Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in these delectable Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies that combine rich chocolate with a hint of salted caramel for a truly irresistible treat.
These cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, making them a favorite among cookie lovers. Each bite is a delightful surprise, with gooey salted caramel nestled between rich chocolate cookie dough.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Decadent chocolate flavor with a touch of sea salt
- Chewy texture with a gooey caramel center
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are a delightful addition to any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Their unique combination of rich chocolate and a hint of sea salt creates a flavor profile that appeals to both children and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a holiday feast, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies will surely impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
What sets these cookies apart is their gooey caramel center that adds a luxurious touch. With each bite, you experience a satisfying chewiness that balances perfectly with the crunchy edges. These cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own with a glass of milk.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies, it’s essential to use room temperature butter. This allows for better incorporation of air, leading to a fluffier texture. Be sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy, as this step is crucial for the overall texture of the cookies. Additionally, avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this keeps the cookies tender and chewy.
When shaping your cookie dough, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which helps them bake evenly. Don’t forget to space the cookies adequately on the baking sheet to allow for spreading. If you prefer a thicker cookie, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which also helps enhance the flavors.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or on-the-go snacks. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies or the dough itself. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and they can be frozen for up to three months.
For an indulgent dessert, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle them with extra caramel sauce. They also make thoughtful gifts when packaged in a decorative box, perfect for holidays or special occasions. With their delicious flavor and beautiful presentation, these cookies are sure to delight anyone who receives them.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel bits
For Topping
- Flaky sea salt
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and salted caramel bits.
Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Add Sea Salt
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your cookies warm or store them in an airtight container for later!
Understanding the Ingredients
The key ingredients in Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are simple yet essential for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt content, allowing the added flaky sea salt to shine through. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar provides depth and moisture, while the semi-sweet chocolate chips offer rich chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
Salted caramel bits add a delightful surprise in every bite. They melt beautifully during baking, creating a gooey center that contrasts the chewy cookie. Using high-quality chocolate and caramel will elevate your cookies, making them truly irresistible. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final result, so choose wisely!
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate chips, to create your own unique twist on these cookies. For a seasonal touch, try incorporating spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice during the fall.
For a more decadent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or dip half of each cookie in chocolate for a beautiful presentation. You can even create a stuffed version by enclosing a caramel square within the dough before baking. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize these cookies to suit your taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer flavor.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just thaw and bake when you're ready.
→ What can I use instead of salted caramel bits?
You can substitute with soft caramel candies, cut into small pieces.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Indulge in these delectable Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies that combine rich chocolate with a hint of salted caramel for a truly irresistible treat.
Created by: Margaret Hill
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted caramel bits
For Topping
- Flaky sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and salted caramel bits.
Using a cookie scoop, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 2g