Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate cookies filled with gooey salted caramel. These cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers and are sure to impress anyone with their sweet and salty flavor profile. With a soft, chewy texture and a burst of caramel in every bite, they make for a great dessert or snack!

Ingredients List

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Sea salt (for sprinkling)

Timing

Preparing Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Fill and Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, take a portion of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm.
2. Add Caramel: Place about a teaspoon of caramel sauce in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing it well.
3. Shape Cookies: Roll the filled dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
2. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Finish with Sea Salt

1. Sprinkle Salt: While the cookies are still warm, drizzle a little extra caramel on top and sprinkle with sea salt.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies (per cookie, makes about 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	2g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Substitute coconut oil for butter for a dairy-free option.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor with less sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies pair well with:

• A glass of cold milk.
• Coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Cookies: Keep an eye on them; they should be soft in the center when you take them out.
2. Not Sealing the Caramel: Make sure the dough is well-sealed around the caramel to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet helps them set properly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

In just about 30 minutes, you can create delicious Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies that are perfect for any occasion. With their rich chocolate flavor and gooey caramel center, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends!

FAQs

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor.

Can I add nuts to the cookies?

Yes, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts would be a great addition for extra crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.