If you have a sweet tooth with a passion for rich, indulgent flavors then this Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to treat. Imagine the perfect balance of deeply chocolatey cookie dough, pockets of gooey caramel chips, and that finishing sprinkle of sea salt that just takes the flavor over the top. These cookies offer a wonderfully chewy texture partnered with a burst of sweet and salty delight in every bite. Whether you bake them for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself, this recipe brings all the comforting warmth and excitement of homemade cookies to your kitchen in a surprisingly simple way.

Nine dark brown chocolate cookies are arranged neatly on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a cracked, slightly rough texture with large melted dark chocolate chunks embedded on the top layer. Drizzled thick lines of light brown peanut butter sauce streak across the cookies unevenly, adding a shiny, smooth contrast to the matte cookie surface. A few flakes of coarse white salt are scattered on top of each cookie, catching light and adding a subtle sparkle to the rich dark tones photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s bursting with flavor and amazing texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the cocoa powder giving depth and richness, to the salted caramel chips balancing sweetness and saltiness perfectly.

1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds the cookie together with the perfect chewy texture.
0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich, deep chocolate flavor essential to these cookies.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right for a tender crumb.
0.25 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially if you use sea salt for a subtle mineral kick.
0.5 cups unsalted butter: At room temperature for smooth mixing and rich mouthfeel.
0.75 cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and crunch without overpowering.
0.75 cups light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a touch of caramel flavor for depth.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the soft texture—room temperature is best.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla brings warmth and enhances the chocolate’s nuances.
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: Melts into decadent pockets of chocolate; milk chocolate will make them sweeter.
1 cup caramel flavored baking chips: For that luscious caramel surprise in every bite.
Pinch sea salt flakes (optional): A sprinkle on top elevates the overall flavor with a perfect salty finish.
Caramel sauce or dulce de leche: Optional but ideal for drizzling and adding extra indulgence.

How to Make Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Then, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agent and salt, ensuring a perfectly risen cookie with balanced flavor.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale. This process aerates the dough, giving your cookies a tender and pleasant texture once baked. It’s the foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 3: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to keep that smooth, creamy batter. Follow up with vanilla extract, which lends a subtle aromatic sweetness that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet batter, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. This careful mixing ensures your cookies remain tender and chewy, not tough or dense.

Step 5: Folding in Chocolate and Caramel Chips

Now the fun begins—gently fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips. This is what makes the Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe stand out: every cookie is studded with pockets of rich chocolate and sweet, buttery caramel waiting to surprise your taste buds.

Step 6: Baking with a Salted Finish

Drop rounded balls of dough spaced about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheets to allow room for spreading. Sprinkle each mound with a pinch of sea salt flakes, the secret ingredient that perfectly balances the sweetness. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool slightly—the residual heat melts the chips perfectly and offers the ideal gooey texture.

Step 7: Optional Caramel Drizzle

For a luxe finish, drizzle caramel sauce or dulce de leche over the cookies while still slightly warm. This extra touch adds a glossy shine and a hint of sticky sweetness that makes these cookies truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Don’t skip the simple yet magical sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop these cookies after baking. It’s a little flourish that amps up the salty-sweet contrast. You can also dust with a tiny bit of cocoa powder or even add a few chopped toasted nuts for some crunch if you’d like to get creative.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a rich hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert experience. The creamy sides complement the deep chocolate and caramel flavors, making each bite even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe stacked on a quaint wooden board for rustic charm or arrange them in a jar wrapped with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. You can also sandwich a dollop of caramel-flavored cream or chocolate ganache between two cookies for an irresistible twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay deliciously soft and chewy for up to five days, making them perfect for a week of snacking or sharing with guests.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked sensation with melty chocolate and soft centers.

FAQs

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Using a gluten-free baking blend works well and will still yield delicious results. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder to replicate the texture of traditional flour.

What if I can’t find caramel baking chips?

No worries! You can substitute with extra chocolate chips or chop up soft caramels before folding them into the dough. The key is to maintain those pockets of caramel flavor within the cookie.

How important is the sea salt in this recipe?

Sea salt is a game-changer here. It enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors while cutting through the sweetness to create a true balance that makes these cookies so addictive. Using flaky sea salt on top is highly recommended.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some tweaks, yes! Substitute the butter for a vegan alternative, use flax eggs or another egg replacement, and choose vegan chocolate and caramel chips. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.

How do I store leftover cookies to keep them fresh?

Store your leftover Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. For extra softness, add a slice of bread inside the container to retain moisture without making cookies soggy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of chocolate and salted caramel that never fails to impress, which is exactly why I adore this Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight baking adventure but decadent enough to share as a gift or treat at any celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon – your taste buds will thank you for the rich, gooey joy in every bite.

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe