Stuffed cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining a soft, chewy exterior with a delicious surprise inside. Whether you love gooey Nutella, rich caramel, or creamy cheesecake, these stuffed cookie recipes will satisfy your sweet cravings. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make the best-stuffed cookies at home!

If you’re a cookie lover, you might also enjoy these classic and creative cookie recipes.

What Are Stuffed Cookies?

Stuffed cookies are traditional cookies with a hidden filling inside, making them a fun and delicious twist on regular cookies. Unlike standard cookies, they:

Have a gooey center that melts in your mouth.
Offer endless filling options, from chocolate chips to marshmallow fluff.
Are slightly thicker and softer to accommodate the filling.

Popular Fillings for Stuffed Cookie Recipes:

Chocolate & Nutella – The ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Caramel & Butterscotch – Rich and buttery.
Peanut Butter – A creamy, salty-sweet surprise.
Cream Cheese & Cheesecake – Tangy, smooth, and decadent.
Jam & Fruit Preserves – A fruity, tart contrast to sweet dough.

To create soft, flavorful stuffed cookies, choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial.

Choosing the Right Cookie Dough for Stuffed Cookies

Soft & Chewy Dough – Use brown sugar and melted butter for a tender texture.
Thick Dough – Adding an extra egg yolk helps create a stable base for fillings.
Crispy Dough – If you prefer a crunchier cookie, use granulated sugar and a higher baking temperature.

Must-Have Fillings for Stuffed Cookies

Solid Fillings (peanut butter cups, caramel squares) hold their shape well.
Soft Fillings (Nutella, fruit jam, marshmallow fluff) melt beautifully.
Frozen Fillings (chocolate ganache, cheesecake bites) create an extra gooey center.

Baking ingredients for stuffed cookie recipes, displayed on a wooden surface.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Stuffed Cookies

Prepping the Dough for Stuffed Cookies

Chilling vs. Not Chilling Dough: Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Achieving the Right Consistency: Dough should be soft yet firm enough to hold its shape.

Stuffing Techniques: How to Get the Perfect Center

Flatten the Dough: Use your palm or a rolling pin.
Place the Filling: Add a small amount of filling in the center.
Seal the Cookie: Fold the edges over and roll into a ball.
Double Layer Method: Sandwich the filling between two flattened dough pieces.

Close-up of a baker stuffing cookie dough with Nutella in a home kitchen.

Baking Tips for the Best Stuffed Cookie Recipes

Temperature Matters: Bake at 325°F–350°F (163°C–177°C) for even cooking.
Avoid Overbaking: Cookies will continue to cook on the tray after removing from the oven.
Check for Doneness: The edges should be slightly golden, but the center should be soft.

Stuffed cookies take classic cookie recipes to the next level by adding a delicious surprise inside. From gooey Nutella-filled centers to chewy caramel-stuffed delights, these recipes will satisfy every sweet craving. Below, you’ll find 10 must-try stuffed cookie recipes along with step-by-step instructions.

Stuffed Cookie Recipes Type	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile
Chocolate Chip with Nutella	Butter, brown sugar, Nutella	Rich & gooey
Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies	Cream cheese, vanilla extract	Sweet & creamy
Brownie-Stuffed Cookies	Brownie batter, cocoa powder	Fudgy & decadent
PB&J Stuffed Cookies	Peanut butter, strawberry jam	Nostalgic & nutty
Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodle	Caramel, cinnamon sugar	Warm & buttery
Oreo-Stuffed White Chocolate	Oreos, white chocolate chips	Crunchy & smooth
S’mores Stuffed Cookies	Marshmallow, graham crackers	Classic campfire taste
Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese	Pumpkin puree, cream cheese	Spiced & creamy
Milky Way-Stuffed Chocolate	Milky Way bars, cocoa powder	Candy-filled goodness
Salted Caramel Double Chocolate	Caramel, dark chocolate	Sweet & salty

Close-up of a caramel-stuffed cookie broken in half, revealing the rich filling.

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nutella Filling

Ingredients:

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup Nutella (chilled for easier stuffing)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat melted butter and sugars until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop 1 tbsp dough, flatten it, place ½ tsp chilled Nutella in the center, then cover with another dough piece. Seal edges.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Cheesecake-Stuffed Sugar Cookies

These chewy sugar cookies have a smooth cheesecake filling inside, making them the perfect treat.

Prepare classic sugar cookie dough with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Make the cheesecake filling by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Flatten cookie dough, place a teaspoon of filling inside, seal, and bake at 350°F.

Brownie-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

A cookie-brownie hybrid that’s indulgent and fudgy.

Prepare brownie batter separately and chill it.
Use a chocolate chip cookie dough base.
Wrap a chunk of brownie inside cookie dough and bake.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Stuffed Cookie Recipes

A nostalgic twist on stuffed cookies!

Make a soft peanut butter cookie dough.
Add ½ tsp peanut butter and jelly inside each dough ball.
Seal the dough, then bake until golden.

