Valentine's Day is a little different than it used to be. The days of indulging in desserts such as Brie Cheese & Strawberry Puff Pastry "Ravioli" with Chocolate Sauce are fewer and farther between, and easy cookie and bars have taken control of Cupid's arrow.
When my husband and I lived in New York City, we spent each February 14th at one of our favorite jazz clubs, such as The Iridium or Sweet Basil (now closed, which breaks my heart). Pressed closely together at a small table in front of the stage, we wiled away the hours, soaking in the dulcet tones of Kevin Mahogany or another headliner. As the last set finished, giddy from a few cocktails, we tumbled onto the subway headed to uptown to our apartment, walking the last few blocks to our apartment in a relatively quiet enclave of the city.
Since having kids, Valentine’s Day has changed. That’s not a bad thing. It’s just different. Rather than the anticipation of an indulgent candlelit dinner, the week leading up to February 14th is filled with decorating Valentine’s boxes and writing cards for classmates for the school parties, and trading conversation hearts. Yesterday, my 6-year old son presented me with a candy heart that said, “Love Bug”. Speaking as a mum, it just doesn’t get any better than that. My husband and I will have to pick another time to paint the town red and dine by candlelight.
And so, these cookies are for my boys (my husband, too). The inspiration came from my friend, Jenny of the popular recipe blog, Picky Palate. She is the queen of filling cookies with an array of chocolate bars and other treats. Just the other day, she sandwiched a brownie inside cookie dough and baked it. Sounds crazy, but looks fantastic!
For this cookie, I used my favorite sugar cookie recipe, which I first introduced here in my Heath Bar Chocolate & Toffee Cookie recipe. This time, however, I omitted the Heath Bars and tucked a piece of caramel chocolate bar inside of each cookie. After their first bite, the boys swore I was their one and only Valentine. Now that makes my heart go pitter pat.
The recipe:
Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer set on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract.
Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually beat in the flour mixture until it is just combined. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture a few times to make sure all of the flour mixture is incorporated.
Place 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Use 2 tablespoons cookie dough for each cookie. Split the piece of dough in half, slightly flatten the bottom half, place a square of chocolate caramel bar on top, and cover with the other piece of cookie dough. Seal the edges with your fingers. Roll the ball in the sugar to coat it and place it on a prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies, one sheet a time, rotating from front to back halfway through baking. They are done when the edges are set and beginning to brown, 10 to 13 minutes. The centers of the cookies should still be soft and puffy. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, remove the cookies from the baking sheet and let cool on a rack. Serve.
Other cookies with caramel:
David Lebovitz’s Peanut Butter Cookie with Salted Peanut Caramel
Two Peas and Their Pod’s Chocolate Caramel Cookies with Sea Salt
Barbara Bakes’ Chocolate Caramel Rolo Cookies
The Cooking Photographer’s Caramel Stuffed Apple Cider Cookies
Chocolate & Caramel Sugar Cookies
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups granulated sugar, divided
14 tbsp (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz. chocolate caramel chocolate bars (such as Cadbury), cut into individual square
Place an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer set on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract.
Turn the mixer to low speed and gradually beat in the flour mixture until it is just combined. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture a few times to make sure all of the flour mixture is incorporated.
Place 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Use 2 tablespoons cookie dough for each cookie. Split the piece of dough in half, slightly flatten the bottom half, place a square of chocolate caramel bar on top, and cover with the other piece of cookie dough. Seal the edges with your fingers. Roll the ball in the sugar to coat it and place it on a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and chocolate caramel squares, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart from each other on the baking sheets. Lightly coat the bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup with butter and dip into the sugar. Use this to gently flatten the cookies to 3/4-inch thickness.
Bake the cookies, one sheet a time, rotating from front to back halfway through baking. They are done when the edges are set and beginning to brown, 10 to 13 minutes. The centers of the cookies should still be soft and puffy. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, remove the cookies from the baking sheet and let cool on a rack. They can also be served warm.
Makes 24-28 cookies.
Sue says
Oh my goodness, this looks so dreamy! A must try, for sure:)
Kelly says
These sound yummy! I think I'll use this recipe for my son's birthday party this weekend. It should easily help me win the hearts of 8 rowdy but sweet seven-year-old boys!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
I'm going to make these cookies this weekend! They look amazing 🙂
warmvanillasugar says
Caramilk's are soooo good! These cookies look awesome.
Pretend Chef says
Nothing compares to being a parent. My boy is 2 1/2 and I melt when he gives me those just because hugs and kisses. You are such a great mama to make your boys some goodies and help get their Valentine's in order for school. These cookies sound and look incredible! Those brownie stuffed ones, do I dare click the link? Yummy!
