Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet and salty goodness of caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends. With their thick, soft texture and gooey centers, they stand out as an irresistible dessert option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just one bowl and require minimal prep time.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of dark brown sugar, chocolate chips, and caramel creates a luscious taste experience.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, holidays, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit any occasion perfectly.
• Soft and Chewy: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers with each bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dough in advance and freeze for fresh-baked cookies whenever you want.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Use this tool to ensure your butter and sugars are well combined for a smooth dough.
• Baking Sheets: A quality baking sheet ensures even baking for perfectly golden cookies.

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Ingredients

To make these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 14.5 tbsp salted butter, melted & cooled slightly (206 grams)
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed (163 grams)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar (156 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed (390 grams)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Add-ins

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 35 pieces Werther’s soft caramels

How to Make Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Caramels

Unwrap your caramels, leaving 15 whole for stuffing inside the cookies. Slice the remaining caramels into 2-3 pieces each, which will be used on top of the cookies.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Whisk in both sugars until well combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and eggs; whisk until smooth (about 30-60 seconds).
4. Stir in dry ingredients until a dough forms; it may seem crumbly at first but keep mixing until it comes together.
5. Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips last.

Step 3: Rest the Dough

Place your dough in the fridge or freezer to rest for just 20 minutes. This helps improve texture before scooping.

Step 4: Prep Cookie Dough Balls

1. Form balls with about 90 grams of dough each.
2. Flatten each ball slightly, place a whole caramel candy in the center, then encase it with dough.
3. Press sliced caramel pieces on top alongside extra chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C).
2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and place 5-6 cookie dough balls on each sheet, allowing space for spreading.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers appear slightly underdone.
4. Use a round cutter around each cookie immediately after baking to shape them into perfect circles.

Step 6: Serve + Store

Allow cookies to cool on pans until warm but not hot before enjoying! Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to five days or longer in the fridge.

Step 7: Freezing Cookie Dough

Once scooped into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet covered with a kitchen towel until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen following original instructions.

Enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Their rich flavor and gooey texture make them a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances their sweetness.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Sandwich your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert that’s bound to impress.

Warmed with a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

• Heat the cookies slightly and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and decadence.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea, balancing the rich flavors with a comforting beverage.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts for an inviting display at parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, follow these handy tips for baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill Briefly: A short chill time of 20 minutes helps improve the cookie structure without requiring hours of waiting.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense cookies.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out.

• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich flavor that complements the caramel.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Enhance your dessert experience by serving these delicious side dishes alongside your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of these cookies, creating a delightful contrast.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding freshness and color to your dessert table.

3. Whipped Cream
   Fluffy whipped cream served on the side provides a light, airy complement to the dense richness of the cookies.

4. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   The combination of fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate offers both elegance and additional sweetness to enjoy alongside your cookies.

5. Nutty Trail Mix
   A crunchy nut mix gives texture and saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, gooey cookies.

6. Cheese Platter
   Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese with crackers for an unexpected savory element to balance out the dessert’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect cookies every time.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and melted butter. This ensures that your cookie dough mixes evenly, resulting in a better texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, as it develops the gluten in the flour too much.
• Skipping the chilling step: While this recipe allows for a short chill, don’t skip it entirely. Chilling helps the flavors meld and results in a thicker cookie.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method or weigh your flour. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They may look underdone in the center but will firm up as they cool.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
• Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag or container.
• Store frozen cookie dough for 2-3 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and the centers may look slightly underdone. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I add nuts to my salted caramel chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans are great additions for extra crunch and flavor.

What can I use instead of Werther’s soft caramels?

Feel free to use any soft caramel candies that you prefer or even homemade caramel if you have a recipe!

How long does it take for these cookies to cool?

Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts, using different chocolates, or even experimenting with flavored extracts. Try this recipe today and enjoy warm, gooey perfection!