Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet salted caramel with these irresistible cookies.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-20T20:41:09.173Z

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: a rich chocolate cookie base filled with gooey salted caramel. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor with a hint of saltiness
Chewy texture with a gooey caramel center
Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat

      

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are not just a delightful indulgence; they're a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique flavor combination of rich chocolate and sweet, salty caramel will satisfy any sweet tooth, making them an instant favorite among your family and friends.

These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. You can serve them at holiday parties, bake them for a bake sale, or gift them in decorative tins during the festive season. Their chewy texture and gooey caramel center make them a hit with people of all ages, ensuring that they will be a staple in your baking repertoire.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the best results, make sure your butter is properly softened. This allows for better incorporation of ingredients, resulting in a smooth cookie dough. If you're in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften quickly.

Another tip is to chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, allowing them to maintain their shape and chewy texture while ensuring that the caramel center remains gooey. Chilling the dough also enhances the flavors, making your cookies even more delicious.

Storing and Freezing Your Cookies

Once your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies have cooled completely, it's essential to store them properly to keep them fresh. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they can last for up to a week. If you want to maintain their softness, you can add a slice of bread to the container, which will help to keep the cookies moist.

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough. Simply shape the cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you'll have fresh cookies in no time!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

For the Salted Caramel

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Combine all ingredients for a deliciously sweet treat!

Instructions

Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns a golden brown color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring continuously, then add the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in chocolate chips.

Assemble the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly, and place a teaspoon of salted caramel in the center. Enclose the caramel with the dough and shape it into a ball.

Place on a lined baking sheet.

Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk!

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your dessert experience by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey cookie contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delicious treat that’s perfect for warm days or cozy nights.

For an added touch, drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce on top of the cookies or sprinkle a little sea salt just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visual appeal that makes your cookies look even more tempting.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips in this recipe. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate can bring a unique twist to the flavor profile. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch and depth of flavor.

If you're looking for a more intense caramel flavor, consider using caramel bits instead of homemade salted caramel. Simply fold them into the cookie dough before baking for a quick and easy alternative that still delivers that delicious gooey center.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time.

→ How should I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw before baking.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.