Blog is the New Black says
This recipe sounds wonderful! Cadbury chocolate is my favorite! 🙂
My Man's Belly says
Love these cookies…they're two treats in one! I'm a total sucker for those Caramello bars. Whenever the school kids are selling them for fundraisers I can't stop buying them.
egbkid says
These cookies look delicious! I have never really been out for Valentine's Day, my birthday is a few days after, so we usually go out once for both days.
Cookin' Canuck says
Thanks for the comments, everyone. The cadbury chocolate really do work well for these cookies and the cookies were a big hit with my kids.
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Yum! those look great! What a fantastic idea!!
Jenny says
How fun!! Your cookies look wonderful Dara! Thanks for the shout out 🙂 I do love stuffing cookies, have a great day!!
Heather in SF says
Oh dear, and I was given a bar of that chocolate at Christmas! What a brilliant idea, think I'll use up my Christmas candy this way. Hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day!
Le Petit Lapin says
Those look great!
I love that Cadbury chocolate bar, so I'm sure the cookies are delicious!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Oh my goodness do those cookies look incredible! I love the chocolates filled with caramel and I would definitely love them even more inside of a cookie. What a great idea, I must make these! 🙂
Fuji Mama says
Oh heck yeah! These are definitely Jenny-worthy! Wahooooo!!!!!!
[email protected] says
Wowswers! These sound so good!! I know quite a few folks around here who would go crazy over those!
Maria says
I love the little surprise inside!
RecipeGirl says
I think Jenny is inspiring cooks everywhere to get creative and stuff their cookies. I've been thinking about it myself lately! These look delicious- caramel lover here!
Belinda @zomppa says
Are these cookies even legal? Too tempting! Hope you and yours have a lovely Valentine's – however you celebrate!
Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says
I'm not typically fond of cookies with candy in them…but this is more than candy…this is heaven!
Love the Cadbury bars and what a great idea!
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
a sugar cookie with chocolate and caramel? sounds so good! I love the idea of a filled cookie 🙂
Barbara Bakes says
What a fabulous combination. I know I'd love them! Thanks for linking to my cookies!
Gaby says
Chocolate and caramel? these literally just rocked my world and I can't wait to make them!!
briarrose says
Wonderful center….I need one of these cookies…possibly three. 😉
Liz Marr, MS, RD says
Those look sumptuous. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
tastesbetterwithfriends says
You could be quite the heartbreaker giving these cookies away for Valentine's day!
Enjoy your romantic dinner for two whenever that may happen lol
Jessica @ How Sweet says
These look absolutely incredible!
Tracy says
These look heavenly! Chocolate, caramel, sugar…what's not to like? 🙂
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
Fabulous Dara, as always!
Jennifer says
I love Cadbury's Carmello chocolate bar. And inside a sugar cookie… can't think of anything better!
arthi says
wow!!love the chocolate..looks so tempting!!
TheChocolatePriestess says
Nice idea! I could be mean and make these for someone who loves sugar cookies but not tell him they have chocolate or caramel but I guess that isn't the correct Valentine's sentiment, huh?
Wilde in the Kitchen says
These cookies have my favorite chocolate bar hidden inside, I have to try these! Thanks for the idea!
Sippity Sup says
Did you just make sugar cookies even better?? GREG
Elizabeth says
They look so buttery and delicious. Wish I had one right now!
Pegasuslegend says
I have used rollo never cadbury and this is one of my all time favorite chocolate bars will have to be giving this a go soon! thanks for this recipe they look amazing your kids must have went nuts over these!
Steph says
Ooh! I love this!! I stuffed my cookies with nutter butters, but this is such a good idea! Gotta try it!
Lizzy says
LOVE this idea!! I adored those Cadbury bars when I lived in Vancouver in high school. When we moved back to the states, the version here was nowhere as good. Now to wrap a piece of my favorite candy bar in cookie dough…that's a heavenly treat!
Miss @ miss in the Kitchen says
Heavens to Betsy, I've got to have some of these cookies!
Georgia (The Comfort of Cooking) says
Wow, these are just heavenly and I love the flavors you used! What a wonderful cookie, and just in time for Valentine's Day! 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I'm so glad I found your blog and look forward to exploring your recipes! – Georgia
Tiffany says
What a great idea! I love that your sons loved them too! That is very sweet! 😀
Shelby says
Oh my, I really do love this cookie! I am a big fan of caramelo – something you normaly see on your side of the border – but being so close to the border, I have no trouble getting! YUMMY!
