Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There’s just something magical about biting into one of these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies: the chocolate chips melt just so, the pockets of gooey caramel stretch with every bite, and a hint of flaky sea salt on top makes every flavor pop. This recipe doesn’t hold back on decadence, and yet, it’s a breeze to pull together! Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply want to fill your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of homemade cookies, Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies always deliver comfort and joy in every chewy, buttery, sweet-salty mouthful.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies use a lineup of simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving that signature soft and chewy texture. Trust me, you won’t want to skip a single item if you want your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies to truly shine.

• All-purpose flour: This provides structure and a tender bite, making sure your cookies aren’t too cakey or too flat.
• Baking soda: The secret to that perfect rise and gentle chew, keeping the cookies light.
• Salt: Essential for balancing all the sweetness and deepening the flavors.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Say hello to rich, buttery notes and that irresistible chewy crumb.
• Brown sugar (packed): Brings a caramel undertone that boosts both flavor and moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Lends classic sweetness and helps with those crisp, golden edges.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and adds tender texture.
• Large egg yolk: Adds just the right touch of richness and makes each cookie extra chewy.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and amps up the aroma.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic chocolate note you crave, melting beautifully into every bite.
• Caramel bits or soft caramel candies (cut into pieces): The heart and soul of these cookies, bringing those dreamy caramel pockets.
• Flaked sea salt (optional, for topping): A light sprinkle transforms each cookie into something truly gourmet.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and keep the cookies from sticking. This quick prep step saves you time later and ensures the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies will bake evenly and come off the pan without any fuss.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. You want these dry ingredients thoroughly combined so every cookie bakes up with even rise and flavor. This mix is the base that gives the cookies their classic texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a larger mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This is where you create that irresistible chewy texture and caramel notes that set Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies apart.

Step 4: Add Egg, Yolk, and Vanilla

Crack in the whole egg, add the extra yolk, and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until just combined. The extra yolk is a small secret that makes a big difference—giving these cookies even more softness and flavor depth.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mix to the butter mixture, stirring gently. Mix until you have just combined the dough—don’t overwork it, or you risk tough cookies. This ensures your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies will be thick and dreamy, not thin and brittle.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and caramel bits (or caramel pieces). Distribute them evenly for perfectly gooey bites throughout. If you’re using soft caramels, freezing them beforehand helps keep them from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Portion and Shape the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make 1.5- to 2-tablespoon dough balls. Space them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to give them room to spread slightly. The slightly larger size means a soft, chewy center and crisp edges—perfection!

Step 8: Bake and Finish with Sea Salt

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are just golden and the centers are still soft. Optional but highly recommended: as soon as the cookies come out, sprinkle with a little flaked sea salt. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the pan (they’ll finish setting up), then transfer to a wire rack. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies will look just as dreamy as they taste.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

A light scatter of flaked sea salt right after baking makes all the flavors sing—salt intensifies the caramel and chocolate, making these cookies taste truly next-level. For something extra-fancy, drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel over the tops before serving.

Side Dishes

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are absolute stars with a tall glass of milk or a creamy iced coffee. If you’re serving them for dessert, try pairing with vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries for a cool, tart balance to their gooey decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these cookies into gourmet sandwiches by smooshing a scoop of ice cream between two for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat. Stack a bundle and wrap them with twine for a thoughtful, homemade gift! On a dessert platter, alternate with classic chocolate chip cookies for variety and visual impact—there won’t be a crumb left.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies soft for days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you add a slice of bread to the container, it’ll help maintain that perfect chewiness. They’ll keep their best texture for up to 4 days (if they last that long!).

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! For best results, freeze cookie dough balls on a lined tray first, then transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding just a minute or two to the bake time for fresh Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies anytime.

Reheating

Want that fresh-baked magic again? Pop a cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the warm, gooey caramel and melty chocolate. It’s like cookie heaven all over again.

FAQs

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Caramel sauce will melt too much and make the cookies spread or burn, so stick with caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies for the best result. If you only have sauce, drizzle it over the cooled cookies as a finishing touch.

My caramel keeps leaking out—what should I do?

This happens if the caramel pieces are too close to the edges of the dough. Try tucking the caramel fully inside the dough before baking, and if using soft caramels, freeze the pieces first to help them hold their shape.

Can I make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite one-to-one gluten free baking blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so you can enjoy chewy, gooey cookies regardless of your dietary preferences.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Keep a close eye: you want the edges to be lightly golden and the centers to look just set (but still soft). They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for the softest Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies ever.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Of course! Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and balance the sweetness, but don’t go overboard—about 1/2 cup is perfect. Dried fruit or even white chocolate chips are also delicious twists for this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after the ultimate cookie experience, you can’t go wrong with Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every batch is bursting with chocolate, caramel, and all the cozy vibes you crave—so don’t wait for a special occasion. Whip up a tray, share with friends, and let the compliments roll in!

Print