If you have a soft spot for cookies that combine gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips into one irresistible treat, this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a perfect balance of rich, buttery dough with pockets of sweetness that melt delectably in your mouth, making every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver that homemade warmth and happiness that’s tough to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking these dreamy cookies. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the buttery texture and sweetness to the perfect rise and the star flavors of caramel and chocolate chips.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Softened butter adds richness and keeps the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps create a slight crisp along the edges.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds moisture, a subtle caramel note, and chewiness.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate that make these cookies extra irresistible.
- Soft caramel candies (1/2 cup, chopped): Gooey, chewy bits that bring a delicious surprise to every bite.
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you that perfect golden bottom.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air and sets the stage for soft, tender cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined. The egg adds moisture and structure while the vanilla enhances the cookie’s flavor.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed before adding them to the wet mixture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Caramel
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped soft caramel candies. These pieces are what make this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so special, delivering bursts of melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden but the centers stay soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their deliciously gooey centers.
How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right after baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that highlights the caramel and chocolate perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve your cookies with a classic glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, which beautifully complements the rich flavors and gooey texture of these cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream in the middle for an indulgent ice cream sandwich. Alternatively, serve alongside a bowl of fresh berries to balance the sweetness with natural tartness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your freshly baked Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to five days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—wrap individually and store in a zipped bag for up to three months.
Reheating
To warm up cookies and refresh their softness, microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This little step brings back the gooey magic that makes this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt. This helps avoid overly salty cookies.
Can I substitute caramel candies with caramel sauce?
Caramel candies provide chewiness inside the cookie, which caramel sauce cannot replicate well. If you use caramel sauce, expect a softer, more spread-out texture.
What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda is essential for the right rise and texture. You could try baking powder as a substitute, using about three times the amount, but the texture and spread may change slightly.
How do I prevent the caramel from making the dough too sticky?
Chop the caramel candies into small pieces and fold them gently into the dough just before baking, so they stay intact and distribute nicely without making the dough overly sticky.
Can I add nuts to this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and complement the caramel and chocolate beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade cookie that combines that perfect balance of chewy caramel and melty chocolate chips. This Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to treats when I want to share a warm, comforting bite with family or friends. You’ll love how simple the ingredients are, yet how decadent the results turn out. Give them a try – I promise they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cookie jar!
Print
Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these delicious Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfectly chewy with gooey caramel pieces and rich chocolate chips baked to golden perfection. A classic treat with a sweet twist, perfect for sharing or indulging anytime.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and creating tough cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate and Caramel: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped caramel candies, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Using rounded tablespoons, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow residual heat to finish cooking during cooling.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chopping the caramel candies finely helps them distribute evenly and melt properly without excess stickiness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
