Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel

If you love the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of churros and the gooey decadence of caramel, then these Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel are going to steal your heart. Imagine a soft, buttery cookie with a crisp, cinnamon-sugar coating, and then bite into a luscious, rich caramel center. These cookies are the perfect blend of crunchy and gooey, with a flavor that will transport you straight to a festive fair.

This recipe takes the beloved flavors of churros and transforms them into a delightful cookie form. The caramel filling adds a surprise in every bite, making these cookies not just delicious but also fun to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these churro cookies are sure to be a hit.

Recipe Summary

The Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel combine the iconic flavors of churros with the indulgence of caramel in an easy-to-make cookie. These cookies are rolled in cinnamon sugar, baked to perfection, and then filled with a sweet, creamy caramel that oozes out with every bite. The result is a cookie that’s both crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside, making it irresistible.

Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself), these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves churros or caramel. They’re great for parties, holiday baking, or simply when you’re craving something sweet and special.

Exciting Story

In our house, churros are a beloved treat, especially on cozy weekends when we crave something sweet and nostalgic. One day, I decided to combine our favorite churros with another family favorite—caramel. The result was these Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel, and they’ve quickly become a household favorite. My kids love biting into the cookie and discovering the gooey caramel inside, and my husband can’t resist sneaking a few before they’ve even cooled. Now, these cookies are a regular request, and they bring a little bit of that fairground magic into our home every time I bake them.

Why These Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel?

• Churro-Inspired Flavor: The cinnamon-sugar coating gives these cookies that classic churro taste, with a delightful twist.
• Gooey Caramel Filling: The hidden caramel center adds a rich, creamy surprise in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—these cookies are a textural delight.
• Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, these cookies are straightforward to bake and fill.

How to Make Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a caramel in the center and fold the dough around it, rolling it into a ball to enclose the caramel completely. Repeat with the remaining dough and caramels.

Step 3: Coat the Cookies
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are just starting to crack. The cookies may look slightly underdone in the center, but they will continue to cook as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Soft Caramels: Make sure your caramels are soft and pliable, as hard caramels won’t melt properly inside the cookie.
• Seal the Dough Well: Ensure the dough completely encloses the caramel to prevent it from leaking out during baking.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Substitute the caramel with a piece of chocolate for a different flavor twist.
• Spiced Sugar: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar coating for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Different Fillings: Try using dulce de leche or peanut butter as alternative fillings.

Make a Healthier Version

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour to add some whole grains to the cookies.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough by a quarter for a slightly less sweet cookie.
• Natural Sweeteners: Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another natural sweetener.

Closing

And there you have it! A batch of Churro Cookies Filled with Caramel that will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring a little taste of the fair to your home. These cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household, so why not make a double batch? Don’t forget to share them with friends and family—and maybe explore some of our other churro-inspired treats while you’re at it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.

What if my caramel leaks out during baking?
Make sure the dough is tightly sealed around the caramel, and consider using a caramel that is soft and melts easily.

Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel can be a delicious filling, just make sure it’s firm enough to shape into small pieces.

Can I add other spices to the sugar coating?
Yes, you can experiment with adding spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.