Gooey Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Joy

Autumn’s golden embrace transforms ordinary snack time with these delectable caramel stuffed pumpkin cookies that melt in your mouth.

Sweet seasonal spices dance through soft, pillowy dough waiting to surprise you.

Warm kitchen aromas will instantly wrap you in cozy comfort.

Crisp edges give way to gooey caramel centers that spark pure delight.

Baking these treats becomes a magical ritual connecting generations of home cooks.

Each batch promises moments of pure, nostalgic pleasure that celebrate fall’s rich flavors.

Grab an extra napkin—you’ll want to savor every delicious crumb without hesitation.

Why Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies Are Ooey, Gooey Good

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: These caramel-stuffed pumpkin cookies capture the warm, cozy essence of autumn with their rich, spiced flavor and gooey caramel center. Perfect for chilly days when you crave something sweet and comforting.
• Breeze Through Baking: The recipe offers simple steps that even novice bakers can master quickly. With basic ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll have delicious cookies ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Kids and adults alike will love the surprise caramel filling and the classic fall spices. These cookies work brilliantly for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special weekend baking project that brings everyone together.
• Elevate Dessert Excitement: Transforming ordinary pumpkin cookies into a decadent treat by hiding a soft caramel center makes these cookies feel extra special. They're not just a dessert – they're a delightful experience that adds a touch of magic to your baking routine.

All You Need For Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for soft, chewy cookies.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, autumnal flavor and aromatic spice notes.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, tender cookie base with smooth mouthfeel.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Delivers sweetness and helps create soft, moist texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides deep, complex flavor enhancement.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, subtle pumpkin flavor, and beautiful orange color.

• Caramel Candies: Provides gooey, sweet center that melts during baking.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Creates a sweet, spiced exterior coating for extra flavor and texture.

How To Bake Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies Step By Step

• Whisk Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until fully blended.

• Create Magical Dough

In a large mixing bowl, pour in melted butter, then whisk in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract and pumpkin purée until well combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until a soft, fluffy dough forms.

• Hide Caramel Treasure

Scoop out a portion of dough and flatten it gently in your hand. Place a caramel candy in the center, then wrap the dough around it completely, sealing it like a secret. Roll each dough ball in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, spiced coating.

• Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

Tips To Keep The Caramel Inside Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

Seal Caramel Perfectly: Ensure no caramel peeks through the dough by pinching edges tightly and rolling gently to create a smooth, sealed cookie ball that prevents caramel leakage during baking.

Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to match your taste preferences – reduce for a milder flavor or increase for a more intense autumn warmth in each bite.

Storage Savvy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies accessible for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising the rich, gooey caramel center.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough balls and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making last-minute dessert preparation a breeze.

Storing Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies So They Stay Soft

• Preserve these delightful caramel-stuffed pumpkin cookies by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their soft texture.
• Refrigerate the cookies if you want to extend their freshness for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their original soft and chewy consistency.
• For longer-term storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, separating layers with wax paper to prevent them from clumping together.

What To Pair With Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• Craft a Cozy Beverage Pairing: Warm up your caramel pumpkin cookies with a steaming mug of chai latte, whose spicy notes perfectly complement the cookie's warm cinnamon and pumpkin flavors.
• Select a Complementary Wine: Enjoy these sweet treats with a glass of moscato d'Asti, a light, slightly sparkling dessert wine that enhances the caramel's richness and balances the cookie's sweetness.
• Elevate with Hot Cocoa: Indulge in a rich, creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, creating a decadent companion that highlights the cookie's deep autumnal spices and gooey caramel center.
• Match with Espresso Delight: Pair the cookies with a bold espresso or cappuccino, whose robust coffee notes cut through the sweetness and provide a delightful contrast to the soft, caramel-filled cookie.

Fun Takes On Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Surprise: Replace caramel with chocolate chips, creating a gooey chocolate center that melts perfectly inside the soft pumpkin cookie.
• Nutty Autumn Batch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough, adding a crunchy texture and rich nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Cream Cheese Fusion: Blend softened cream cheese with a touch of maple syrup, using it as a filling instead of caramel for a tangy, creamy alternative.
• Salted Caramel Upgrade: Use sea salt-sprinkled caramel pieces instead of regular caramel, enhancing the sweet-salty flavor profile of the cookies.

Your Questions On Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies

• Why do I need to seal the caramel completely inside the cookie dough?

If the caramel isn’t fully sealed, it will leak out during baking, creating a messy situation. By completely wrapping the caramel and ensuring no openings, you’ll keep the delicious caramel center intact and prevent it from burning or spreading on the baking sheet.

• Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramel candies?

While homemade caramel sounds tempting, store-bought caramel candies work best for this recipe. Homemade caramel might be too soft or runny, which could cause it to melt and escape during baking. Wrapped caramel candies maintain their shape and create that perfect gooey center.

• What if my dough seems too sticky to work with?

If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping. The cooler temperature will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking. This simple trick can make the stuffing process much smoother.

• How do I know the cookies are done if they look slightly underbaked?

The edges should be set and look lightly golden.

Caramel Stuffed Pumpkin Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Seasonal magic comes alive with caramel stuffed pumpkin cookies, a delightful autumn treat that blends warm spices and gooey caramel centers. Comfort and sweetness merge in each bite, inviting cookie enthusiasts to savor the rich, spiced flavors of fall.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

• 0.75 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Filling and Coating:

• 20 soft caramel candies (such as Kraft or Werthers)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Craft the perfect cookie foundation by combining flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium mixing vessel. Whisk these dry components until thoroughly integrated.
2. In a separate large bowl, transform melted butter with brown and granulated sugars, creating a smooth, glossy base. Incorporate vanilla extract and pumpkin puree, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
3. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing. The resulting dough should be soft and pliable, with a rich autumn-inspired hue.
4. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Create uniform dough portions by scooping approximately 1½ tablespoons for each cookie.
5. Flatten each dough portion into a delicate disk, creating a small indentation in the center. Nestle a caramel candy into this pocket, carefully enveloping the sweet center by folding and sealing the dough completely.
6. Roll each stuffed dough ball in a tantalizing cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating that will caramelize during baking.
7. Arrange the cookie spheres on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them generously to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for slightly set edges and a soft, inviting appearance.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, letting the caramel centers settle and the cookies reach their perfect texture.

Notes

• Seal caramel completely inside the dough to prevent leakage during baking, ensuring a gooey surprise in every bite.
• Use room temperature ingredients like butter and pumpkin puree to create a smoother, more consistent cookie dough that blends effortlessly.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour blends for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same soft texture and rich autumn flavors.
• Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and prevent them from drying out, extending their delicious shelf life.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg