Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter, softened: 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup
- Cream cheese, softened: 4 ounces
- Large egg yolk: 1
- alcohol-free vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Soft caramel sauce (or chopped soft caramel candies): 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg yolk and alcohol-free vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together and no streaks of flour remain.
- Step 3: Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and arrange them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of a measuring teaspoon or your thumb, create a deep indentation in the center of each cookie ball.
- Step 4: Fill the indentation of each cookie with approximately 1 teaspoon of soft caramel sauce or a small piece of soft caramel candy.
- Step 5: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate if keeping them longer than that.
- If the caramel center has hardened after cooling or chilling, microwave individual cookies for 5 to 10 seconds to restore the gooey, soft texture.
- Serve these rich cookies warm with a light dusting of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel sweetness, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- When creating the indentation for the caramel, ensure it is deep and well-defined, as this prevents the gooey filling from spilling out as the cookies spread during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American