Stuffed Cookies Recipe | Gooey Center Cookies Everyone Will Love
Introduction
Imagine pulling warm, freshly baked cookies from the oven and discovering a rich, gooey surprise inside every one. That moment — when the outer layer gives way and a creamy or chocolatey center oozes out — brings joy. Stuffed cookies strike the perfect balance between comforting nostalgia and gourmet indulgence. From simple chocolate-hazelnut spread fillings to more adventurous combinations like cream cheese or caramel, these treats invite creativity and warmth in equal measure.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a table with the typical ingredients required for making stuffed cookies, along with estimated calorie counts per ingredient. These are approximate and based on typical portions for about 12 cookies.
| Ingredient | Approximate Calories* |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (120 g) | ~ 860 kcal |
| Granulated sugar (¾ cup ≈ 150 g) | ~ 580 kcal |
| Light brown sugar (¾ cup ≈ 150 g) | ~ 570 kcal |
| Large eggs (2) | ~ 140 kcal |
| Vanilla extract (1 tsp) | ~ 12 kcal |
| All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups ≈ 280 g) | ~ 1025 kcal |
| Baking soda (½ tsp) & salt (¼ tsp) | negligible calories |
| Filling of your choice (e.g., 200 g chocolate-hazelnut spread) | ~ 1100 kcal |
*Calories based on typical estimations; actual values will vary depending on brand and exact quantity.
This gives a total rough calorie count of around 4,300 kcal for the batch (for about 12 cookies), which means each cookie would average roughly 360 kcal. Adjust fillings or servings accordingly if you want fewer calories.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the filling – If you are using a creamy spread like chocolate-hazelnut or cookie butter, scoop small portions (for example rounded teaspoons) onto parchment-lined sheet and place in freezer until firm. Freezing ensures that the filling will stay contained inside the cookie dough rather than melting out during baking. Sources emphasise this step when aiming for a gooey centre.
- Make the cookie dough – In a good sized bowl, cream together the softened butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in vanilla extract after. In a separate bowl whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until incorporated; avoid over-mixing.
- Portion the dough – Divide the dough into equal portions (for example 12 balls if you are making 12 cookies). Flatten each dough ball slightly. Place a frozen filling portion in the centre of one dough piece. Wrap the dough completely around the filling, pinch and seal the seams, and roll gently into a smooth ball. Make sure no filling is exposed or the cookie may leak.
- Chill shaped cookies – For best results chill the shaped cookie balls in the fridge for about 30 minutes (or more if your kitchen is warm). This helps control spreading in the oven. Many stuffed cookie recipes highlight chilling as beneficial.
- Pre-heat the oven and bake – Preheat the oven to around 175-180 °C (≈350 °F). Place the cookie balls spaced well apart on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just golden but the centre still looks slightly soft. Remember the cookie will continue to firm up as it cools. For example, one web source for stuffed chocolate-hazelnut cookies states a bake time of ~11-13 minutes
- Cool and serve – Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the tray for around 5 minutes so the centre finishes setting. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm for the best gooey experience, or at room temperature for a slightly firmer centre.
With these steps you’ll create beautifully stuffed cookies that deliver both texture and surprise in each bite.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Customizing stuffed cookies is where the fun truly begins. Here are some ideas and tips to make the recipe your own:
- Change the filling: If chocolate-hazelnut is your go-to, consider peanut butter, jam, cookie butter, cream cheese or caramel. The key is to choose a filling that becomes soft when warm but was firm when inserted. Baking blogs note that any thick filling works if frozen beforehand.
- Alter the dough mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut to the dough for extra texture. For example some stuffed cookie recipes suggest white chocolate chips when using cookie butter fillings.
- Add flavour twists: Introduce cinnamon, espresso powder or cocoa powder into the dough for depth of flavour. One recipe recommended espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavour.
- Control size and portion: Make large cookies for sharing or smaller bite-sized ones for snack philosophy. Adjust bake time accordingly.
- Experiment with coatings: After baking, roll the cookie edges in chopped nuts, sprinkles or sea salt flakes for visual appeal and extra taste. Some recipes finish with flaky sea salt to elevate the flavour contrast.
