Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies (Print Format)

Tender cinnamon-brown sugar cookies with soft caramel centers and sparkling cinnamon-sugar tops.

# Ingredients:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/4 cup white sugar
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling and Topping

10 - 12–14 soft caramel candies (unwrapped) or 1/2 cup caramel baking bits
11 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
13 - 1 tablespoon white sugar (for sprinkling)

→ Optional Add-ins

14 - A pinch of flaky sea salt (for salted caramel flavor)
15 - 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (to enhance brown sugar notes)
16 - 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
02 - In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, scraping down the bowl sides as necessary.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
06 - Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon portions. Flatten each portion in the palm, place one caramel candy in the center, then wrap the dough around it to seal completely, forming a smooth ball.
07 - In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture to coat evenly.
08 - Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers appear set.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Tips:

01 - Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness. Freezing unbaked dough balls allows for fresh cookies at any time; bake directly from frozen.