I have always had a soft spot for brownie cookies. Their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor never fail to satisfy my sweet cravings. But one day, my love for brownie cookies took an unexpected turn when I stumbled upon something truly extraordinary at a local bakery – cream cheese stuffed cookies. I felt like I had discovered a hidden gem. Cream cheese stuffed cookies? It sounded like a dream come true. Without a second thought, I knew I had to get into the kitchen and recreate these magical treats. Of course, the first three attempts could have been more successful. Too much filling, then too little filling and finally too much spreading. With a few more attempts, guess what? I nailed the perfect cookie dough and filling ratio. In fact, I successfully recreated a bakery favorite in my kitchen and discovered a new twist on a classic treat that would undoubtedly become a staple in my baking repertoire. It’s now become my kids’ new favorite cookie!
Why make these cookies
Decadent Flavor Combination: By combining the rich flavors of brownies with creamy fillings like cream cheese, caramel, and Nutella, these cookies offer a delightful explosion of taste in every bite. Versatile Fillings: This recipe allows for versatility in fillings, accommodating a range of preferences. Whether you’re a fan of tangy cream cheese, gooey caramel, or nutty Nutella, there’s a filling option to satisfy every craving. Texture Contrast: The combination of the soft, fudgy brownie-like cookie exterior and the gooey, creamy fillings creates a pleasing texture contrast that keeps each bite interesting and enjoyable. Simple Preparation: Despite its gourmet-like results, this recipe is straightforward to prepare. The method of melting chocolate and butter, whipping eggs with sugar, and then adding dry ingredients ensures a smooth process with minimal effort. Make-Ahead Convenience: Chilling the dough allows for easy handling and prevents spreading during baking. This also makes it convenient to prepare the dough in advance. Thus allowing you to bake fresh cookies whenever desired. Impressive Presentation: The method of stuffing the cookies creates a visually appealing treat with a surprise element inside. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a solo treat, these cookies are sure to impress both visually and gastronomically.
Ingredients and substitutes
Butter: Provides richness and flavor to the cookies. You can use margarine or dairy-free butter for a lactose-free option. Semi-sweet Chocolate: Adds chocolate flavor and richness to the dough. Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on preference. Brown Sugar: Adds moisture, flavor, and a chewy texture to the cookies. You can use granulated sugar, but it will result in a slightly different texture. Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the structure and texture of the cookies. Vegan egg substitutes like flax eggs or commercial egg replacers for a vegan option. Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies. You can use vanilla bean paste or almond extract for a different flavor. All-purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, though the texture may vary slightly. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds chocolate flavor and color to the cookies. You can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder or cacao powder. Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a softer texture. You can use baking soda, but adjust the quantity accordingly (about 1/4 teaspoon baking soda for each teaspoon of baking powder). Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy and tangy filling for the cookies. You can also use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Caramel Squares: Adds gooey caramel flavor and texture to the filling. You can use soft caramel candies or caramel sauce. Nutella: Adds a nutty and chocolaty filling to the cookies. You can also use chocolate hazelnut spread or other nut butter spreads.
Step-by-step: Stuffed brownie cookies
Melt – In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together. You can do this over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Wet ingredients – In another bowl, whip the eggs and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar, stirring continuously. Next, add the vanilla extract and mix well. Chill – Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, stirring until combined. Do not overmix. Then, cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator until it’s firm enough to handle, usually about 1-2 hours.
Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Scoop – Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop to portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each one. Stuff/fill – Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball to create a hollow. Fill each hollow with a small amount of cream cheese, a caramel square, or Nutella. Cover – Then, take another portion of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place it over the filling and seal the edges with the bottom dough, covering the filling completely. Bake the stuffed cookies in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Cool – Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality ingredients will yield better-tasting cookies. Opt for good-quality chocolate, fresh eggs, and pure vanilla extract for the best results. Properly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measuring is crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry or wet ingredients, and level off ingredients like flour and cocoa powder for precise measurements. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing excessive spreading during baking. Plan ahead and chill the dough for at least 1-2 hours or even overnight for optimal results. Seal the Edges: When stuffing the cookies, ensure that the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Press the edges together firmly, or use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal. Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Baking time may vary depending on your oven. So start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set properly and prevents them from falling apart when you move them. Experiment with Fillings: While cream cheese, caramel, and Nutella are classic fillings, feel free to get creative and experiment with other fillings. For example, peanut butter, marshmallows, chopped nuts, or fruit preserves for a personalized touch. Store Properly: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days. If stacking the cookies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Enjoy Fresh: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re baked when the fillings are still gooey, and the flavors are at their peak. However, they can still be delicious for several days if stored properly.
Strawberry Chocolate BrowniesNutella Puff Pastries – Just 2 ingredientsRecipe for Pecan Pie BrowniesRich Dark Nutella Buttercream FrostingIndulge in Rich and Fudgy Dark Chocolate Brownies
Frequently asked questions
Creative variations
Peanut Butter Cup Stuffed Cookies: Stuff the cookies with mini peanut butter cups for a deliciously gooey peanut butter and chocolate combination. S’mores Stuffed Cookies: Add a marshmallow and a piece of chocolate to the center of the cookie dough for a gooey s’mores-inspired treat. Cookie Butter Stuffed Cookies: Fill the cookies with cookie butter (such as Speculoos) for a spiced and sweet filling reminiscent of your favorite cookie spread. Oreo Stuffed Cookies: Place a whole Oreo cookie in the center of each cookie dough ball for a cookies-and-cream surprise inside a chocolatey brownie cookie. Salted Caramel Stuffed Cookies: Use salted caramel sauce instead of caramel squares for a sweet and salty flavor. Fruit Jam or Jelly Stuffed Cookies: Fill the cookies with your favorite fruit jam or jelly for a fruity burst of flavor inside the rich chocolatey cookie. Chocolate Mint Stuffed Cookies: Add a chocolate mint candy or a dollop of mint chocolate ganache to the center of the cookie dough for a refreshing, minty surprise.
Creative ways to serve brownie cookies
Cookie Platter: Arrange the stuffed brownie cookies on a decorative platter, mixing and matching different flavors for variety. Serve alongside a selection of hot beverages like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and indulgent treat. Dessert Board: Create a dessert board featuring an assortment of stuffed brownie cookies along with other sweet treats like fresh fruit, chocolate-covered strawberries, and mini cupcakes. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice the stuffed brownie cookies in half horizontally and sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream flavor between the layers. Roll the edges in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and decoration. Brownie Cookie Sundaes: Warm the stuffed brownie cookies in the microwave or oven and serve them as the base for individual sundaes. Top each cookie with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, and a cherry for a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Brownie Cookie Milkshakes: Blend stuffed brownie cookies with vanilla ice cream and milk to create thick and creamy milkshakes. Pour into tall glasses and top with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat. Brownie Cookie Trifle: Layer chunks of stuffed brownie cookies in a trifle dish with layers of whipped cream, chocolate pudding, and fresh berries or sliced bananas. Repeat the layers and garnish with chocolate shavings or crumbled cookies for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
Did you LIKE this recipe? Save it for later. You can find my recipes on Pinterest. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Subscribe, and I’ll send you new recipes right to your inbox.
Thank you for sharing - Save for later