Caramel-Stuffed Snickerdoodle Cookies

The warm cinnamon spice pairs perfectly with gooey caramel filling.

Prepare snickerdoodle dough and roll in cinnamon sugar.
Wrap dough around a soft caramel and bake.
Sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.

Oreo-Stuffed White Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies have a whole Oreo inside, making them extra crunchy!

Use a white chocolate chip cookie dough.
Flatten dough, place an Oreo in the center, and wrap dough around it.
Bake at 350°F for about 12 minutes.

S’mores Stuffed Cookies

A campfire favorite in cookie form!

Use graham cracker-infused dough.
Stuff with marshmallow and chocolate chunks.
Bake until edges are golden but the center is gooey.

Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese-Stuffed Cookies

A fall favorite!

Prepare a spiced pumpkin cookie dough.
Fill with sweetened cream cheese mixture.
Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.

A batch of pumpkin spice stuffed cookies with a creamy center on a rustic kitchen counter.

Milky Way-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies

These candy bar-stuffed cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream.

Use a double chocolate cookie dough.
Stuff with a mini Milky Way bar inside.
Bake at 325°F for 12 minutes.

Salted Caramel-Stuffed Double Chocolate Cookies

The perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Use a dark chocolate cookie dough.
Stuff with a soft caramel piece and seal.
Sprinkle with sea salt before baking.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Cookie Recipes

To achieve bakery-style stuffed cookies, follow these expert tips:

Chill the Dough: Prevent cookies from spreading too much by chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies, use a medium cookie scoop. This ensures even baking.
Freeze Soft Fillings: If using Nutella or jam, freeze small dollops before stuffing to avoid leaks.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stuffed Cookies

Even experienced bakers make mistakes when creating stuffed cookies. Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Overstuffing the Cookies

Too much filling can cause the cookies to break or leak during baking. Use ½ to 1 tsp per cookie.

2. Choosing the Wrong Filling Consistency

Runny fillings like melted chocolate or hot caramel will ooze out if not properly sealed.
Use chilled or thickened fillings for best results.

3. Baking Errors & Fixes

If cookies spread too much, chill the dough longer.
If cookies are dry, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
For extra softness, remove cookies when the centers look slightly underbaked.

Stuffed cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, but many bakers have questions about how to perfect them. Below are the most commonly asked questions about stuffed cookie recipes, along with expert tips to ensure success.

What is the best way to stuff cookies without them leaking?

To prevent fillings from leaking, follow these key steps:

Chill soft fillings (Nutella, peanut butter, caramel) before stuffing to make them firmer.
Use enough dough to completely encase the filling—a 2:1 dough-to-filling ratio works best.
Seal the edges tightly by pinching the dough together before rolling it into a ball.
Avoid overstuffing—use ½ to 1 teaspoon of filling per cookie.
Freeze filled dough balls for 10–15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Can I freeze stuffed cookie dough before baking?

Yes! Freezing stuffed cookie dough is a great way to prepare in advance. Here’s how:

For unbaked cookies: Arrange stuffed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
For fully baked cookies: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.

What are the best fillings for stuffed cookies?

The best fillings enhance both the flavor and texture of cookies. Popular options include:

Chocolate-Based Fillings: Nutella, melted chocolate, truffle centers
Caramel & Butterscotch: Soft caramel squares, homemade salted caramel
Nut & Peanut Butter Fillings: Creamy peanut butter, almond butter, cookie butter
Fruit & Jam Fillings: Strawberry jam, raspberry preserves, apple butter
Creamy & Cheesecake Fillings: Sweetened cream cheese, vanilla custard

For unique variations, try marshmallow fluff, crushed candy bars, or cinnamon sugar butter.

How do I make gluten-free stuffed cookies?

Making gluten-free stuffed cookies is simple with the right adjustments:

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour with xanthan gum for structure.
Choose certified gluten-free fillings, such as Nutella, caramel, and peanut butter.
Avoid overmixing, as gluten-free doughs can become too dry or crumbly.
Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
Bake at a slightly lower temperature (325°F) to prevent overbaking.

A great gluten-free alternative is almond flour dough—it creates chewy, rich cookies with a slightly nutty flavor.

How long do stuffed cookies last?

Stuffed cookies can stay fresh for several days if stored properly:

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
In the fridge: Keep for up to a week—just warm them slightly before serving.
In the freezer: Store in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

For extra freshness, place a slice of bread in the cookie container—the bread will absorb moisture and keep cookies soft!

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Stuffed cookies are a fun, delicious treat that combines a crispy exterior with a rich, gooey center. With the right techniques—such as chilling dough, sealing edges properly, and selecting the best fillings—you can create bakery-quality stuffed cookies at home.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice cream cheese in the fall or fresh fruit fillings in the summer.

For more baking inspiration, explore these classic cookie recipes.

Looking for even more creative cookie ideas? Check out Food Network’s cookie recipe collection for new twists and expert baking tips! 🍪

Table of Contents

What Are Stuffed Cookies?

Popular Fillings for Stuffed Cookie Recipes: