The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies feature a perfect blend of chewy caramel and rich chocolate, making them great for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. With no resting time required for the dough, you can whip these up quickly and enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe requires minimal cleanup and is simple enough for beginner bakers.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of salted caramel and dark chocolate creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for parties, gifts, or just a cozy night in with a good book.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have warm cookies ready in under half an hour.
- No Resting Time: Unlike many cookie recipes, there’s no need to chill the dough, speeding up your baking process.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and helps achieve perfect results every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Whisk or mixer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl keeps ingredients contained and allows for thorough mixing.
- Baking sheet: A quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier by providing a non-stick surface.

Ingredients
To create these tasty cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Hard Caramel
- 1 batch 5-Minute Hard Caramel
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (330 g) light brown sugar (packed)
- 16 tablespoons (226 g) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon (19 g) real vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 ¼ cups (439 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (255 g) dark chocolate (coarsely chopped or chips)
- Sea salt flakes for the tops (optional)
How to Make The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Hard Caramel
Start by making your hard caramel according to your preferred method. This step adds flavorful chunks to your cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the real vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix.
2. Gently fold in dark chocolate pieces and hard caramel chunks.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C):
1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
3. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes on top if desired.
4. Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked:
1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Enjoy The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies warm or store them in an airtight container!
How to Serve The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be served in various enjoyable ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, here are some fun serving suggestions.
With Milk
- A classic pairing! Enjoy your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies alongside other desserts like brownies or mini cheesecakes for a beautiful display at parties.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve your cookies with sliced fruits like apples or strawberries to balance the sweetness.
Coffee or Tea Companion
- Pair these cookies with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.
Gift Packaging
- Wrap them in a decorative box or bag to give as gifts during holidays or special occasions.
How to Perfect The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies, consider these helpful tips.
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Measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right proportions for baking success.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smoother dough.
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies chewy instead of tough.
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Chill the dough briefly: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and improve cookie structure.
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Watch the baking time closely: Take them out when they look slightly underbaked; they will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
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Sprinkle sea salt flakes immediately: Adding sea salt flakes right after baking enhances the flavor contrast and adds a gourmet touch.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider.
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Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich cookies. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a creamy, crunchy accompaniment that balances sweetness. -
Cheese Board
Include cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar, which pair surprisingly well with sweet flavors. -
Chocolate Fondue
Serve with fresh fruits and marshmallows for dipping; it’s an interactive dessert experience! -
Nut Mix
A bowl of mixed nuts offers a savory crunch that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. -
Cold Brew Coffee
This refreshing drink is an excellent choice to sip while enjoying your cookies, enhancing their rich flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
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Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and affect the texture of your cookies.
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Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
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Skipping the caramel step: Don’t skip making the hard caramel! This adds vital flavor and texture to your cookies, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly.
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Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Removing them when they’re just set will ensure a chewy center.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator, maintaining their deliciousness.
Freezing The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Reheating The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for a couple of minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Can I use different chocolate types?
You can definitely customize it! Feel free to substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate or white chocolate according to your taste.
What if I don’t have hard caramel?
You can make this recipe without hard caramel; however, the unique texture and flavor will be missing. Consider using store-bought caramel bits as an alternative.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
How long do leftovers last?
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies can last up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile! You can easily customize them by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate. Try this recipe today, and enjoy every chewy bite!
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Indulge in the ultimate treat with The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies strike the perfect balance between rich chocolate and gooey salted caramel, making them an irresistible addition to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or craving a sweet snack, this simple one-bowl recipe delivers delicious results without the hassle of chilling dough. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy warm, freshly baked cookies that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a delightful chewy texture and a hint of saltiness, each bite promises a gourmet experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 batch hard caramel
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons real vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your hard caramel according to your chosen method.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly before adding vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate and hard caramel chunks.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough onto the sheet, spacing evenly apart. Optionally sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
- Bake for about 12 minutes until edges are golden brown; allow cooling slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 155mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
