Prepare to elevate your cookie game with these incredible Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies! Far beyond your average chocolate chip cookie, this recipe introduces delightful soft caramel bits and rich chocolate chips, both mixed into the batter and generously sprinkled on top. The magic doesn’t stop there; a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt just as they emerge from the oven transforms them into a truly unforgettable salted caramel masterpiece. The best part? You can enjoy these intensely gooey, chewy, and irresistibly delicious cookies in 30 minutes or less – absolutely no chilling required! Get ready to bake up a batch of pure bliss that will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Adore These Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

These aren’t just any cookies; they’re an experience! Here’s why these gooey caramel cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Double the Decadence: This recipe ingeniously incorporates both caramel and chocolate in two distinct ways – mixed into the dough and as luscious pockets – ensuring an explosion of flavor and texture in every single bite. The result is an unparalleled richness that satisfies even the most intense sweet cravings.
• Effortless & Speedy: Short on time but craving something extraordinary? These cookies are your answer! With no chilling required, they’re incredibly simple to whip up and bake in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats or impromptu gatherings.
• Irresistible Texture: Prepare for a textural delight! These cookies boast perfectly chewy centers with delightful pools of soft, melted caramel and rich chocolate. The edges are just crisp enough to provide a satisfying contrast, creating a truly dynamic bite.
• A Creative Twist on a Classic: Building on our popular classic chocolate chip cookie recipe, this version adds a gourmet touch with caramel. It’s also a simpler, yet equally chewy and delicious, alternative to our indulgent caramel coconut chocolate chip cookies, offering a fresh take without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect Sweet & Salty Balance: The optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates these cookies, transforming them into a sophisticated salted caramel dessert that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crafting these delectable cookies requires just a few pantry staples and a special star ingredient. Quality matters, so choose wisely for the best results!

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any great cookie! Ensure your butter is at true room temperature (soft but not melted) before you begin. This allows it to cream beautifully with the sugar, creating a light, airy base for your cookie dough.
• Brown Sugar: This is key to achieving that classic, rich, and slightly caramelized chocolate chip cookie flavor. It also contributes significantly to the chewy texture. You can use either dark or light brown sugar, but light brown sugar is preferred for a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overpower the caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always recommended for the most authentic and robust flavor. While imitation vanilla can work in a pinch, a good quality pure extract truly makes a difference in the overall taste profile of these delightful cookies.
• High-Quality Chocolate Chips: The better the chocolate, the better the cookie! I highly recommend using bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips to provide a welcome counterpoint to the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar. However, feel free to experiment with white or milk chocolate chips, or even a delightful combination. For extra gooey, melty chocolate puddles, opt for chopped chocolate chunks instead of chips!
• Soft Caramels: This is the absolute star ingredient that makes these cookies so special. Werther’s Original Soft Caramels are ideal, but any soft, chewy caramel candy will work perfectly. Look for them in the candy aisle of your local grocery store. It’s crucial to select soft caramels, as hard caramel candies will not melt properly and will result in a different, less desirable texture in the baked cookie.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) over the hot cookies fresh from the oven is what creates that irresistible sweet and salty, gourmet salted caramel flavor. It’s an optional but highly recommended touch that truly elevates the cookie experience.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cookie’s structure. Make sure to measure it correctly (ideally by weight or spoon and level) to avoid dry or dense cookies.
• Baking Soda & Salt: These leavening agents and flavor enhancers work together to create the perfect rise and balance the sweetness, giving the cookies a wonderful texture.

For a precise list of ingredients and exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your caramel chocolate chip cookies to suit your preferences:

• Jumbo Bakery-Style Cookies: For an impressive, larger-than-life treat, use a large cookie scoop (about 3-4 tablespoons of dough per cookie). Remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re cooked through while remaining perfectly gooey in the center.
• Skip the Flaky Sea Salt: If you prefer a purely sweet cookie, simply omit the flaky sea salt topping. The cookies will still be incredibly delicious with their rich caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Add a Crunchy Element: Introduce a delightful textural contrast by folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the dough along with the chocolate chips. For a surprisingly delicious sweet and salty crunch, consider adding crushed pretzels – it’s a game-changer!
• Browned Butter for Nutty Depth: For an elevated, warm, and nutty flavor profile, take the extra step to brown your butter. Melt the unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it turns amber and smells nutty. Pour it into a heatproof bowl and let it cool completely until it solidifies again (you can speed this up in the fridge). Then, use it as directed in the recipe by creaming it with the brown sugar. This simple step adds incredible depth.
• Different Chocolate Types: Don’t limit yourself to semi-sweet! Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of several types for a unique flavor combination.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg can add a subtle warmth to the cookie dough, especially during the fall and winter months.

