Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Looking for a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a touch of salt? These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are the perfect balance of flavors and textures. With their soft, chewy centers and crisp edges, these cookies are filled with creamy caramel chips and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for that irresistible sweet-and-salty finish.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy treat for yourself, or to share with family and friends, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress anyone who tries them. The combination of cocoa, caramel, and sea salt is a flavor pairing that never goes out of style, making these cookies a timeless favorite.

Not only are they delicious, but they also come together quickly—perfect for when you’re craving a homemade cookie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are an irresistible treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and caramel. The rich cocoa flavor gives each cookie a deep, fudgy taste, while the caramel chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness. The sprinkle of sea salt on top adds an unexpected savory contrast that elevates the flavor profile and enhances the sweetness without overwhelming it.

What’s more, the texture of these cookies is perfect—crispy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of caramel crunch from the chips. The dough comes together in no time, and the cookies bake quickly, so you can enjoy these delights in under 30 minutes. If you’re a fan of indulgent desserts, these cookies will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Caramel chips
• Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

For a double chocolate experience, fold in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips in addition to the caramel chips.

Use Dark Chocolate

If you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

Nutty Flavor

Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough for an extra layer of texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking.

Coconut Twist

For a tropical twist, fold in shredded coconut along with the caramel chips for a chewy, sweet bite.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, adding them in batches until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Chips

Fold the caramel chips into the dough using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten the dough slightly with your fingers to help them bake evenly. Leave enough space between each cookie to allow them to spread during baking.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of each cookie for a salty contrast to the sweetness.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set and the edges are slightly crisp. The centers should remain soft but not raw.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies firm up and prevents them from falling apart.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugars. This allows for a smoother texture and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients—mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
• If you want extra gooey cookies, take them out of the oven a minute or two earlier and let them cool on the baking sheet before transferring them.
• Adjust the amount of sea salt to your preference. A light sprinkle provides a nice contrast, but feel free to add more if you enjoy a stronger salty flavor.
• Make sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking, or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

How to Serve

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are best served fresh, right after they’ve cooled for a few minutes. Pair them with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, or just when you need a sweet pick-me-up. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter or a bake sale.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The cookies will stay soft and chewy as long as they are properly sealed.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, scoop the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

If you have leftover cookies that need reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to soften them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Butter gives the cookies a richer taste and texture.

2. Can I skip the caramel chips?

If you don’t have caramel chips, you can substitute them with chopped caramel candies or even butterscotch chips for a similar flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure that the dough is thick and not too warm before baking. Chilling the dough for 10-15 minutes can also help the cookies retain their shape.

4. Can I add other types of chips?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips if you prefer. They will all pair wonderfully with the caramel flavor.

5. Are these cookies gluten-free?

These cookies are not gluten-free as written, but you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make them gluten-free.

6. Can I make these cookies without sea salt?

Yes, you can skip the sea salt if you prefer. However, the salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, so it’s recommended.

7. Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes, once the cookies are completely cooled, you can store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for later use.

9. How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, bake them for a slightly shorter time, around 10 minutes, and let them cool on the baking sheet. You can also add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to increase moisture.

10. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar?

While brown sugar adds moisture and a richer flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar if needed. The cookies will still turn out delicious, though the texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate combination of sweet and salty indulgence. With their soft centers, gooey caramel pockets, and a touch of sea salt, they’re sure to satisfy any craving for a chocolatey, caramel-filled treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a sweet snack, these cookies are easy to make and sure to impress everyone who tries them.

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