Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min

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Intro

There’s something about walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies that just warms the heart. A few weeks ago, I decided to experiment with a twist on a classic favorite, and that’s how my Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe came to life.

Imagine biting into a cookie where soft, chewy chocolate chips melt perfectly alongside pockets of gooey salted caramel, all wrapped in a tender, golden-brown dough. That first bite? Pure magic.

It’s the kind of treat that makes you pause, savor the flavor, and maybe even close your eyes for a moment because it’s just that good. This is not just any cookie—it’s a cookie that feels like a warm hug.

What is Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies?

So, what makes Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies stand out from your regular chocolate chip cookie? First, let’s talk flavor: you’ve got the classic sweetness of chocolate chips, the rich, buttery undertones of caramel, and just a hint of sea salt that elevates every bite.

The texture is equally irresistible—slightly crisp edges that give way to a soft, chewy center, where caramel oozes luxuriously and chocolate pools in melty delight.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a little sweet-and-salty combo, but also craves that homemade comfort.

Unlike store-bought cookies, these are crafted with care, and every ingredient shines through. From the smooth, velvety butter to the slightly coarse, golden brown sugar, every detail matters.

Equipment List

Before you dive in, here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of these heavenly cookies:

Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet(s)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Saucepan (if making homemade caramel)

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into our Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups (270g) chocolate chips
1 cup (240ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. I always take a moment here to inhale—the smell of warm vanilla in the air will make your kitchen feel like a bakery.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. The aroma of the butter and sugar blending is intoxicating—it’s the promise of delicious cookies to come.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract. Your batter will start to look smooth, rich, and slightly glossy. At this stage, tasting a tiny bit of the batter is almost irresistible (just a tiny one, I promise).

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies have an even texture and perfect rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these soft and chewy. The dough will feel slightly sticky—perfect!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, letting them nestle into the dough. The sight of chocolate scattered throughout is incredibly satisfying and a sign that happiness is about to happen.

Step 7: Scoop & Caramelize

Using a cookie scoop, portion dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Now, spoon a small dollop of caramel sauce onto the center of each cookie, folding a little of the dough over if you like a gooey caramel center. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt—this step really brings out that sweet-and-salty magic.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure bliss, and it’s okay to sneak a peek (or two).

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the cookies to set while keeping that indulgent caramel melty. Now, grab one, take a bite, and let the chocolate and caramel dance on your taste buds.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? A: Yes! While homemade caramel adds a personal touch, store-bought works perfectly for a quick, easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Q: Can I freeze the cookies? A: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Extra Tips & Tricks

Chocolate Variety: Try a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
Caramel Tips: If your caramel sauce is too runny, chill it slightly before adding it to the cookie dough to prevent it from spreading too much.
Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch.
Presentation: Drizzle a little extra caramel over cooled cookies and sprinkle with sea salt for a bakery-style touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies isn’t just about creating a dessert—it’s about creating moments. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon, a cozy night in, or a special occasion, these cookies bring warmth and happiness.

Each bite tells a story: sweet, salty, melty, and comforting. They’re the kind of cookies that friends request over and over again, and family waits eagerly for the aroma to fill the house.

Baking is an act of love, and this classic Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is a perfect example. It’s approachable enough for beginners but still special enough to impress even the most discerning cookie lover.

Homemade, warm, and indulgent, these cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little slice of happiness.

So, preheat that oven, pull out your mixing bowls, and let the buttery, chocolatey, caramel-filled magic begin. Once you take that first bite, I promise you’ll be hooked, just like I was the first time I made them.

Your kitchen will smell like heaven, and your heart will feel full. Enjoy every gooey, chocolate-studded, caramel-drizzled bite!