Please note: This recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients. If you decide to replace or add new ingredients, we’d love to hear how your creations turned out in the comments section below! Your feedback helps others explore new possibilities.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make The Best Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these irresistible cookies is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly gooey, chewy results every time!

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent cookie texture and rise. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer (fitted with a paddle attachment), cream the room temperature unsalted butter and brown sugar together. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. This step incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir by hand until just combined. Stop mixing when only a couple of flour streaks still remain. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips. Using a spatula, gently fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough until they are evenly distributed throughout. Be careful not to overmix, as this can activate the gluten in the flour and make your cookies tough.

Step 5: Stuff with Caramel. Take approximately 3-4 teaspoons of cookie dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Gently fold a soft caramel candy (you might want to flatten or shape it slightly into a square) into the center of the dough. Carefully press the dough around the caramel, ensuring it’s completely enclosed. Roll the dough into a smooth ball. This step creates those delightful gooey caramel pockets!

Step 6: Bake and Finish. Place the caramel-filled cookie dough balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2-3 inches between each. Press small pieces of extra caramel onto the tops of the cookie dough balls for added melty goodness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. The centers should still look slightly soft and underbaked. Immediately after removing from the oven, if desired, use a biscuit cutter slightly larger than the cookies to “scoot” them into perfect round shapes. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your warm, gooey caramel chocolate chip cookies!

Expert Tips for Baking the Best Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Achieve bakery-quality results with these essential baking tips:

1. Always Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This tip is paramount for cookie success! Room temperature butter creams smoothly with sugar, creating an emulsified, airy base. A cold egg won’t incorporate as well, resulting in a denser, less uniform dough. To quickly bring ingredients to room temperature: place an uncracked egg in a cup of warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes. For butter, microwave it in 5-second bursts, flipping it between each interval, until it’s pliable but not melted.
2. Don’t Skip Lining Your Cookie Sheet: Given the melty nature of the soft caramels, lining your baking sheets is absolutely non-negotiable. Parchment paper or a high-quality silicone baking mat will prevent the delicious, sticky caramel from fusing your cookies to the pan, ensuring easy removal and perfect presentation.
3. “Scooting” for Perfectly Round Cookies: This viral baking hack isn’t just for aesthetics! “Scooting” your cookies immediately after they come out of the oven helps reshape any irregular edges into beautifully round, professional-looking treats. To do this, simply take a biscuit cutter or a round cookie cutter that is slightly larger than your baked cookie, place it around the cookie, and gently swirl it in a circular motion. This minor adjustment makes a big visual difference!
4. Do Not Overbake: For truly gooey caramel chocolate chip cookies, it’s crucial to pull them from the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the centers still look soft, puffy, and slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet, ensuring that perfect chewy-gooey texture.
5. Measure Flour Accurately: Over-measuring flour is a common baking mistake that can lead to dry, dense, or puffy cookies. For the most precise results, use a food scale to weigh your flour in grams. If you’re using measuring cups, always spoon the flour into the cup lightly and then level it off with a straight edge; never pack it down.

Common Questions About Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Storage Solutions for Your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage ensures your delicious cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for longer. Whether you plan to savor them throughout the week or save them for a future craving, here’s how to store both baked cookies and raw dough:

Room Temperature Storage

Once completely cooled, store your baked caramel chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To help them stay extra soft and chewy, you can add a slice of plain bread to the container (ensure it doesn’t touch the cookies directly). The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, maintaining their delightful texture.

Freezing Instructions

For Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

For Raw Cookie Dough: You can also prepare the dough balls and freeze them unbaked for up to 1 month. Simply scoop the dough, stuff with caramel, roll into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls directly on a baking sheet while your oven preheats, then bake for an extra 2-4 minutes compared to the fresh dough.

More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of these caramel chocolate chip cookies, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic cookie creations:

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a star ⭐️ rating and review below and don’t forget to tag @brokenovenbaking on Instagram & Facebook so we can see your delicious creations!

The Best Gooey Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Kayla Burton