Best salted caramel chocolate chip cookies
Craving the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat? These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a hint of sea salt. With crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are an irresistible indulgence for any chocolate and caramel lover. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List
Cookie Dough Ingredients
2 and 1/4 cups (281 g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 and 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170 g) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup (150 g) light brown sugar, loosely packed
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (180 g) chocolate chips
15 Rolo candies (or other chocolate-coated caramel), unwrapped and cut in half
Coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Required Kitchen Tools
Baking cookies is easier when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what I always keep ready for perfect salted caramel chocolate chip cookies:
Mixing Bowls – Separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients keep the dough smooth and easy to manage.
Hand or Stand Mixer – I love using a stand mixer for thorough mixing, but a hand mixer works just as well.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accurate measurement is key, especially for flour and sugar.
Baking Sheets – Sturdy sheets lined with parchment paper prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cooling Rack – Let cookies cool completely to maintain that chewy center while the edges stay crisp.
Cookie Scoop – Helps make perfectly sized and uniform cookies every time.
Having these tools ready ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.
Dough Preparation
Mixing the Ingredients
To start, I combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. In a separate bowl, I mix the melted butter with both sugars until smooth and slightly glossy. Then, I whisk in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Finally, I gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, which keeps the cookies tender.
Adding Chocolate Chips and Caramel
Once the dough is ready, I fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping. Then I carefully press in the Rolo pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These little pockets of caramel will melt beautifully during baking, creating a gooey surprise in every bite.
Shaping the Cookies
Shaping the cookies is one of my favorite parts because it’s where the magic starts to show:
Scoop Dough: I use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to portion out the dough.
Add Extra Toppings: I press a few chocolate chips and half a Rolo on top of each cookie for a visually appealing finish.
Sprinkle Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of coarse or flaky sea salt on top enhances the caramel flavor and balances the sweetness.
This step ensures every cookie is perfectly sized and irresistibly inviting.
Baking the Cookies
Oven Temperature and Timing
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the baking sheet in the center of the oven. I bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The edges should be golden brown while the center still looks slightly soft.
Once baked, I remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly while keeping the center delightfully chewy.
Serving and Decoration
Tips for Presentation
For the perfect indulgent treat, I serve these cookies slightly warm. The chocolate is melty, and the caramel is perfectly gooey. Additional touches I love:
Extra Sea Salt: A small pinch right before serving accentuates the sweet-and-salty balance.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melted chocolate drizzled over cooled cookies makes them look bakery-worthy.
Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent experience.
These small touches make every bite feel luxurious.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Cookies Fresh
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To maintain their softness, I place a slice of bread in the container; it helps keep the cookies moist.
Freezing Cookies
These cookies freeze beautifully. I place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I warm them in the oven for 5 minutes, bringing back that fresh-baked experience.
Conclusion
Baking Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies is a delightful experience that rewards you with sweet, gooey perfection every time. The combination of rich chocolate, soft caramel, and a hint of sea salt creates a treat that’s impossible to resist. With simple steps and a few careful touches, you can create cookies that look and taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. So preheat that oven, scoop out that dough, and enjoy the magic of homemade salted caramel chocolate chip cookies!
