise measurement.
• Boldly using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or spices can impact flavor and rise. Always check the freshness of your ingredients before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure cookies are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie balls before rolling in cinnamon sugar for up to one month.
• Place between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for easy access.

Reheating Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes on a lined sheet.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds until just warm to maintain softness.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, to gently warm cookies without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about these delicious Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.

How do I make my Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies more chewy?

Adding an extra egg yolk or using more brown sugar than granulated sugar can enhance chewiness.

Can I use different types of caramel?

Yes, feel free to substitute with any soft caramel candies you prefer, like chocolate-filled caramels or homemade versions.

How long do Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Can I freeze Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies?

Absolutely! Freeze either unbaked cookie dough balls or fully baked cookies for convenient treats later on.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

You can substitute with applesauce or mashed bananas, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for fall. Their gooey caramel center paired with warm spices makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or using different spices according to your taste preference!