Stack of salted caramel chocolate chip cookies with gooey caramel center and sea salt flakes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Created on December 10th, 2025 at 03:24 pm

Sweet and salty bliss in every bite

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together two beloved flavors: rich chocolate and smooth, buttery caramel. Each bite reveals a crisp edge and a soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth. The aroma of warm chocolate mingles with the sweetness of caramel, creating an inviting scent that fills your kitchen. The light sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the sweetness while providing a sophisticated touch. Perfect for sharing or for treating yourself, these cookies blend comfort with indulgence.

Stack of salted caramel chocolate chip cookies with gooey caramel and sea salt flakes

What Makes These Cookies Special

What makes these cookies stand out is not just their delicious flavor but also their ease of preparation. The balance of sweet and salty, combined with the opposing textures of crispness and chewiness, ensures they are satisfying. The melted chocolate chips and gooey caramel create pockets of sweetness in each bite, making your taste buds dance with joy. They are the kind of cookies that feel special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for an everyday treat.

Whether served warm straight from the oven or enjoyed later in the week, these salted caramel chocolate chip cookies maintain their charm. They soften slightly but remain delicious and comforting, making them perfect for surprising guests or enjoying during a quiet evening at home with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Time Breakdown

This recipe is quick and straightforward, fitting seamlessly into your busy schedule. Most of the time involves simple preparation, with minimal hands-on effort.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients List

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

Kitchen Tools

This recipe utilizes basic kitchen tools that streamline the cooking process while ensuring consistent results.

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and cleanup. The parchment will ensure an even bake, preventing the cookies from sticking.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step combines the dry ingredients evenly, which is essential for a well-risen cookie. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes. The mixture will turn a pale golden color and become aerated, creating a tender base for your cookies.
  4. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Ensure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. The mixture should be smooth and glossy, reflecting the rich flavors of the butter and sugar.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky; perfect for adding chocolate and caramel.
  6. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and caramel sauce. This is where the magic happens; the chocolate should distribute evenly while the caramel creates luscious pockets of sweetness that will melt into the cookies as they bake.
  7. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows for spreading during baking. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma will be irresistible, filling your home with the scent of freshly baked goods.

Pro Tips

  • For an added depth of flavor, consider browning the butter before mixing it in. This enhances the nuttiness in the cookies.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container, where they will stay soft for several days.
  • To make the caramel sauce, heat sugar over medium heat until it melts completely, then add butter and cream for a homemade touch.
  • If you want extra chocolate, press a few chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie right after baking.

A Delicious Comfort Treat

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a great reminder that simple ingredients can lead to extraordinary flavors. With their perfect combination of sweetness and warmth, they are the ideal dessert for gatherings or a quiet evening at home. The gooey centers will keep you reaching for just one more. This recipe proves that comfort food can be both simple and satisfying.

What to Serve With Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pair your salted caramel chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic combination that always brings a smile. The coolness of the milk balances the richness of the cookies, enhancing the overall experience.

For an adult twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or sea salt ice cream. The contrast of warm cookies with cold ice cream creates a delightful treat, perfect for summer evenings.

If you prefer a warm beverage, consider a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a smooth latte. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, making for a sophisticated pairing. Each of these options enhances the flavors of the cookies while providing comforting accompaniments that elevate your snack time.

Nutrition Table

NutrientAmount (per serving)
Calories180 kcal
Protein2 g
Fat9 g
Carbohydrates25 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar14 g
Sodium90 mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Stack of salted caramel chocolate chip cookies with gooey caramel center and sea salt flakes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Avatar photoNina Miller
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies combine rich chocolate and smooth caramel in a delightful blend that offers both crispness and chewiness in every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour For cookie dough.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Helps cookies rise.
  • ½ tsp salt Enhances flavors.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Create a tender base.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar Sweetness.
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed Adds moisture and flavor.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Bind ingredients together.

Mix-ins

  • 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) Chocolate flavor.
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) For gooey sweetness.
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping) Enhances the flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  • Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time.

Mixing

  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chips and caramel sauce.

Baking

  • Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Optionally, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, consider browning the butter before using it. Store leftovers in an airtight container. For extra chocolate, press more chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie after baking.
Keyword Baking, Chocolate Chip, Cookies, Dessert Recipes, Salted Caramel

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