There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of warm, ooey-gooey chocolate and rich caramel that instantly transforms an ordinary day into a special occasion. Picture this: a freshly baked cookie, its edges perfectly golden, and as you take a bite, you discover a molten caramel center that brings a satisfying sweetness, all perfectly balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt.
When I first created these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, I was looking for a way to elevate my standard chocolate chip recipe. Little did I know, I would stumble upon a cookie that not only impresses with its gourmet flavors but also quickly became the favorite among family and friends.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating a special moment, or simply seeking a cozy indulgence after a long day, these cookies are the answer. Join me in the kitchen, and let’s whip up a batch that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why will you love these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate combines seamlessly with gooey caramel, creating a taste sensation you won’t want to miss.
Baking Joy: With simple steps, you’ll find these cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Versatility: Great for sharing or cozy solo snacking, they’re a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
A Unique Twist: The addition of sea salt elevates the sweetness, providing a perfect balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Fast and Fun: Ready in just 12 minutes, you’ll have warm cookies in no time, allowing you to enjoy that homemade goodness without the wait.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Ingredients
• Get ready to indulge in a baking adventure with these delightful treasures!
For the Cookies
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Essential for providing structure to your cookies.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps to create a softer, chewy texture that complements the caramel.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweet flavors and balances the richness of the chocolate.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds a little lift, resulting in a light and tender cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies spread and rise just perfectly.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter – Brings richness and flavor; be sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a golden finish.
• 1 ½ cups packed brown sugar – Contributes moisture and a deeper flavor for these salted caramel chocolate chip cookies.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring all ingredients come together for the perfect dough.
• 2 large egg yolks – Makes your cookies rich and chewy, enhancing the texture.
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – Provides a warm, inviting aroma and flavor to the cookies.
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – The classic choice for a rich chocolaty experience.
• Individual wrapped soft caramels – These bring the sweet surprise in the center of each cookie.
• Sea salt for garnish – A sprinkle on top enhances the overall flavor, making these cookies irresistible!
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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Mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl. This dry blend forms the base of your delicious cookies.
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Cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth. You should aim for a light, fluffy mixture that looks creamy—this is key to your cookie’s texture!
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Beat in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined. You want a rich mixture that binds everything while infusing a delightful vanilla aroma.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies light and soft!
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Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—making sure each bite is packed with chocolatey goodness.
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Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and press a soft caramel into the center of each cookie. You’ll want to make each cookie a little nest for the caramel surprise!
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Sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the sweetness and bring out those rich flavors. This step is essential to achieving the perfect balance in your cookies.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft; that’s just perfect for a chewy cookie!
Optional: Drizzle with additional melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their baking process! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; simply mix all the ingredients, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, and press the soft caramel into the center before freezing it. Wrap the tray tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven (no need to thaw) for a delightful treat that’s just as delicious as fresh! For best results, sprinkle with sea salt right before baking to enhance the flavor. Enjoy the convenience of homemade cookies without the last-minute rush!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations
You can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious plant-based treat.
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon for a surprising and delightful heat that complements the sweetness.
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Caramel Sauced: Instead of wrapped caramels, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cookies before serving for extra decadence.
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Double Chocolate: Replace half of the flour with cocoa powder to transform your cookies into fudgy chocolate caramel delights.
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Oatmeal Crunch: For a chewy texture, substitute half of the flour with rolled oats and enjoy an oat-meets-cookie experience.
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Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing twist that takes the classic chocolate-caramel combo to a new level.
These variations can elevate your baking and allow everyone to enjoy their personalized cookie experience!
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Butter: It’s crucial for achieving a creamy texture when creaming butter and sugars. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and denser cookies.
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Don’t Overmix Dough: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of the soft, chewy texture you desire.
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Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This reduces spread and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
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Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them when the edges are lightly golden for that perfect chewy center.
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Experiment with Caramel: You can use different types of wrapped soft caramels for varied flavors. Just ensure they melt nicely in the cookie!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them soft and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer firmer cookies, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freeze bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulging in warm cookies fresh from the oven is a delightful experience, but pairing them with the perfect accompaniments can elevate your treat to a whole new level.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the cookies while providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey center.
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Milk: Whether you prefer whole, almond, or oat milk, a glass of cold milk perfectly balances the sweetness and enhances that delightful chocolatey goodness.
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Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee brings out the cookie’s rich flavors. The bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel for a harmonious pairing.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a fruity brightness that cuts through the richness of the cookies, making for a refreshing taste combination.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookies further by drizzling melted chocolate on top; it creates an indulgent dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: For those who can’t get enough of caramel, serving it alongside to dip your cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
These delightful pairings will elevate your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies into an unforgettable treat for any occasion!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of caramel should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using individual wrapped soft caramels as they melt perfectly when baked, creating that gooey center. Brands like Werther’s Original or Kraft caramels are great options, and they yield that sweet surprise everyone loves. If you’re feeling adventurous, try flavored caramels for a unique twist!
How should I store the leftover cookies?
To keep your freshly baked Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture. If you find yourself with extras, pop them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days for a firmer cookie.
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
For sure! To freeze your cookies, start by letting them cool completely. Then, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid—this usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freeze bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to indulge again, you can thaw them in the fridge or pop them right into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
What do I do if my cookies flatten while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it usually comes down to a few factors. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, as melted butter can lead to overly flat cookies. Additionally, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can solidify the fats, allowing the cookies to hold their shape better. Another tip is to make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too little can lead to spreading as well.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are nut-free as long as you verify all your ingredients. Make sure your chocolate chips and any other add-ins (like caramels) are produced in a nut-free facility. However, as always, it’s best to check with anyone you are serving, especially if they have specific allergies.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies That Steal the Show
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Cream the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto a lined baking sheet and press a soft caramel into the center of each cookie.
- Sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the sweetness.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.