Caramel-Stuffed Chai Cookies

These chewy and tender Caramel-Stuffed Chai Cookies are full of warmth and decadence. You’ll love that chai-spiced flair from cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and more that make these cozy cookies so fragrant. Nutty brown butter and a caramel-stuffed center add richness and up the elegance here!

Can y’all believe it? We’re approaching fall season faster than good ole speedy wifi, ha. Listen, I’ve had an incredible summer, and I’m sad to see it come to an end. However, I do love all things fall. I’ve got some epic fall-inspired eats and treats lined up for you in the next few months, get hype. One thing is for certain, when I think of these cooler months, I’ve got cookies on the brain.

Caramel-Stuffed Chai Cookies 🤎

Say hey to these thick, soft, and chewy cookies that are so very delicious! These cookies have big, bold fragrance from the warmth of chai spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, and more. Nutty brown butter is also in the mix (because every cookie should involve brown butter ya know!). Lastly, the center has a puddle of soft caramel waiting for you, whew.

⇢ Cozy eats + treats like my sweet potato pie, these brioche doughnuts, and of course, this jalapeño cheddar cornbread get me in my feels.

DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored by Pete & Gerry’s Pasture-Raised Eggs who I’m so excited to partner with; all thoughts expressed here are my own.

Their rich golden yolks and substantial egg whites are a reflection of the Certified Humane Pasture-Raised standard, the highest standard of care possible. A Pete & Gerry’s pasture-raised hen enjoys 108 square feet of pasture, a well-rounded diet, plenty of time to soak up the sunshine on the pasture, and much more. No added hormones, no antibiotics & from small family farms…high-quality eggs! ♡

Ingredient Spotlight: Chai Spices!

What is chai? Great question! In America, we’re likely familiar with ordering a “chai tea” or “chai latte” at the coffee shop. The term chai originates from India, and the Hindi-specific terminology refers to a tea-like beverage that’s brewed with black tea, water, milk, and then sweetened with sugar.

Chai then becomes masala chai (or masala tea) when an aromatic blend of spices are added. These spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice, and cardamom which make the beverage extra warm and sweet-scented. Some describe chai flavor as a balance of spicy and sweet.

We’re making a homemade chai spice blend that goes into these caramel-stuffed chai cookies. The cookies are so fragrant because of it…and you likely already have these chai spices in your pantry! Chai spices are so lovely 😌.

How To Make These Caramel-Stuffed Chai Cookies:

(Note: please see the recipe card directly below for the complete written instructions.)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with a silpat baking mat or parchment paper/foil, then set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg and whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined. Then set the bowl aside while you brown the butter. 
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, it will get foamy and it will take on a clear, light golden color. Continue cooking butter until it turns deep brown and has a nutty aroma with brown bits on the bottom. Once achieved, remove from heat and let brown butter cool down.
3. In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla essence. Whisk the wet ingredients well to thoroughly combine. Then add the flour mixture into the same bowl and use a rubber spatula to bring the cookie dough together until just combined.

Assembling The Cookies:

1. Fill a small bowl with demerara or turbinado sugar, and set aside. Using a large cookie scoop, scoop the cookie dough. Use your thumb to press down directly in the center of the scoop creating a small well. Place 2 soft caramels into the well, right on top of each other, then apply some cookie dough over the caramels to close and cover. Scoop the dough out into the palm of your hand and roll the cookie dough into a tight ball, ensuring the caramels are fully covered and not sticking out. Then roll the cookie dough ball in the coarse sugar, and then place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process until all cookies have been assembled.
2. Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes until golden brown and lightly crisp around the edges. Let the cookies cool down on the baking sheet for 5 minutes and then transfer cookies to a cooling rack to continue cooling.
3. Serve these caramel-stuffed chai cookies warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips + Tricks, Notes & FAQs

You may have additional questions about these chai cookies. Here’s some extra tidbits and recipe information that you’ll find helpful 🫶🏾:

• Best caramels for stuffing– So, I’ve tested this recipe using firm caramels (like Kraft caramel squares) and soft caramels. I will say that the former type of caramel creates a domed center in the middle of the cookie because those caramel candies are more dense and they don’t melt as well. However, soft caramels like Werther’s Original (I use these ones!) and Fleur de Sel caramels (Trader Joe’s sells them) are soft and pliable in their texture and work best.
• Brown butter– Listen, every cookie is extra delish with brown butter 🧈😛!! Although, if you don’t want to go through the brown butter process, you can simply just melt the butter and proceed with the recipe.
• Storing cookies– After cooling, keep these fresh baked cookies stored inside of an airtight container or plastic bag. I recommend keeping your caramel-stuffed chai cookies right on the counter at room temperature where they’ll last for up to 3 days. I do not recommend refrigeration as it tends to dry cookies out. Although, feel free to freeze the cookies to extend their life, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or leave them out on the counter.

A freshly-baked batch of these Caramel-Stuffed Chai Cookies are such a delight, friends. I just love them so much! Be sure to tag @butterbeready in your BBR recipe creations, I sure love to see it when you do. Until next time! 🤟🏾

Other desserts & sweets we love:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Caribbean Rum Cake
• Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
• Sweet Potato Pound Cake
• Lemon Bundt Cake
• Spiced Zucchini Cake

Print