If you have a soft spot for decadent treats that combine the richness of chocolate with a luscious, gooey surprise, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe. Every bite delivers that perfect balance between bittersweet cocoa, melty caramel pockets, and a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates the flavor to a whole new level. These cookies are the ultimate game-changer for anyone craving a homemade dessert that feels indulgent yet deeply comforting, and once you make them you’ll understand why this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my collection.

A close-up view of two thick chocolate cookies stacked on top of each other, with the top cookie broken open to reveal a smooth, shiny caramel layer that stretches and drips softly from the inside. The cookies have a rich, dark brown color with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. Small grains of salt are sprinkled on top of the caramel, adding contrast. The background and surface show a white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. A blurred glass of milk can be seen in the background, adding to the cozy, sweet feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a key role in creating the rich flavor and irresistibly soft texture you’re after. From the creamy butter to the touch of sea salt that finishes them off, every element comes together beautifully.

Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened for creamy texture and rich flavor without overpowering saltiness.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie chewiness.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the dough.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The foundation for structure and the perfect cookie crumb.
Cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Brings that irresistible rich chocolate flavor to each bite.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender, soft result.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights the chocolate notes.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty bursts of chocolate that add extra dimension.
Soft caramel candies (12), cut into small pieces: The star surprise inside each cookie for gooey, sweet centers.
Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling): A finishing touch that brings out all the flavors brilliantly.

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first: set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dough is perfectly mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and stops your cookies from sticking, ensuring every one has that perfect golden base.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, leading to soft, tender cookies. Once mixed, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smoothly combined and you have a luscious base to build on.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients well before adding ensures an even distribution and avoids pockets of dry flour or clumps of cocoa. Gradually add the dry mix into your wet bowl, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it light!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the chocolate chip heaven: gently fold them into your dough for an even, melty chocolate presence in each bite. This step creates those classic bursts of chocolate that pair wonderfully with the rich cocoa in the dough itself.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Surprises

This is the magic part: scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and flatten them slightly. Place a small piece of caramel candy in the center of each, then carefully roll the dough back into a ball, fully encasing the caramel. This way, when baked, the caramel melts into a luscious, gooey center that will make these cookies absolutely unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your dough balls spaced out on the parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. This timing ensures the cookies stay tender while giving the caramel inside a chance to melt to perfection.

Step 7: Finish with Sea Salt

Right after you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on each one. This final step might seem small, but it transforms the overall flavor by highlighting the sweetness and deep chocolate notes, adding a subtle crunch and that signature salty-sweet combo we all crave.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

If you want to make your cookies even more enticing, consider a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra decadence. A few extra sea salt flakes on top right before serving add a gourmet touch that will wow guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of strong coffee. Each accompaniment brings out a different aspect of their chocolate-caramel-salted flavor profile, making snack or dessert time a whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not elevate your cookie presentation by stacking them on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of caramel sauce and chocolate chips? Or wrap them individually in parchment tied with twine for gifting—these cookies are perfect for sharing a little joy with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their softness. If you can, place a piece of bread alongside them inside the container to help retain moisture and keep them wonderfully chewy.

Freezing

If you’d like to prepare ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy that fresh-baked taste once again.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, pop your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or heat them in a low oven for a few minutes. This reactivates the melty caramel center and softens the cookie, making every bite as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

While you can use salted butter, it’s best to stick with unsalted so you control the salt level precisely, especially since sea salt flakes are added on top to balance the flavors.

What kind of caramel candies work best?

Soft caramel candies are ideal because they melt nicely inside the cookie, creating that gooey center. Avoid hard candies as they won’t melt properly and can be tough to eat.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips bring a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that complements the salted caramel wonderfully. Just keep in mind the bitterness may increase slightly.

How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to fully enclose the caramel pieces within the dough and seal the edges by rolling the dough carefully back into a ball. Slightly flattening the dough before adding caramel also helps with better coverage.

Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

They are perfectly chewy with soft centers due to the caramel and balanced baking time. The edges have a slight crispness, but overall the texture leans toward tender and gooey—exactly what you want from a chocolate caramel cookie.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly comforting and joyful about baking these Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe from scratch. The blend of flavors, textures, and that satisfying salty-sweet finish make them an absolute winner whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging solo. Give this recipe a go and prepare to have your new favorite cookie on repeat—you’re going to want to savor every single bite!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe