Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies – The Ultimate Cookie Experience!
If you’re a cookie lover looking for the perfect combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and gooey, then stop everything you’re doing. This recipe is not just another cookie recipe — it’s a game-changer. These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft in the center, slightly crispy around the edges, bursting with rich chocolate and pockets of melty caramel, and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes the flavor over the top.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just craving something indulgent with your afternoon coffee, these cookies will impress anyone who tries them. This is the kind of recipe that turns casual bakers into cookie legends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (dark, milk, or semi-sweet)
- 1 cup caramel bits or 12 soft caramels, chopped into small pieces
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer. This step helps create that perfect soft-but-chewy cookie texture.
3. Add eggs and vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. You should now have a smooth, creamy base.
4. Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix — that can lead to tough cookies!
5. Stir in the goodies:
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped caramel bits using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.
6. Scoop and space:
Use a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread as they bake.
7. Bake to perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft — that’s what gives them that gooey texture once they cool.
8. Add the magic touch:
Right after taking them out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each warm cookie. This enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors and gives the cookies a beautiful gourmet finish.
9. Cool and serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Or enjoy one warm while the chocolate is still melted — we won’t judge!
Expert Tips:
- Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spread and intensifies flavor.
- Mix up the chocolate: Try using a combo of dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate chips for a deeper flavor profile.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days — if they last that long! You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies:
- The sweet and salty combo is irresistible.
- The texture is soft, gooey, and chewy — everything you want in a cookie.
- They look and taste like something you’d buy at a high-end bakery.
- They’re easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for guests.
- Perfect for gifting, holidays, bake sales, or when you just want a cookie that makes people go “WOW.”