Caramel-Filled Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup chopped walnuts , divided
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 48 chocolate-covered caramel candies , unwrapped

Instructions

1. 1

   Beat butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup white sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

2. 2

   Combine flour, cocoa, and baking soda in a separate bowl; gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in 1/2 cup walnuts. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

3. 3

   When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease two baking sheets.

4. 4

   Combine remaining 1/2 cup walnuts with 1 tablespoon sugar. Divide chilled dough into 4 parts. Work with one part at a time, leaving the remainder in the refrigerator until needed. Divide each part into 12 pieces. Quickly press each piece of dough around a chocolate-covered caramel, then roll into a ball. Dip the tops into the nut mixture, then place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets with the nuts facing up.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes on the baking sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.