If you’ve been dreaming about the perfect blend of sweet, gooey caramel and pockets of melty chocolate in a chewy homemade treat, these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Each bite delivers a touch of nostalgia—the soft center, crispy golden edge, and irresistible pools of caramel and chocolate all whispering eat me now! Whether you’re baking a batch for a crowd, sharing with loved ones, or keeping a secret stash for yourself, this recipe is everything you want in a cookie (and a little bit more). Let’s bring the cookie jar back to life with a treat that’s definitely worth the buzz.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Nothing fancy here—just the essentials, each playing a key role in the rich flavor, lovely texture, and classic look we all crave in a perfect cookie.
- All-purpose flour: Provides just the right amount of structure, so your cookies are chewy rather than cakey.
- Baking soda: Gives a little lift and helps create those beautiful rounded tops.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout.
- Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Makes the cookies extra rich and contributes to that chewy, luscious texture.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor and keeps the cookies soft.
- Granulated sugar: Brings crisp edges and the perfect sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and add just the right amount of moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a warm sweetness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt into rich pools, pairing perfectly with the caramel bits.
- Soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels: Bring gooey, buttery caramel pockets to every bite—chop them smaller for easier mixing and eating.
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which makes for easy cleanup and helps prevent any sticky caramel from adhering to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. A quick whisk ensures everything is well combined and evenly distributed, so each Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie bakes up just right.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted (but slightly cooled) butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this step adds that signature chewiness. Now, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating just until everything is well blended and the mixture looks creamy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, a bit at a time, mixing gently until it just comes together. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so a light hand here is key. As soon as the last streak of flour disappears, stop stirring!
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits
Gently fold in your semisweet chocolate chips and caramel bits. If you’re using chopped soft caramels, make sure they’re cut into pieces no larger than a chocolate chip—this ensures even distribution and avoids massive melted caramel puddles.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion the dough into mounds, spacing them at least 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Pop them in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges look golden and the centers are still soft—trust that residual heat to finish the job as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps them set up and makes transferring them easier. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely (although we dare you not to sneak one while they’re still warm and melty!).
How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, consider a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before baking. It enhances both the caramel and chocolate, adding a gourmet twist without any fuss. A drizzle of extra melted caramel over cooled cookies is also pure heaven for caramel lovers.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats pairing Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk, but if you’re feeling fancy, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy latte for a coffeehouse treat at home. Fresh berries can also add a lovely brightness to cut through the rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up a dessert platter with these cookies stacked high or tie a few together with twine for adorable edible gifts. For a show-stopping dessert, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies, roll in mini chips, and freeze for homemade ice cream sandwiches that everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy (and if you manage not to eat them all in a day or two, you’ve got some impressive willpower!).
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies or the raw dough. For baked cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To freeze dough, scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag—just add a minute or two to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The caramel and chocolate will get gooey again, making it taste like you just baked them—perfect for a quick indulgence.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cookies will still be chewy and delicious, though the texture may be slightly different depending on the blend used.
Why is it important to melt the butter?
Melted butter contributes to the chewy, fudgy texture that makes these Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible. It also helps create a glossy, smooth dough that mixes up easily—just be sure to let it cool slightly so you don’t scramble your eggs.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips or caramel?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate pairs beautifully with caramel, feel free to mix in milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for a custom creation. For the caramel, soft caramel candies chopped into small bits or caramel baking chips both work great.
How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?
Parchment paper is the secret weapon here. It ensures the caramel melts into the cookie (not the pan!) and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone baking mat is another excellent choice.
Can I halve or double the recipe?
Definitely! These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies adapt beautifully whether you want a small batch (just halve the ingredients) or need plenty for a party (double up). Just remember to adjust your baking sheet and oven space accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me, there’s nothing quite as life-affirming as the smell of homemade Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies wafting through the kitchen. These are the kind of cookies that disappear before they even reach the jar, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking them on repeat. Get your oven mitts ready—your new favorite treat awaits!
Print
Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these chewy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. These homemade cookies are loaded with gooey caramel bits and rich chocolate chips, making them a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beat until well combined.
- Blend dry and wet ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips and caramel bits.
- Bake: Scoop dough onto baking sheets, bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on sheet before transferring to wire rack.
Notes
- For gooey centers, slightly underbake cookies and let them set on the baking sheet.
- If using wrapped caramels, chop them small to avoid large melted pockets.
- Add flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salted caramel twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
