Caramel-Filled Whirlwinds 🍪🌀
Overview
Preparation Time: 7 hours
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 12 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 1/2 dozen
Description
Indulge in these delightful Caramel-Filled Whirlwinds, a recipe passed down from my talented father-in-law, whose bakery is always a treasure trove of sweet surprises! These whirlwind cookies are sure to vanish quickly from your cookie jar, so be ready to bake more soon. With a buttery, cream cheese-infused dough enveloping a luscious caramel filling, each bite is a whirlwind of flavor and pure joy. Perfect for family gatherings, weekend treats, or any time you crave a deliciously sweet escape.
Ingredients
| For the Cookies | |
|---|---|
| 1 cup butter | |
| 4 oz cream cheese | |
| 1 cup light brown sugar | |
| 1 cup dark brown sugar | |
| 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour | |
| 1 egg yolk | |
| 1 tsp maple extract |
| For the Filling | |
|---|---|
| 30 caramels | |
| 6 oz cream cheese |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and both brown sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the texture is light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk and maple extract to the creamed mixture. Blend everything together until well combined.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm and easy to handle.
2. Make the Caramel Filling
- While the dough chills, it’s time to prepare the irresistible caramel filling. In a saucepan over very low heat, melt the caramels until they’re smooth and creamy.
- Add the cream cheese to the melted caramels, stirring continuously until the mixture is well blended. Set aside for later.
3. Assemble the Whirlwinds
- Once the dough is chilled, divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion between two sheets of waxed paper until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the prepared caramel-cream cheese mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving about 1/2 inch of space from the edges.
- Carefully roll up the dough, jelly-roll style, starting from the long sides. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to slice.
4. Bake the Whirlwinds
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly.
- Unwrap the chilled dough rolls and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once the cookies are cool, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness, if desired.
- Serve these Caramel-Filled Whirlwinds on a platter and watch them disappear before your eyes! They are perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in as a well-deserved treat after a long day.
Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookie dough and caramel filling ahead of time. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for longer storage. The caramel filling can also be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Get creative with the fillings! Try using different types of caramels, adding a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast, or mixing in chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy Every Whirlwind Bite! 🌪️🍪
These Caramel-Filled Whirlwinds are a delightful treat that will surely become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies deliver on flavor, texture, and pure indulgence. So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to whirl into a world of deliciousness with every bite!
