Easy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet

If you’re craving a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with rich flavor, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat. Combining the classic indulgence of chocolate chips with sweet caramel bits and a hint of sea salt, these cookies are perfect for dessert, snack time, or gifting. The Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make, come together in under 30 minutes, and have a perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough and gooey caramel. With chewy centers, slightly crisp edges, and pockets of melted chocolate and caramel, each bite delivers a luxurious flavor experience. This recipe is ideal for cookie lovers looking for a simple homemade treat with elevated flavor. Serve them warm from the oven for the best gooey texture, or store them for a soft, chewy snack any time. Whether for family, friends, or special occasions, these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are guaranteed to impress with their irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and salt.

Introduction

Cookies have a way of bringing people together, and these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are no exception. The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the desire to combine two classic flavors—rich chocolate and sweet caramel—while adding a touch of sea salt to enhance the overall taste. The sea salt creates a subtle contrast to the sweetness, making each bite perfectly balanced.

These cookies are versatile and easy to make, perfect for any occasion, from holiday cookie exchanges to a cozy weeknight dessert. Unlike other recipes that may require complicated techniques or ingredients, this one is simple yet indulgent. With just a few pantry staples and some high-quality chocolate and caramel bits, you can create cookies that rival bakery favorites. The chewy centers and golden edges make them both comforting and decadent.

This recipe stands out because it combines simplicity, flavor, and texture in a way that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether served on a plate at a party or packed in a lunchbox, these cookies are universally loved. The addition of a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking elevates the flavor profile and adds a professional touch, making your homemade cookies taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ease: Simple steps with no complicated techniques.
• Flavor: Sweet caramel bits and rich chocolate chips perfectly balance with buttery dough.
• Texture: Soft and chewy centers with slightly crisp edges.
• Family Appeal: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings.
• Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Beginner-Friendly: Easy to follow for first-time cookie bakers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 24 cookies

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened – creates rich, tender cookie dough.
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 3/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed – enhances chewiness and adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract – provides aromatic sweetness.
• 2 Large Eggs – binds ingredients and contributes to a chewy texture.
• 2 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour – forms the structure of the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda – allows cookies to rise slightly while keeping centers soft.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt – enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips – adds pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
• 1 cup Caramel Bits – provides sweet, gooey caramel throughout the cookies.
• Sea Salt, to taste – sprinkled on top for flavor contrast and visual appeal.

Functional Notes:

• Butter: Softened butter helps create a soft, chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Retains moisture and adds caramel undertones.
• Caramel Bits: Provide sweet, melty pockets of flavor that complement chocolate.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the flavor profile.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Mixing Bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Baking Sheet – for evenly baking cookies.
• Parchment Paper – prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Cookie Scoop – for uniform-sized cookies.
• Whisk – to mix dry ingredients evenly.
• Spatula – for folding chocolate chips and caramel bits into the dough.

Optional Tools:

• Cooling Rack – to allow cookies to cool completely and prevent sogginess.
• Silicone Baking Mat – alternative to parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft texture.
6. Fold in Chocolate and Caramel: Gently fold in 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup caramel bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
8. Add Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are set.
10. Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with pockets of melted chocolate and caramel in every bite.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Recipe is already vegetarian.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter and chocolate chips with dairy-free alternatives.
• Extra Caramel: Add more caramel bits for gooier cookies.
• Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips to adjust sweetness.
• Nuts: Optional: fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.

Flavor Profile

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver rich, buttery flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The cookie centers are soft and chewy, while the edges are slightly crisp for texture contrast. Chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets, while caramel bits create sweet, sticky bites. Sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors, providing a subtle complexity. Each cookie has a rich, indulgent aroma of butter, vanilla, and baked chocolate, making them irresistible fresh from the oven.

Nutritional Overview

Per Serving (1 cookie):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g

Dietary Considerations: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations possible.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep Early: Mix dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for thicker cookies.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
• Reheating: Serve warm from the oven or microwave for a few seconds to soften chocolate and caramel.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel candies instead of caramel bits?
Yes, chop them into small pieces before adding to the dough.

2. How do I keep cookies soft?
Do not overbake; remove them when edges are lightly golden and centers set.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes, use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips depending on preference.

5. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes, adjust baking time slightly depending on cookie size.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Bake Time	10–12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes
Servings	24 cookies

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm for gooey chocolate and caramel.
• Arrange on a platter for parties or gatherings.
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
• Gift in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holidays or celebrations.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Salted Caramel Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
2. Double Chocolate Caramel Cookies: Use dark chocolate chips and cocoa powder for richer flavor.
3. Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized cookies for parties or snacks.
4. Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted caramel over cooled cookies for extra indulgence.

Ingredient Spotlight

Caramel Bits: Add pockets of sweet, gooey flavor throughout cookies; choose high-quality caramel for best results.

Sea Salt: Enhances sweetness and chocolate flavor; finishing sprinkle adds gourmet touch.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for easier creaming with sugars.
• Do not overmix dough to maintain soft, chewy texture.
• Space cookies 2 inches apart to prevent spreading together.
• Slightly underbake for softer centers; cookies continue to firm as they cool.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room Temperature: 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Dough balls freeze up to 2 months; baked cookies freeze up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Microwave for 5–10 seconds to soften chocolate and caramel.
• What Not to Freeze: Do not freeze cookies with caramel drizzle added; add after thawing.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	4g
Carbs	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	1g

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations possible.

Expanded Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic indulgence elevated with sweet caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Chewy centers, golden edges, gooey chocolate, and caramel bites make them irresistible. Perfect for family, friends, or holiday gifting, they’re quick, easy, and beginner-friendly. Make a batch today, serve warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness. Save this recipe, share it, and make these cookies a new favorite for every occasion.

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