Shaina says
Yum! I am all for stuffed cookies right now. I just saw another recipe before this one. It has to be a sign.
danasfoodforthought says
These sound like the perfect Valentine's treat… I love a delicious sugar cookie, and my boyfriend doesn't believe a cookie is a cookie without some chocolate in it. What a great compromise!
Cake Duchess says
Hi Dara-I've been dreaming of these cookies since I saw them this morning on Twitter. Love caramel and even better in a buttery cookie:)
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Such a smart idea! The chocolate and caramel are a nice combo to bite into. I love it!
marla says
Dara, these are the perfect cookies to share with those we love. The photos are so pretty with the pink bow and the white plate. Love that they are filled with Cadbury & caramel.
Drick says
now who wouldn't like this which brings me to the fact that I want one or three of these now.
Dara, will you be my Valentine?
Cakewhiz says
i think i would like these much more than the basic sugar cookies i usually make.
very nice picture 🙂
C&C Cakery says
I actually have two Cadbury caramel bars that are just waiting to be baked into something. Thank you for making my wishes and dreams come true with this simple (yet super yummy) recipe!
C&C Cakery says
I actually have two Cadbury caramel bars that are just waiting to be baked into something. Thank you for making my wishes and dreams come true with this simple (yet super yummy) recipe!
C&C Cakery says
I actually have two Cadbury caramel bars that are just waiting to be baked into something. Thank you for making my wishes and dreams come true with this simple (yet super yummy) recipe!
Deeba PAB says
Just so beautifully done Dara…whimsical & ethereal! Quite the perfect cookie to sink the teeth into. YUM!!
Now Serving says
First time on your blog! What a perfect presentation! Cookies waiting to be bitten into!
Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfect meals.com says
We'll have a couple of dozen, please!
Love the photos, too, especially the chocolate. Thanks for sharing this.
Ang says
This combination is brilliant! I love reading your blog. Your totally speaking my language on the whole valentine bit. Kids are such a joy for these kind of holidays. Poor hubbies. Oh well, they get all the good cookin:) Have a great day!
Amanda says
Oh MY God! Those sound and look amazing, WANT!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
My oh my Dara, do those look good! We call them pillow cookies because they are "stuffed."
I love the idea of chocolate AND caramel. Mmmm!
julie @ rosy + tart says
Oh my.. these look amazing. Just when I thought I'd quit with the cookie baking for awhile… 🙂
Cookin' Canuck says
Thanks again for all of your comments. It sounds as though there are plenty of Cadbury lovers out there!
Soma says
Right now I am trying to finish off a valentine day's post and I have been writing the exact same thing about how everything is so different (and so wonderfully different) after the kids come along 🙂 feels good to read the same thoughts! I have spend the entire day today making craft cards with my 5 year old for her school.
The cookies are amazing Dara. The chocolate and the caramel together sounds divine!
Monet says
It was so fun to hear about the evolution of Valentine's Day for you. I'm sure so many parents can relate! These cookies look delicious. I love caramel and chocolate 🙂 Thank you for sharing, sweetheart. I hope you have a wonderful Friday…and an even better weekend.
Darla @ Bakingdom says
These look irresistible! I love, love, love Caramello!! Unfortunately, I can't get them where I live now…no one sells them. 🙁 It breaks my heart a little bit. But as soon as I can buy them again, I am definitely trying this recipe! Thanks!
Eliana says
What a sweet treat for your boys! These look super super delicious.
megi says
Not just Valentine's Day but things changed in a lot of ways after having a baby last year, in a very good way. I really enjoyed your post and the cookies look so delicious.
Robyn says
Oh my, these look fantastic!!!
sweets 2 share / Trine says
Ah !! looking good 🙂
I love your blog !
Jaime {sophistimom} says
Mmm, yum… Caramilk. Now I will dream of these.
Kristen says
These look amazing, Dara!
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
Wowee! I just stumbled on these, and the fact that you used Cadbury's.. man alive, my British husband will love these!
Maria says
Chocolate and caramel, yes please!
L says
Dara I just got done making these cookies and I want to thank you for posting this great, creative recipe! I was searching the Web for something to do with a big, uneaten candy bar, and found your unique recipe! They are yummy and little works of art too!
Emma says
Made these last night for my 2 boys, I’m not very patient though so gave up on putting the squares in the middle and just chopped up the chocolate and mixed it through the dough. The boys loved them (they both sneaked one before school this morning – bad mum!) and my colleagues were very impressed too