- Storage & make-ahead: You can freeze shaped cookie balls before baking and store for later. That makes them handy when a sweet craving strikes. Some sources mention freezing the entire dough portion for up to 48 hours before baking.
- Mind cookie spread: If your cookies spread too much and the filling leaks, reduce dough ball size slightly or chill longer. Community bakers note that exposure or excess dough can cause oozing
By applying a few of these tips you can turn a standard stuffed cookie into a signature creation that fits your taste, theme, or occasion.
Nutritional Information
Understanding nutritional information helps you bake mindfully. Here is a rough nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on the earlier table, for a batch of about 12 cookies, each approx 360 kcal):
If you choose a lighter filling (for example a fruit jam instead of chocolate spread) you can reduce calories and saturated fat. Likewise, you can reduce sugar in the dough slightly (for example by 10-15 %) while still maintaining a good texture. However, reducing too much sugar may alter spread, browning and chewiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serving stuffed cookies can be simple and elegant. Here are some ideas to elevate the presentation and enjoyment:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Pair a warm stuffed cookie with cold ice cream for temperature contrast and indulgence.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate: A light dusting or drizzle adds visual appeal.
- Serve with hot beverages: Cookies go beautifully with coffee, espresso, tea or even hot chocolate — the warm centre complements a warm drink.
- Create a dessert platter: Make a selection of stuffed cookies with different fillings (e.g., chocolate-hazelnut, peanut butter, caramel) so guests can sample various types.
- Pack as gifts: Allow cookies to cool completely, then place in a jar or box with parchment paper. People appreciate homemade treats.
- Pair with fresh fruit or berries: The richness of the cookie pairs well with lighter fresh fruits — a few raspberries or a few slices of citrus can cut the sweetness.
- Storage suggestion: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like the gooey centre to re-warm, pop the cookie in the microwave for 10-12 seconds before serving.
Stuffed Cookies Recipe | Gooey Center Cookies Everyone Will Love
Course: Blog20
servings12
minutes12
minutes360
kcalIngredients
120 g unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
Directions
- Prepare the filling: Scoop small portions of your filling and freeze until firm.
- Make the dough: Cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Combine dry ingredients with wet until just mixed.
- Assemble cookies: Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each piece slightly, place a frozen filling portion in the center, wrap dough around it completely, and roll into a smooth ball.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Freezing the filling ensures it stays inside the cookie while baking.
Customize your cookies with different fillings, mix-ins, or flavor extracts.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for 3–4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
A: Freeze the filling portions until firm and wrap the dough fully around them with no seams exposed. Chilling the shaped dough before baking helps as well. Many bakers note that leaking happens when the filling is too soft or the dough isn’t sealed properly.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. After shaping the cookie balls with filling, you can refrigerate them for a few hours or even freeze them for later baking. Freezing helps maintain the gooey centre.
Q: What kind of fillings work best?
A: Think thick spreads that melt after baking but are firm when frozen: chocolate-hazelnut, cookie butter, peanut butter, caramel, cream cheese-based fillings, even jam with a higher sugar content. The key is to balance firmness at prep time and melty texture at serving.
Q: Can I reduce sugar or butter to make it lighter?
A: You can reduce sugar by a small percentage and slightly cut butter, but keep in mind that these changes will affect texture, spread and browning. If you reduce too much, the cookie may be dry or flat. It is better to adjust fillings and portion size if you want fewer calories.
Q: How do I know when the cookie is done baking?
A: The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the centre still looks slightly soft or glossy. Remove from oven and allow the cookie to rest on the tray for 5 minutes — the residual heat will finish setting the centre without over-baking. Many recipes recommend this method for gooey centres.
Conclusion
Baking stuffed cookies is a delightful experience that brings a touch of luxury to a familiar favorite. The surprise of a molten centre, the soft exterior and the aroma of baking combine in a way that elevates simple ingredients into something memorable. Take your time in preparing the dough, freeze the filling so the result is just right, and enjoy customizing to your taste. Whether you’re treating family, sharing with friends or indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies offer warmth, comfort and a delicious reward for your effort. Enjoy every bite.
