Some recipes are a celebration of simplicity and flavor, and Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are exactly that. These decadent cookies combine rich chocolate dough, gooey caramel centers, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet-and-salty treat. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy chocolate cookie only to discover a warm, melty caramel surprise inside. It’s a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests at your next gathering.

The first time I made these cookies, it was for a holiday cookie exchange. I wanted to bring something that would stand out, something that would make people say, “Wow, what is this?” As the cookies baked, the aroma of chocolate and caramel filled the kitchen, and I knew I had a winner. When I handed out the cookies, the reactions were priceless. “These are incredible!” one friend exclaimed, reaching for another. Since then, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire, a recipe I turn to whenever I need a show-stopping dessert.

These Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are a delicious twist on classic chocolate cookies. Featuring a rich chocolate dough, gooey caramel centers, and a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence, making them ideal for both weeknight baking and special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of sweet-and-salty treats or just looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert, this recipe is sure to impress

Exciting Story

The first time I served these cookies, it was during a cozy family movie night. My kids were craving something sweet, and I wanted to try a new recipe. As the cookies baked, the smell of chocolate and caramel filled the house, and my husband wandered into the kitchen, asking, “What’s that amazing smell?” I handed him a warm cookie fresh from the oven. He took one bite, and his eyes lit up. “These are incredible,” he said, reaching for another.

Since that day, these Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies have become a household favorite. My kids love helping me press the caramel into the dough, and my friends always ask for the recipe whenever I bring them to gatherings. There’s something about these cookies that feels like a warm hug—a little bite of comfort that brings people together

Why These Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Selling Points:

• Perfect Balance: Combines rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt for a flavor explosion.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute baking.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great recipe for gatherings.
• Versatile: Customize with different types of chocolate or caramel for a unique twist.

What You Need for Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 12 soft caramel candies, halved
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

How to Make Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Press a caramel half into the center of each ball, sealing the dough around it.
6. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
7. Sprinkle with Salt: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

• Use Soft Caramels: Soft caramels work best for the gooey centers. If your caramels are too hard, microwave them for a few seconds to soften.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when slightly underbaked, as they will continue to set as they cool.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before baking.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and vegan caramels.
• Different Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-Sugar: Replace the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber.
• Low-Fat: Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the butter.

Closing for Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

These Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and connection. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your batch turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze the dough in portions and bake as needed.

Can I omit the sea salt?
Of course! The cookies are delicious on their own.

How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Soft caramels work best for the gooey centers, but you can experiment with caramel sauce.

What’s the best way to drizzle the glaze?
Use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the sweet, salty flavor.

Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins.

How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Chocolate, Cookies Recipe, Dessert

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 12 soft caramel candies, halved

• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

• Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Form the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Press a caramel half into the center of each ball, sealing the dough around it.
• Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
• Sprinkle with Salt: Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.