Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie

Craving that sweet, melty, and slightly salty bite of joy? You’re not alone. The caramel chocolate chip cookie recipe we’re diving into today is one that holds a special place in many hearts and kitchens. Whether you’re baking to impress, treat yourself, or share with friends, there’s something magical about the gooey goodness of chocolate and caramel packed into one warm cookie. And trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to in no time.

I still remember the first time I made these a rainy Sunday afternoon, craving comfort. I wasn’t sure how caramel would mix with classic chocolate chip dough, but wow, did it work. The combo was rich, chewy, slightly crisp on the edges, and full of flavor. I just had to share this caramel chocolate chip cookie recipe with you all. If you love baking cookies that taste like they came straight out of a gourmet bakery, you’re in for a treat.

What Makes Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?

The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty

This recipe brings the best of both worlds. Caramel offers a buttery sweetness, while chocolate chips add deep, melty richness. When you use a pinch of sea salt on top? Oh, it’s *chef’s kiss* perfection.

Why Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Work So Well Together

Think about your favorite chocolate bar most likely, it involves caramel. That creamy, stretchy sweetness complements the bitter-sweetness of chocolate like a dream. In a cookie, this combo becomes warm, chewy, and unforgettable.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you need to make magic happen. 👇

Choosing the Right Type of Chocolate Chips

Semi-sweet works best for contrast, but milk chocolate will give a smoother, sweeter experience. For a bold flavor, try dark chocolate chunks!

The Secret to Soft and Chewy Texture

The real MVP? Brown sugar. It keeps the cookies moist and chewy. Also, don’t skip chilling the dough — it controls spread and enhances flavor.

Types of Caramel You Can Use

You’ve got two main choices:

• Caramel Bits: Easy to fold into dough, melt just right.
• Soft Caramel Candies: Chop them into small chunks, or even stuff them in the center of dough balls for a molten surprise.

Step-by-Step Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Now, let’s roll up those sleeves and bake.

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel Bits

5. Gently stir in chocolate chips and caramel bits. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Chill and Bake

6. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (longer is better for flavor).
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Scoop dough balls (about 2 tbsp each), place 2 inches apart on sheet.
9. Top with a few extra chips and a sprinkle of sea salt (optional).
10. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers look soft.
11. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Common Mistakes When Baking Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies Spreading Too Much

That’s usually from warm dough. Chill it longer, or use slightly colder baking sheets.

Caramel Melting Out

Use caramel bits or hide chunks in the middle of the dough. If using homemade caramel, make sure it’s thick and cooled.

Dough Too Dry or Too Sticky

If dry: add a tablespoon of milk. If sticky: chill longer or sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie Approx.)

Helpful Links for Cookie Lovers

• Looking for a nutty chocolate chip variation? Try this one!
• Want a low-sugar alternative? Here’s the sugar-free version.

Pro Tips to Elevate Your Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Techniques for Gooey Centers and Crispy Edges

We all want that perfect bite soft in the middle, golden brown on the edges. Here’s how you nail it every time:

• Underbake slightly: Take the cookies out when they still look a bit soft in the center. They’ll finish cooking on the sheet.
• Use cold dough: Chill your cookie dough at least 30 minutes to help prevent over-spreading and keep the middle thick and chewy.
• Don’t flatten the dough balls: Leave them rounded before baking to get a pillowy texture.

Adding Sea Salt for the Ultimate Flavor Boost

That light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top? It’s a game-changer. It intensifies the caramel flavor and balances out the sweetness beautifully.

Using Brown Butter for a Richer Cookie

Want to take it to gourmet levels? Brown your butter first! It adds a nutty, toffee-like depth to the cookie that pairs incredibly well with both caramel and chocolate. Just let it cool before mixing.

Fun Variations of the Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Don’t be afraid to get creative. These cookies are super customizable.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Nuts

Swap chips for chunky dark chocolate and add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. The crunch adds lovely contrast.

Caramel-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Flatten dough balls and place a small caramel square in the middle. Roll it back into a ball and bake as usual. You’ll get a gooey caramel surprise inside each bite!

Gluten-Free or Sugar-Free Options

Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix in a 1:1 swap. Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blends. Also, be sure to use sugar-free chocolate chips and caramel substitutes.

Baking Tools You’ll Need for Perfect Cookies

Best Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper Tips

Go for light-colored aluminum sheets for even baking. Always line with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup. Avoid silicone mats if you want crisp edges.

Cookie Scoops and Their Benefits

Using a cookie scoop gives you even-sized cookies that bake uniformly. A 2-tablespoon scoop is ideal for this recipe.

How to Store and Freeze Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Keeping Cookies Fresh for Days

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, place a slice of white bread in the container it really works!

How to Freeze Cookie Dough or Baked Cookies

For make-ahead goodness:

• Freeze the dough: Scoop dough balls, flash-freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen just add 2 more minutes.
• Freeze baked cookies: Let them cool, layer with parchment in an airtight container, and freeze. Warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes when ready to eat.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Best Drinks: Milk, Coffee, or Tea?

Cookies are amazing on their own, but these pairings take it further:

• Milk: Classic and kid-friendly. The cold milk cuts the richness beautifully.
• Latte or Espresso: Great contrast with the sweet caramel and rich chocolate.
• Sweet tea: For adults, a bold pairing that works surprisingly well with dessert cookies.

Make Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use these cookies as the base for an epic dessert. Just sandwich a scoop of vanilla, caramel swirl, or coffee ice cream in between two cookies. Roll in mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts. Freeze briefly before serving.

Gift Box and Dessert Platter Ideas

Pair these with something fruity like Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake or Blueberry Cream Cheese Bread for a stunning dessert box. These combinations also make great holiday gifts or party trays.

FAQs About Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Can You Use Soft Caramels in Cookies?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller chunks. They’ll melt slightly and create gooey pockets. Just avoid placing them too close to the edges or they might melt out.

How Do You Make Cookies Extra Chewy?

Use more brown sugar than white, chill the dough, and avoid overbaking. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch also helps create that soft texture.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Overbaking?

Always bake until the edges are just golden and the center still looks soft. Trust the cooling process — they continue to cook a little after you pull them out.

What If I Want Smaller Batches?

Cut the ingredients in half. The cookie base is very forgiving and scales well. Or bake half and freeze the rest for later!

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This caramel chocolate chip cookie recipe is more than just a dessert. It’s comfort in every bite, filled with warmth and nostalgia, baked into golden, chewy perfection. Once you try it, you’ll understand why these cookies never last long in any kitchen.

Whether you go classic, add nuts, or surprise everyone with caramel centers, the flavor possibilities are endless and always delicious. If you’re a fan of gooey, chewy cookies with rich, buttery flavor and melted chocolate running through every bite, then this is your dream cookie.

Happy Cooking With Mouny Chef ❤️!

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie

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• Author: Mouny
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

This chewy caramel chocolate chip cookie recipe blends gooey caramel chunks with rich chocolate chips for the ultimate bakery-style treat made right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1.5 cups caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and caramel bits evenly throughout the dough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
Scoop cookie dough into 2-tablespoon balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Sprinkle sea salt over the tops of the dough balls if desired.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are still soft.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

To make the cookies extra chewy, use more brown sugar than white and avoid overbaking. For a gourmet twist, brown the butter before mixing and let it cool. You can substitute gluten-free flour 1:1 or use sugar-free caramel and chips for dietary adjustments. Stuffing soft caramels into the center of each dough ball creates a molten core when baked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: caramel chocolate chip cookie recipe, gooey caramel cookies, chewy chocolate chip cookies, stuffed caramel cookies