Caramel Button Cookies

I love little cookies that surprise you with flavor. Caramel Button Cookies do just that. They’re soft, sweet, and have that caramel center I can’t stop thinking about.

The first time I baked them, I thought they’d be hard. But nope, they were so simple and fun to make. Each cookie came out looking cute, like a tiny button.

Now they’re a favorite at my table. Every bite feels warm and cozy, and I know you’ll enjoy them just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Sweet: These cookies are everything you love about caramel — rich, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Soft & Chewy: The dough creates a perfect balance of softness and chewiness that makes these cookies irresistible.
• Quick & Easy: You don’t need a lot of time or effort to make these cookies. They come together in just a few simple steps.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Caramel Lovers Dream: If caramel is your go-to flavor, you won’t be able to get enough of these sweet, buttery cookies!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather up these essential kitchen tools for a smooth baking process:

• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer: If you have a hand or stand mixer, it makes the mixing part easy and efficient.
• Baking sheets: To bake your cookies evenly.
• Parchment paper: This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the cookies from sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.
• Wire racks: To cool the cookies after baking, so they don’t get soggy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Caramel Button Cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened — Butter adds richness to the dough and ensures the cookies bake up soft.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup — For sweetness and a perfect balance with the caramel.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): 1/2 cup — This keeps the texture of the dough light and smooth.
• Large Egg: 1 — Egg binds the dough together and helps the cookies rise slightly as they bake.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon — Enhances the flavor and complements the caramel perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups — The base for the dough, giving structure and body to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon — Helps the cookies puff up and become light and airy.
• Pinch of Salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the dough and enhances the caramel flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup — You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. Either way, it’s the star of the show!

Variations for Caramel Button Cookies

Feel free to get creative with these variations to customize the flavor and texture of your Caramel Button Cookies:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra layer of flavor, toss in some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to balance out the caramel’s sweetness.
• Mix in Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts are great additions, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft, chewy texture of the cookies.
• Cinnamon Twist: Add a dash of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with caramel.
• Sea Salt Caramel: Drizzle a little bit of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking to bring out the richness of the caramel sauce.
• Double the Caramel: For the ultimate caramel experience, sprinkle some caramel bits into the dough along with the caramel buttons.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the most delicious caramel-filled cookies you’ve ever had!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, making sure there is enough space for your cookies to spread as they bake.

2. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which gives the cookies their soft and chewy texture.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully combined. The wet ingredients should now be light and smooth.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This will help to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring that your cookies rise and bake evenly.

4. Gradually Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Mix just until the dough begins to come together, and no dry flour is visible.

5. Add the Caramel Sauce

Once the dough is formed, gently fold in the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Don’t overwork the dough, as we want the caramel to remain in distinct pockets in the dough to create gooey caramel centers.

6. Form the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into even-sized balls. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you like, you can press a few extra caramel buttons or bits of caramel sauce into the center of each dough ball for extra gooeyness.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers should remain slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Caramel Button Cookies

These Caramel Button Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few creative ways to serve them:

• With a Glass of Milk: There’s nothing like enjoying these sweet cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate indulgence.
• As a Dessert Platter: Pair these cookies with other baked goods like brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and shortbread for a delicious dessert platter.
• With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two Caramel Button Cookies for a caramel ice cream sandwich.
• For Holiday Gifting: Package them in a cute cookie tin or gift box for a sweet homemade gift for the holidays or any occasion.

Storing Caramel Button Cookies

• Room Temperature: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh for several days.
• Freezing: You can freeze these cookies if you’d like to enjoy them later. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or heat them gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked taste.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	135
Total Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	75 mg
Total Carbohydrates	16 g
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g
Sugars	10 g
Protein	2 g
Calcium	15 mg
Iron	0.4 mg

Caramel Button Cookies FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce. Just make sure to use a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps the dough set and gives the cookies a thicker, chewy texture. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage and bake when you’re ready.

Can I use caramel chips or bits instead of caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use caramel chips or bits instead of caramel sauce, but the cookies will have a slightly different texture. The sauce gives the cookies a gooey center, while the chips or bits will melt and create pockets of caramel throughout the cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be golden brown around the edges, and the centers should look slightly set but soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the center is still a little soft when you take them out of the oven.

Conclusion

These Caramel Button Cookies are truly the best way to indulge your sweet tooth. They offer the perfect combination of rich caramel flavor, buttery softness, and chewy texture. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try, and let me know how much you love them! Happy baking!