Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with a gooey, sweet surprise, look no further than these Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups. The moment you take a bite, the soft and chewy cookie gives way to a luscious caramel center, creating a deliciously satisfying experience that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these cookie cups are sure to impress everyone.

Why Cooks Rave About It

There’s something undeniably magical about a cookie that hides a sweet treasure inside. The Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of warm, melty caramel with rich semi-sweet chocolate and a buttery cookie base offers a flavor profile that is sure to please any sweet tooth. Plus, they are perfect for portion control—just grab one (or two) and enjoy!

What Goes In

To make these delightful cookie cups, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• pinch salt, optional and to taste
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12 Werthers Original Baking Caramels, unwrapped

Gear Checklist

Before you start baking, ensure you have these essentials on hand:

• Muffin tin: A standard muffin tin will help shape your cookie cups perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls for mixing your wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in the chocolate chips and caramel.
• Cookie scoop: For evenly portioning the dough into the muffin tin.
• Oven mitts: Safety first—don’t forget these when handling hot pans!

Make Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups: A Simple Method

Follow these steps to create your Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie cups bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tin

Grease your muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners. This will prevent the cookie cups from sticking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula. This adds rich chocolatey goodness to every bite.

Step 6: Assemble Cookie Cups

Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Press a Werthers Original Baking Caramel into the center of each dough portion, then cover the caramel with a little more dough, ensuring it’s fully enclosed.

Step 7: Bake

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cookie cups cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups warm for the ultimate gooey experience!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, consider these swaps:

• Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Egg-free: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
• Lower sugar: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier option.

Cook’s Commentary

These Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are not just a treat; they’re a conversation starter! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. If you want to elevate them even further, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance. They are best enjoyed warm, but if you have leftovers, they still taste delicious at room temperature!

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you happen to have any cookie cups left (which is rarely the case), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that gooey caramel center. Meal prep has never been so sweet!

Questions People Ask

Can I use different types of caramel?

Absolutely! While Werthers Original Baking Caramels work beautifully, you can use any soft caramel candy. Just ensure they melt well when baked.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch, you can simply omit it. The cookies will still turn out delicious, although they may be slightly less chewy.

Can I add nuts to the cookie cups?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips.

Final Bite

These Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are the epitome of indulgence. With every bite, you’ll experience the joy of warm chocolate chips melded with a gooey caramel center, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery cookie shell. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you want a sweet treat, these cookie cups are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy baking, and even more so, enjoy sharing these delightful bites with friends and family!