Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nothing beats the warm, gooey goodness of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh from the oven. I remember the first time I made these cookies; the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel is simply irresistible. Every bite is a journey through layers of flavor that unexpectedly come together in a perfect harmony. Whether it’s a rainy day or a gathering with friends, these cookies have a way of brightening the mood. They’re not just cookies; they’re a hug in dessert form, and I often find myself making them when I need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients Overview for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

The heart of any great cookie lies in its ingredients. For Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. The combination of flour, sugars, and butter forms the base, while the added chocolate and caramel provide that sweet, indulgent twist. The salty finish from the flaky sea salt is the cherry on top, making these cookies a delightful treat.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of our cookie dough, giving it structure and a chewy texture.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps in achieving a soft and tender cookie.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Provides a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the chocolate.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melts beautifully, adding gooeyness to every bite.
• 9 soft caramels, cut in half – Infuses the cookies with a decadent caramel center.
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on cookies – The finishing touch that amplifies the sweet and salty profile.

Directions for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is a delightful adventure, and I can’t wait for you to experience it! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies in no time.

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.
2. Next, line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper, and set it aside. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. This mixture will help create a nice texture in your cookies.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar along with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 minutes. The butter should be fluffy and light in color.
5. Add in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should be glossy and thick.
6. Now, slowly mix in the dry ingredients from the first step. I like to do this gradually to avoid a flour explosion! Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
7. Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. To form the cookies, measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly with your palm.
9. Place a half of a soft caramel in the center of the dough, and wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, ensuring it is completely covered.
10. Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for them to spread as they bake.
11. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown around the edges. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
12. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Making Adjustments

While Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious as is, here are some tips for potential adjustments.

• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Just roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a bag once solid.
• Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
• Flavor variations: Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for an added crunch or chew.
• Chocolate swap: Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Great Combinations for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

When serving Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, consider the following delightful combinations:

• Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Coffee: Pair your cookies with a rich cup of coffee or espresso.
• Milk: There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of cookies and milk.
• Fruit: Complement the sweetness with fresh fruit like berries or slices of apple.
• Occasions: These cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
• Decorations: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the cooled cookies for an extra touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience that combines the best of sweet and salty flavors. I encourage you to try making them yourself. You’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create memories with family and friends around the oven.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies! Soft, chewy, and bursting with melted chocolate and gooey caramel, they're a must-try for any dessert lover. Bake a batch tonight for a sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 18 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea salt
• 3/4 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 Large egg
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 9 Soft caramels
• for sprinkling Flaky sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and beat until combined.
• Slowly mix in the dry ingredients.
• Stir in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
• Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Flatten the ball slightly with the palm of your hand and place a caramel piece in the center of the dough.
• Wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, making sure the caramel is completely covered with dough. Place on prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
• Bake cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until slightly golden brown around the edges.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

Notes

• Tip 1: For the caramels, I recommend using Trader Joe’s fleur de sel caramels for their rich flavor.
• Tip 2: You can also use Werther’s soft caramels if you prefer.
• Tip 3: Cutting the caramels in half makes them easier to wrap in the dough.
• Tip 4: If you can find Kraft caramel bits, they are a great alternative.
• Tip 5: The caramel bits are less soft and melty than traditional caramels.

Keyword chocolate chip cookies, Dessert Recipes, Easy Cookie Recipe, Salted Caramel Cookies