These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies combine two irresistible flavors: rich chocolate and sweet caramel, topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Each bite offers a chewy, indulgent treat with gooey caramel bits and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips. The addition of sea salt elevates the cookies, enhancing the depth of the caramel and chocolate while adding a sophisticated twist. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

Not only are these cookies delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients like butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and the star ingredients—caramel bits and chocolate chips—these cookies are sure to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting homemade treats, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are guaranteed to please anyone with a love for decadent sweets. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best cookies you’ll ever bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The chocolate cookie dough is rich and indulgent, while the caramel bits bring a gooey, chewy texture with each bite. Topping them with flaky sea salt adds an unexpected twist that makes each cookie even more irresistible. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate cookies or enjoy the combination of sweet and salty, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to enjoy these delightful treats.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel bits
Flaky sea salt

Variations

Add Nuts: Enhance the flavor and texture by adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough.
White Chocolate Chips: For a lighter touch, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.
Toffee Bits: Replace caramel bits with toffee bits for an extra crunch and buttery flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the dough for a unique spiced version of the cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Add Sea Salt

Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball to enhance the flavor and add a touch of salty crunch.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to cook as they cool.

Step 10: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet mixture, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to make scooping easier and to help the cookies hold their shape.
Check for Doneness: For the perfect chewy texture, take the cookies out of the oven while the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can even chop up a chocolate bar for larger chunks of chocolate.

How to Serve

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate. Serve them as an after-dinner treat, during a holiday gathering, or as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. They can also be packaged in a box or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The caramel bits will keep the cookies chewy and delicious for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly onto the baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to warm them up and soften the caramel.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to compensate for the salt in the butter.

2. Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.

3. What if I don’t have caramel bits?

You can substitute caramel bits with chopped caramel squares or soft caramel candies, or you can use toffee bits for a different flavor.

4. Can I chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading too much during baking.

5. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.

6. Can I add more caramel bits?

Yes, feel free to add more caramel bits for an extra gooey texture in each bite.

7. Can I use a different sweetener?

If you’d like to use a sugar substitute, you can try coconut sugar or a low-carb sweetener like erythritol, though this may affect the final texture slightly.

8. How can I make the cookies crispier?

To achieve a crispier texture, bake the cookies a little longer, but be careful not to overbake them and make them too dry.

9. Can I use mini chocolate chips?

Yes, mini chocolate chips can work well and create a more evenly distributed chocolate flavor in each cookie.

10. How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe will yield approximately 12-14 cookies, depending on the size of the dough scoops.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet caramel, elevated with a touch of flaky sea salt. With an easy-to-follow recipe and simple ingredients, these cookies are a great choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special treat or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will satisfy your dessert needs with every bite. The contrast between the chewy texture, melted chocolate, and gooey caramel makes them a true delight for any cookie lover!