salted caramel chocolate chip cookies

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these irresistible salted caramel chocolate chip cookies.

Each bite features a buttery cookie studded with rich chocolate chips and a gooey caramel center, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

These cookies offer an elevated twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, making them perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving something extraordinarily delicious.

Ingredients List

Cookie Base

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix-ins and Toppings

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 9 soft caramels (cut in half)
• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing these decadent cookies, having the right tools will ensure success:

1. Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar to the perfect consistency
2. Large Baking Sheets: For even baking and proper spacing
3. Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking
4. Mixing Bowls: For combining dry ingredients
5. Wire Cooling Rack: For proper cooling
6. Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: For consistent cookie sizing

Dough Preparation

Creating the perfect cookie dough is crucial for achieving the ideal texture and flavor balance in these salted caramel chocolate chip cookies.

Mixing the Ingredients

The key to perfect cookies lies in the proper mixing technique and order of ingredients:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients
   • In a large bowl, whisk together:
     • All-purpose flour
     • Cornstarch (creates tender cookies)
     • Baking soda
     • Sea salt
   • Set this mixture aside
2. Cream Wet Ingredients
   • Using your stand mixer or hand mixer:
     • Beat room temperature butter until creamy (about 30 seconds)
     • Add both brown and granulated sugars
     • Cream together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes)
     • Add egg and vanilla extract
     • Beat until well combined and smooth
3. Combine Wet and Dry
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture
   • Mix on low speed until just combined
   • Be careful not to overmix
   • Fold in chocolate chips gently

Dough Consistency Tips

• The dough should be slightly firm but workable
• If too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes
• Room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing
• Scrape down bowl sides frequently while mixing

Cookie Assembly and Baking

Shaping the Cookies

1. Prepare Baking Sheets
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper
   • Ensure oven rack is in the middle position
2. Form Cookie Balls
   • Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie
   • Roll into uniform balls
   • Flatten each ball slightly with your palm
   • Create a small indent in the center
3. Add Caramel Centers
   • Place half a caramel piece in the center of each flattened cookie
   • Carefully wrap the dough around the caramel
   • Ensure caramel is completely covered
   • Roll again to seal completely

Baking Instructions

1. Cookie Placement
   • Space cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets
   • Work in batches if needed
   • Avoid overcrowding
2. Baking Time and Temperature
   • Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes
   • Look for these signs of doneness:
     • Slightly golden brown edges
     • Centers should look slightly underbaked
     • Edges should be set
3. Finishing Touches
   • Remove from oven
   • Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt
   • Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes
   • Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

1. Temperature Recommendations
   • Serve slightly warm for gooey caramel centers
   • Allow to cool completely for firmer texture
   • Can be gently reheated for 10 seconds in microwave
2. Perfect Pairings
   • Cold glass of milk
   • Hot coffee or espresso
   • Vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches
   • Drizzle of extra caramel sauce

Storage Instructions

1. Room Temperature Storage
   • Store in airtight container
   • Place wax paper between layers
   • Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
   • Maintain at room temperature for best texture
2. Freezing Options
   • Baked cookies:
     • Freeze in airtight container up to 3 months
     • Thaw at room temperature
   • Cookie dough:
     • Form into balls (without caramel)
     • Freeze on baking sheet until solid
     • Transfer to freezer bag
     • Store up to 3 months
     • Add caramel when ready to bake

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

• If caramel leaks, let cookies cool completely before moving
• For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate
• Ensure butter is truly room temperature for best results
• Don’t overbake – cookies will firm up while cooling
• For perfectly round cookies, use a round cookie cutter to shape them while still warm

Conclusion

Mastering these salted caramel chocolate chip cookies brings together the best of classic cookie baking with an elevated twist. The combination of gooey caramel centers, rich chocolate chips, and that perfect sprinkle of sea salt creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

The key to success lies in paying attention to the small details – from room temperature ingredients to proper dough chilling, and careful caramel wrapping.

While they require a bit more effort than traditional chocolate chip cookies, the extra steps are well worth the reward. The surprise caramel center and perfect balance of sweet and salty make these cookies truly special.