Name: Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt; 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature); 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 9 Soft Caramels, cut in half

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There’s something undeniably special about baking Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies on a rainy afternoon. The smell of warm, melting chocolate wafting through the house instantly elevates your mood. I remember the first time I made these cookies; I was a bit skeptical about how the sweet richness of caramel would blend with classic chocolate chip flavors. As I pulled that first batch from the oven, golden edges and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt caught my eye. Each bite was a delightful surprise, a perfect marriage of sweet and salty that kept me coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a cozy dessert, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are bound to impress.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
7 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

Why This Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Stands Out

They’re Perfectly Chewy

One of the best things about Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies is their delightful texture. The combination of unsalted butter and brown sugar creates that iconic chewiness we all crave. The addition of cornstarch ensures they stay soft even after cooling, making each cookie a satisfying treat.

Contrast of Flavors

The sweet and salty flavor profile is nothing short of magical. When you bite into a warm cookie, the smooth caramel oozes out, complemented by the rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite is an adventure in taste that keeps your palate guessing.

Easy to Make

You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up these treats. The recipe is straightforward and requires basic ingredients. With just a little whisking and mixing, you can have your dough ready in no time!

Great for Any Occasion

These cookies aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for casual gatherings, special occasions, or even as a sweet surprise for someone you love. I’ve made them for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and just because I wanted to share something delicious with friends.

Make Ahead and Freeze

If you’re like me and can’t resist fresh cookies, you’ll love that you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Freeze the formed cookie balls and bake them straight from the freezer whenever the craving hits. It makes it feel like you have a bakery in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

In the world of baking, the right ingredients can transform a simple recipe into something extraordinary. For Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, we’re using a blend of classic baking staples that work harmoniously together. The star players include all-purpose flour, which provides structure, and baking soda, which gives the cookies a lovely rise. The combination of caramel and chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cookie, providing the necessary structure.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: This ingredient helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds a lightness and assists in the rising process.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and moisture.
1 cup brown sugar: Contributes to the chewiness and deep flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The classic addition for that chocolatey goodness.
9 soft caramels, cut in half: The gooey surprise inside each cookie.
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on cookies: Adds a delightful finishing touch.

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fun and straightforward process. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to enjoying freshly baked cookies in no time. Just follow along, and I promise you’ll impress yourself with how easy it is!

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is vital as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. Line a large baking sheet with a Silpat baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt. This dry mixture is crucial as it combines all the leavening agents and ensures an even distribution of flavors.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about 2 minutes. Look for a light and fluffy texture, which indicates that air has been incorporated, giving your cookies a nice lift.
Add in the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. This step not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together.
Slowly mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher cookies. You want the dough to be a bit lumpy but combined.
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a little chocolate in every bite.
Measure about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball slightly with the palm of your hand and place a halved caramel piece in the center. Wrap the cookie dough around the caramel, ensuring it is completely covered to prevent leaking during baking.
Place the formed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are slightly golden brown around the edges. This is where the magic happens, and the sweet aroma fills your kitchen!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Things Worth Knowing

Cooling Time: Letting the cookies cool on a wire rack allows for the interior to set properly without overbaking.
Ingredient Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for a better creaming process.
Caramel Choices: Try using different brands of soft caramels for unique flavors.
Salt Variation: Experiment with flavored sea salts for an extra touch of sophistication.

Customization Ideas

If you want to get creative with your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, there are plenty of ways to personalize this recipe to your liking. Here are some ideas that can enhance your baking experience:

Mix-In Variations: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
Chocolate Choices: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
Flavor Additions: Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Stuffed Cookies: Instead of just using caramel pieces, try stuffing the cookies with Nutella for a chocolatey surprise!
Batch Sizes: If you’re looking to make smaller batches, feel free to halve the recipe!
Seasonal Twists: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch during the holidays.

Accompaniments for Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serving your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies can be just as fun as baking them! Here are some ideas on how to enjoy these delightful treats:

With a Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic combination of warm cookies and cold milk.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Try sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.
Pairing with Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
For Celebrations: These cookies are perfect for parties, barbecues, or family gatherings. Serve them on a beautiful platter to impress your guests!
Seasonal Themes: Decorate with themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions to make them festive.

FAQ

The combination of rich, sweet caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. The addition of flaky sea salt elevates the taste, making each bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty. These cookies are not just about taste; their texture is equally important. The chewy softness from the brown sugar and butter paired with gooey caramel results in a truly unique dessert that stands out in any cookie collection.

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and bake as instructed. This means you can have fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes without the hassle of mixing and measuring all the ingredients again.

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be as good as fresh!

There are numerous ways to customize your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. You can mix in nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture, or switch up the type of chocolate chips used (milk, dark, or white chocolate). For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a hint of almond extract or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Conclusion

The magic of Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their perfect blend of flavors and textures. With every bite, you experience the delightful contrast of sweet caramel and rich chocolate, all under a touch of sea salt. I encourage you to give these cookies a try. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, they promise to deliver joy and satisfaction.