Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a decadent dessert that combines rich, chocolatey goodness with the irresistible sweetness of caramel, all balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt. These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with a gooey caramel center that oozes with every bite. The contrast of salty and sweet makes them a crowd-pleaser and a perfect treat for anyone who loves bold, indulgent flavors.

I remember the first time I made these cookies for a family gathering. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and sea salt filled the kitchen with an amazing aroma, and they were gone in no time. What’s so great about these cookies is that they’re surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a truly indulgent treat that feels fancy but is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re making them for a special event or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to be a hit! The gooey caramel center and the sweet-salty combination make each bite irresistible, and everyone will be coming back for more.

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Holiday baking
• Afternoon tea
• Gifting
• Chocolate and caramel lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Here’s why Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, with a gooey caramel center that makes them extra indulgent.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa in the dough and the chocolate chips give these cookies a deep, satisfying chocolate flavor.
• Sweet and Salty Combination: The combination of rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt brings out the sweetness and creates a perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Make: Despite their indulgent taste, these cookies are simple to prepare and come together in no time.
• Impressive and Delicious: The gooey caramel center and salt topping make these cookies look as good as they taste, perfect for impressing guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 12-14 soft caramel candies (cut into pieces)
• 1-2 teaspoons coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor that makes these cookies extra indulgent.
• Caramel Candies: Soft caramel candies add a chewy, gooey center to each cookie, creating a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie enhances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a sophisticated salty contrast.
• Butter: Butter gives these cookies a rich, tender texture and helps achieve that chewy consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Add the Caramel Centers: Press a piece of caramel candy into the center of each cookie dough ball. Make sure the caramel is fully covered by the dough to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
10. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: As soon as the cookies are out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each one while they’re still warm.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

This recipe are perfect for serving on various occasions:

• With a Hot Beverage: Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.
• As a Dessert Plate: Arrange the cookies on a dessert plate with other treats like brownies or fruit for a beautiful spread.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or any celebration where you want to impress with a delicious, decadent treat.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar for a sweet homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe are perfect every time:

• Use Soft Caramel Candies: Make sure to use soft caramel candies that melt well and create that gooey center. Hard caramels won’t provide the same result.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before scooping.
• Check for Doneness: These cookies should have set edges but still look soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
• Use Good-Quality Chocolate Chips: For the best flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate.
• Add Extra Caramel: If you want extra gooeyness, you can add a small drizzle of caramel sauce on top of the baked cookies before serving.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

• Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor instead of semi-sweet.
• Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Swap in dark chocolate chips for a more intense, bittersweet flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty twist.
• Caramel Swirl Cookies: Instead of caramel candies, swirl caramel sauce into the dough for a more caramelized flavor.
• Choco-Coconut Salted Caramel Cookies: Add shredded coconut along with the chocolate chips for a tropical touch.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Substitute dairy-free butter and caramel candies for a vegan version of these cookies.
• Salted Caramel Chip Cookies: Add caramel chips along with chocolate chips for an extra burst of caramel flavor.
• Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Add chocolate chunks to the dough along with the chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey cookie.

Freezing and Storage for Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop to create evenly sized dough balls for consistent baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure the best results for your cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?
   Yes, you can swirl caramel sauce into the dough, but the texture of the cookies will be different from using caramel candies.
2. Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
   Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
3. Can I use salted caramel candies?
   Yes, salted caramel candies work great in these cookies and enhance the salty-sweet contrast.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies will have set edges and a slightly soft center. They will firm up as they cool.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are the ultimate sweet and salty treat, with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a dash of sea salt. These cookies are indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

This recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious, ideal for everything from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. With their irresistible combination of sweet and salty, these cookies will be the highlight of any dessert table.

I’d love to see how your Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!