Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that hits every note—gooey, chocolatey, nutty, and delightfully caramel-filled—I’ve got exactly what you need. This Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe is basically the lovechild of a rich brownie and an indulgent stuffed cookie, swirled with a touch of salty-sweet magic from pomegranate sugar. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked. I remember the first time I made these, friends were literally fighting over the last cookie, and honestly, I don’t blame them!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect texture balance: The brownie cookie dough is soft yet sturdy enough to hold molten caramel and chocolate hazelnut filling without losing shape.
- Layered flavors: Combining bittersweet and dark chocolates intensifies the chocolate experience, while hazelnut spread and caramel add gooey richness.
- Unique salted pomegranate sugar: This touch of tart saltiness contrasts the sweet filling beautifully, elevating each bite in an unexpected way.
- Simple technique, impressive results: Even if you’re not a baker, the step-by-step process ensures delightful treats every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe brings together ingredients that play off each other so well. The dual chocolate mix creates depth, the cream cheese adds moisture and a slight tang, and the salted pomegranate sugar topping finishes with a sparkling punch. Getting quality chocolate and fresh cream cheese really makes a difference here, so don’t skimp on those!
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the chocolate smoothly without adding unwanted saltiness.
- Bittersweet & dark chocolate (60%+ cacao): Provides intense chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
- Eggs: Bind the dough and lighten the texture, helping those cookies hold together despite the gooey filling.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps develop that perfect brownie-cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle flavor booster that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Keeps the dough moist and tender – a small secret I’ve learned makes the cookies irresistibly soft.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure; using the right amount ensures chewiness without toughness.
- Dark/Dutch process cocoa powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and deepens color with richness.
- Baking powder: Helps just a tiny bit of rise so cookies are soft but not cakey.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors, especially critical in this recipe.
- Chocolate hazelnut spread: That ooey-gooey center everyone dreams about—choose your favorite brand for best results.
- Milk chocolate covered caramels: A surprise sweet and caramel sticky center that melts perfectly when baked.
- Pomegranate juice & flaky sea salt: Combine with sugar to create that magical salted pomegranate sugar—an unexpected but stellar topping.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing things up depending on who I’m baking for or the occasion. This Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe is wonderfully versatile—you can tweak fillings or toppings to suit your mood or pantry.
- Variation: One time, I swapped caramel candies for soft peanut butter cups inside, and it was a fan-favorite twist that paired amazingly well with the hazelnut spread.
- Dietary tweak: Using dairy-free chocolate and vegan cream cheese lets you make these treats for friends with dietary restrictions, and the texture remains fantastic.
- Seasonal touch: Swap pomegranate juice for a drop of orange blossom water when pomegranates are out of season—it offers a lovely aromatic twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Melt Chocolate & Butter Slowly
Start by melting the butter and both chocolates together gently. I usually microwave them in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between so the chocolate doesn’t seize. You can also do this over a double boiler if that feels safer. Let this mixture cool completely before adding it to your batter—this step is key so your eggs don’t scramble when mixing.
Step 2: Prep Dry Ingredients
While the chocolate cools, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Having this ready to go makes the mixing process easier and helps avoid overmixing later on.
Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy
Using an electric mixer, beat your sugar and eggs on high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 4 minutes. This step is important because it creates a lighter texture, making the dough tender rather than dense.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients Smoothly
Add the vanilla extract, cream cheese, and cooled melted chocolate to the egg mixture. Beat briefly until everything is combined. Scraping down the sides once or twice helps keep the mixture even—don’t skip it!
Step 5: Stir in Dry Ingredients Gently
Switch to a spatula and fold in the dry ingredients slowly until just combined. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so be gentle. Once the dough comes together, cover it and let it rest on the counter for 10-15 minutes—this lets it firm up, which makes stuffing easier.
Step 6: Assemble Your Stuffed Brownie Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. Lightly grease your hands with oil or cooking spray to keep the dough from sticking. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly. Add a scant teaspoon of chocolate hazelnut spread and pop a milk chocolate caramel on top. Cover with another flattened tablespoon of dough and seal the edges around your fillings carefully—no leaks here!
Step 7: Bake and Add Final Touches
Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes until they look set but still soft. Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet so they firm up enough to handle. Then, dip or drizzle melted dark chocolate over each cookie and sprinkle a touch of that delightful pomegranate sugar. Eat them warm for that molten center or let cool before storing.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Chill Your Dough Slightly: Resting the dough makes it less sticky and easier to shape around the fillings without tearing.
