I recently baked this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, and wow—what a treat! Every bite is a perfect mix of chewy chocolate, buttery dough, and those irresistible caramel bits. I love how easy the dough comes together in just one bowl, and there’s no resting time required.
Making the hard caramel was surprisingly quick, and it adds such a delightful crunch. Honestly, this has become my go-to cookie recipe whenever I want something special but simple.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these irresistible cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – room temperature butter ensures smooth creaming.
- 1 cup brown sugar – adds moisture and deep flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – balances sweetness and creates slight crispiness.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature – helps the dough mix evenly.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the cookie’s flavor.
- 1 tsp baking soda – provides a light rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – ensures a soft, chewy texture.
- 1 tsp salt – balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – scoop lightly; don’t pack.
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chunks – choose good-quality chocolate for richness.
- 1 cup chopped hard caramel – gives a crunchy, sweet surprise.
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling – optional, for finishing touch.
Note: several servings
Variations
You can customize this recipe to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:
- Dairy-free: use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Sugar-free: substitute coconut sugar or a baking-friendly sweetener.
- Flavor add-ins: try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or a pinch of espresso powder for depth.
- Chocolate swap: use milk chocolate or white chocolate for a twist.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long it will take to make these cookies:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Mixing bowl – to combine all ingredients easily.
- Hand or stand mixer – to cream butter and sugar to perfection.
- Baking sheet – for evenly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and easy cleanup.
- Silicone spatula – helps fold in chocolate and caramel gently.
- Cookie scoop – ensures uniform cookie sizes.
How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Hard Caramel
Start by making your hard caramel first. Let it cool completely before chopping; this prevents it from melting into the dough. I usually pop it briefly in the freezer to speed up the process.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft, chewy cookie texture.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Then, stir in vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor base.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Caramel
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped caramel, ensuring even distribution without breaking the chunks too much.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to form 2-tablespoon dough balls. Place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
Step 7: Bake and Adjust
Bake for 12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Use a spatula to nudge cookies back into shape if they spread, then bake one more minute. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes while warm.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, these tips make a huge difference:
- I always use room-temperature butter and eggs; it gives the dough a perfect texture.
- Chilling the caramel slightly helps prevent it from melting too fast in the oven.
- Placing a few chocolate chips on top makes the cookies look irresistible.
- I avoid overbaking—they should feel slightly underdone when removed, finishing on the hot sheet.
- I like to use a silicone spatula to gently reshape cookies fresh out of the oven.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Serve these cookies warm for gooey chocolate and soft caramel. Stack them on a decorative plate or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkling a tiny pinch of sea salt on top adds a gourmet touch and enhances the flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per cookie (approximate):
- Calories: 250 – indulgent yet perfectly portioned.
- Protein: 3g – thanks to the eggs and chocolate.
- Carbohydrates: 35g – mostly from flour, sugar, and caramel.
- Fat: 12g – from butter and chocolate, giving richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Dough balls freeze well; bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the oven for 5 minutes to restore gooey texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this cookie is a game-changer:
- Easy to Make: One-bowl recipe with no dough resting time.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet caramel meets rich chocolate in every bite.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges.
- Eye-Catching: Chocolate on top and sprinkled salt make them irresistible.