Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for pure comfort in cookie form, nothing hits the sweet spot quite like Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of classic chocolate chip cookies upgraded with golden pockets of gooey caramel—each bite is a ridiculously delightful combo of buttery dough, melty chocolate, and chewy caramel. These cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, ridiculously crowd-pleasing, and bring a touch of magic to any treat table. Trust me, these are the cookies everyone will reach for first!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, leaning on pantry staples to let those chocolate and caramel flavors shine. Each ingredient here plays an important part, whether it’s contributing to the softness, chewiness, flavor, or that perfectly golden finish.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and gives the cookies their classic, tender crumb.
• Baking soda: Helps your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies rise and get those perfect chewy centers with golden edges.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the chocolate and caramel flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings moisture and hints of molasses, making your cookies extra chewy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds crisp edges and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and brings a warm, comforting note.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty chocolate morsels that balance beautifully with the sweet caramel.
• Soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: Those irresistible caramel pockets are the real showstopper in these cookies.

How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a snap. Prepping everything before you start mixing is key to a smooth baking experience!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, setting you up for evenly baked cookies with the perfect texture throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Grab your largest mixing bowl and cream the softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process not only dissolves the sugars but also whips air into the butter, setting the stage for a soft, thick cookie.

Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your creamed sugar mixture. These add richness and depth, and once fully blended, create a silky base for your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies dough.

Step 5: Combine and Make the Dough

Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet until a soft dough forms. This is when the magic starts to happen! Don’t overmix—just blend until everything is incorporated, which will keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Caramel

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and those glorious caramel bits. The aroma alone will make you want to grab a spoon, but patience is rewarded—these mix-ins guarantee gooey chocolate and stretchy caramel in every bite.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches around each for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye out for golden edges and just-set centers. Perfection is right when you can smell the chocolate and caramel mingling!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set the shape, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Resisting the urge to eat them warm is tough, but totally worth it as the caramel firms up slightly without turning hard.

How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

For a truly bakery-worthy finish, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt just before baking. The salty pop on top of the sweet, gooey middles creates an irresistible flavor contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can take them over the top for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies go perfectly with a cold glass of milk, some strong espresso, or even a vanilla milkshake. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread, add bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy treat everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a bundle of cookies and tie them with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Arrange the cookies on a pretty platter with extra caramel bits scattered around for a playful look. For parties, turn them into ice cream cookie sandwiches by tucking a scoop of your favorite flavor between two cookies—it’s whimsical and guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, with the caramel remaining gooey without getting sticky. If you want them extra chewy on day two or three, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and unbaked. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. For fresh-baked flavor anytime, scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra couple minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To restore that straight-from-the-oven softness, warm your cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave for 10 seconds. The caramel softens beautifully, and the chocolate chips get deliciously melty again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel chips instead of chopping caramels?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel baking chips work perfectly, as long as they’re soft and not the crunchy variety. If chopping caramels, make sure they’re the soft, chewy kind for the ideal texture in your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading too thin, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter and gives you a thicker, chewier cookie. It also prevents the caramel from oozing out too much.

How do I keep the caramel from turning hard?

The key is to use only soft caramel bits or chop soft, chewy caramels into small pieces. Overbaking can harden the caramel as well, so be sure to pull your cookies as soon as the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe is very easy to double for parties, bake sales, or just to keep your cookie jar full for a little longer. Your friends and family will thank you later!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You sure can! Swap in a good-quality one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure your other ingredients (like caramel bits) are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have all the same ooey-gooey satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that brings together gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and nostalgic homemade cookie vibes, these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies truly deliver. Give them a try and get ready for happy smiles, requests for seconds, and the urge to bake another batch sooner than you think!

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