- Seal with Care: When sealing your stuffed cookies, pinch firmly to avoid caramel leaking during baking—trust me, cleaning burnt caramel off your pan isn’t fun!
- Watch Your Bake Time: Aim for soft centers—overbaking dries out these cookies and kills the fudgy effect.
- Make the Salted Pomegranate Sugar Ahead: It takes a few hours to dry, so prepare this topping in advance for best flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love the sparkle that the salted pomegranate sugar gives these cookies—not just in flavor but visually, it’s stunning. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted hazelnuts over the chocolate drizzle for extra crunch and that toasty aroma which pairs perfectly.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fairly rich on their own, so I usually pair them with something light—like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A fresh berry salad works great too, to cut through the richness with a bright contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like stacking these cookies on a tiered dessert stand with little bowls of extra hazelnut spread and caramel sauce for dipping. Adding edible gold leaf or pomegranate seeds on top makes them feel extra special for holidays or celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. I keep a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They actually taste amazing even after a day or two, as the flavors meld and the textures soften just a bit.
Freezing
I freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge before enjoying. You can also freeze the dough balls—just assemble the stuffed dough, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag so you can bake fresh cookies anytime you want.
Reheating
Pop leftover cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm the caramel center. Just enough heat brings the gooey magic back without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought hazelnut spread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Your favorite store-bought chocolate hazelnut spread works perfectly here. Just make sure it’s not too runny, so it holds up nicely inside the cookie during baking.
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What if I can’t find milk chocolate covered caramels?
No worries! You can substitute with soft caramel candies or individually wrapped chewy caramels. Just make sure they’re soft enough to melt inside the cookies but not too sticky to handle during assembly.
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How do I make the salted pomegranate sugar at home?
It’s easy! Mix granulated sugar with flaky sea salt and pomegranate juice, optionally add a drop of red food coloring, then spread it out to dry for a few hours before sprinkling on your cookies. This adds a perfect sweet-salty tang with a pretty color contrast.
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Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just remember to bring dough back to room temperature if chilled before stuffing cookies for easier handling.
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Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Definitely! You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked stuffed dough balls. Freeze in a single layer first, then store in an airtight container or bag. Thaw overnight and reheat gently for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy yet is surprisingly easy to make. The gooey center, the subtle crunch of salted pomegranate sugar, and the rich chocolate flavors combine to create a comforting, show-stopping treat. I hope you give these a try soon—they’re perfect for impressing friends, gifting, or simply indulging yourself on a cozy afternoon. Plus, nothing beats warm cookies fresh from your oven, right?
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate Hazelnut and Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies topped with a unique salted pomegranate sugar. Rich, fudgy brownie cookie dough encases a gooey center of hazelnut spread and milk chocolate caramels, finished with a silky dark chocolate drizzle and a hint of fruity, salty sweetness.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (60% cacao)
- 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped, plus extra for dipping
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate or Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 36 teaspoons chocolate hazelnut spread
- 36 milk chocolate covered caramels
Salted Pomegranate Sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice
- 1-2 drops red gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salted Pomegranate Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt. Add pomegranate juice and red gel food coloring if using. Mix by hand until sugar is evenly colored, then spread on a cookie sheet to dry at room temperature for 2-3 hours. Once dry, mix in the remaining tablespoon of flaky sea salt. Store sealed in a jar.
- Melt Chocolates and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, melt 6 tablespoons butter with 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate and 6 ounces dark chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Let cool completely before using. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: Using an electric mixer, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 large eggs, beating on high speed for about 4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 ounces softened cream cheese, and the cooled chocolate-butter mixture. Beat for 1-2 more minutes until well combined. Scrape the bowl sides.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients with a spatula until fully combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let dough rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an ungreased baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. Lightly grease your hands with canola oil or cooking spray to handle dough.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a round. Place about 1 scant teaspoon of hazelnut spread in the center, add one milk chocolate covered caramel on top. Flatten another tablespoon of dough and cover the filling, sealing the edges completely. Repeat until all dough is used, making 36 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Finish Cookies: Once cool enough to handle, dip or drizzle cookies with melted dark chocolate. Lightly sprinkle with the salted pomegranate sugar. Serve warm or cool completely and store airtight for up to four days.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor in both the dough and the dipping chocolate.
- Lightly greasing hands with oil prevents dough from sticking while shaping.
- Parchment paper or a Silpat prevents sticking without added grease on the baking sheet.
- Resting the dough helps it firm up for easier handling and better cookie texture.
- Let the salted pomegranate sugar dry completely to avoid clumping on cookies.
- Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to preserve freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend of equal measure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg