Soft Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Imagine biting into a warm, soft cookie, the sweet chocolate chips melting in your mouth, only to be followed by a burst of smooth, rich caramel. Now, sprinkle a touch of sea salt over it, and you’ve got the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Introducing the Soft Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies—a cookie that combines the best of both worlds. These cookies are chewy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, with the caramel creating a gooey surprise in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a craving, these cookies are sure to impress everyone around the table. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so irresistible and how you can make it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Soft Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together two crowd-pleasers: salted caramel and classic chocolate chip cookies. The soft, gooey texture of the caramel perfectly complements the richness of the chocolate chips, while the hint of sea salt elevates the sweetness to create the ultimate indulgence.

Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

Soft and Chewy Texture: Thanks to the butter and brown sugar, the cookies come out of the oven soft, chewy, and perfectly thick.
Gooey Salted Caramel Center: The salted caramel filling adds an irresistible gooeyness that’s hard to beat.
Balanced Flavors: The blend of sweet chocolate, smooth caramel, and the slight saltiness from the sea salt creates an exquisite flavor profile.
Customizable: Whether you want to make them dairy-free, gluten-free, or add your own twist, this recipe is incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

Before you get started, let’s make sure you’ve got all the right ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering cookies:

🍪 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
🍬 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar
🥄 1 tsp vanilla extract
🥄 2 large eggs
🍫 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
🧂 1 tsp baking soda
🧂 1/2 tsp salt
🍫 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
🍯 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
🧂 1/2 tsp sea salt (for sprinkling)

Necessary Tools

Before you begin baking, gather the following tools to make your cookie-making experience seamless:

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer (or stand mixer)
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper (or silicone baking mats)
Cooling rack
Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform cookies)

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Butter: You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free version.
Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Caramel Sauce: Use homemade caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought one for the best results. For a richer taste, you can even use salted caramel.
Chocolate Chips: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

5. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips with a spatula or spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Form the Dough Balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and roll them between your hands to make them uniform in size. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Add the Caramel Center: Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball with your thumb. Fill each indentation with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce. Be careful not to overfill, as the caramel may ooze out during baking.

8. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the center is still slightly soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

9. Cool on a Rack: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each warm cookie for that perfect balance of salty and sweet.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: The sea salt is essential to balance out the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate chips. Don’t skip this step!

Serving Suggestions

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
With Coffee: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or milk for the perfect treat.
Gift Idea: Wrap a few cookies in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a delicious and thoughtful gift.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, place the cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their gooey center.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch)
Calories: 210
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet? Yes, dark chocolate chips will add a deeper flavor and pair well with the caramel and sea salt.
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking? Make sure not to overfill the dough with caramel, and press the dough edges tightly around the caramel before baking.
Can I make these cookies without the caramel filling? Absolutely! You can make them as regular salted chocolate chip cookies if you prefer.
What’s the best way to add more caramel flavor? Try drizzling extra caramel sauce on top of the cookies after they’ve cooled for an added caramel boost.

Conclusion

These Soft Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of rich caramel, sweet chocolate, and the perfect touch of sea salt makes them impossible to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm drink, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging in a sweet snack, these cookies will satisfy your cravings every time. Don’t wait—bake a batch today and treat yourself to the ultimate cookie experience!