Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Fall

If you’re looking for a delicious cookie recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall, look no further than these Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies. Soft, spiced pumpkin cookie dough surrounds gooey, melted caramel centers, making every bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a pumpkin enthusiast or simply in search of a comforting dessert, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Let’s dive into how to make these scrumptious cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors with a soft, chewy texture that will melt in your mouth. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

Perfect for Pumpkin Lovers: If you adore the taste of pumpkin, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Soft and Gooey Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and caramel candies ensures each cookie has a soft and gooey center.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginners.

Ingredients Overview

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the perfect fall treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 113g): Adds richness and flavor to the cookie dough.
Pumpkin Puree (⅓ cup or 81g): Provides moisture and a subtle pumpkin flavor.
Brown Sugar (¾ cup or 150g) and Granulated Sugar (¼ cup or 50g): Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while granulated sugar adds structure and sweetness.
Egg Yolk (1 large): Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors.
Spices: A mix of ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon), nutmeg (½ teaspoon), ginger (¼ teaspoon), and allspice (¼ teaspoon) brings out the warm, cozy flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups or 217g): The base for the cookie dough.
Caramel Candies (about 20): The star of the show, creating a gooey center.
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for rolling.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Mixer (Stand or Hand): To combine the ingredients into a smooth dough.
Mixing Bowls: For preparing the dough and cinnamon sugar.
Cookie Sheets: For baking the cookies.
Parchment or Wax Paper: To line the cookie sheets.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure all ingredients accurately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preparing the Dough

Start by placing the butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer). Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are well combined. Then, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

2. Adding the Spices and Flour

Gradually add the baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice to the mixture, ensuring even distribution. Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

3. Chilling the Dough

Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. The balls don’t need to be far apart at this stage since they’re just for chilling. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle but still soft.

4. Filling with Caramel

Take two chilled dough balls and sandwich a caramel candy between them. Roll the dough around the caramel to form a larger ball, ensuring the caramel is fully enclosed.

5. Rolling in Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Roll each cookie dough ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated, and place back on the cookie sheet. Chill for at least another hour to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Baking Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on the sheets, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tops are no longer shiny and the bottoms start to turn golden brown.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the cookie sheets before transferring them to a wire rack or storage container. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can result in dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Using Melted Butter: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, as melted butter can cause the cookies to spread too much.
Not Chilling the Dough Properly: Chilling is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve your Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies on a decorative platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a cinnamon stick garnish. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. For an added touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

To keep your cookies fresh:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to one month. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Variations and Swaps

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based butter and replace the egg yolk with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute.
Flavor Twist: Try adding a pinch of cardamom or a dash of cocoa powder for a unique flavor variation.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture.

What if I don’t have all the spices?
Feel free to use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend as a substitute.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?
Ensure the caramel candies are completely covered with dough to avoid any leaks.

Conclusion

These Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies are the perfect treat for any fall occasion. Easy to make, full of warm flavors, and delightfully gooey in the center, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Try the recipe today, share your results, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this!