The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel into every bite. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations, these cookies stand out with their chewy texture and sweet-salty balance. The addition of homemade hard caramel elevates this classic recipe to a new level of indulgence, making them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This one-bowl recipe requires minimal cleanup and no resting time for the dough, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies in no time.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of dark chocolate and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering experience that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a cookie swap, or just a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the amount of chocolate or add nuts for an extra crunch; this recipe is versatile!
- Batch-Friendly: With 36 cookies per batch, you can easily share or save some for later.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what you need to gather before you start baking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer helps combine ingredients quickly and evenly, making your job easier.
- Baking sheets: These provide the perfect surface for your cookies to bake evenly without sticking.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
Crunchy, chewy bits of caramel and puddles of chocolate lace this vanilla-forward chocolate chip cookie! Aside from the extra step of making the hard caramel (which takes just minutes, no candy thermometer needed!), this is an easy, one-bowl recipe with no rest time for the dough!
For the Cookies
- 1 batch 5-Minute Hard Caramel
- 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.
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine equal parts granulated sugar until melted.
2. Stir continuously until it turns golden brown.
3. Pour onto parchment paper and let it cool before breaking it into pieces.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the room-temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, and set aside.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
2. Fold in coarsely chopped dark chocolate and broken caramel pieces.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets:
1. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.
2. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.
3. Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies!
How to Serve The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
These cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience with The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a delicious dessert twist that’s perfect for warm days.
Warm from the Oven
- Serve them warm right from the oven for a gooey, melty experience that enhances the flavors of caramel and chocolate.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
With Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange these cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other desserts for an impressive display at parties or gatherings.
How to Perfect The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfecting your cookie-making skills can elevate The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies from good to great. Here are some tips to achieve cookie perfection.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down to avoid dense cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies light and chewy instead of tough.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when they are slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture.
- Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.
- Experiment with toppings: Try adding different toppings like nuts or sea salt flakes before baking for added flavor and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
While these cookies are delicious on their own, serving them alongside complementary dishes can create a delightful dessert experience. Here are some side dishes that pair well with The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of caramel and chocolate.
- Whipped Cream – Top your cookies or serve alongside whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
- Coffee or Espresso – A cup of coffee enhances the flavors and provides a delightful contrast to sweet treats.
- Cheese Plate – A selection of cheeses can balance out sweetness while adding complexity to your dessert spread.
- Pecan Pie Bars – These bars add another layer of sweetness while offering a nutty crunch that complements your cookies.
- Chocolate Mousse – An airy chocolate mousse creates an elegant pairing that will impress guests at any gathering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can impact your results.
- Skipping the Caramel Step: Many people overlook the importance of making fresh hard caramel. Using store-bought caramel can lead to less flavor and texture. Take a few minutes to prepare the caramel; it’s worth it!
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Aim for just combining the ingredients until they are incorporated. This helps keep your cookies chewy.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugars, to achieve the perfect texture.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs can prevent proper mixing and dough consistency. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking will result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them as they bake, pulling them out when they are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
Reheating The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm cookies in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies chewy?
The combination of brown sugar and melted butter creates moisture, while not overbaking ensures they remain soft and chewy.
Can I customize The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate types, or adjust the amount of caramel used according to your preference.
How do I know when The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges with a soft center. They will continue cooking slightly after being taken out of the oven.
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolate chips for unique variations.
Final Thoughts
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies are not just delightful treats; they offer endless customization options. Whether you prefer extra chocolate chunks or a sprinkle of sea salt on top, these cookies promise satisfaction with every bite. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy deliciously chewy cookies that everyone will love!
The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadence of The Best Chewy Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies! These delightful treats marry rich chocolate with homemade salted caramel, resulting in a chewy cookie that’s irresistibly satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights at home, these cookies offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The addition of hard caramel gives each bite a sweet contrast, while a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall experience. With an easy one-bowl method and no rest time needed for the dough, you’ll have fresh cookies ready to enjoy in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 batch 5-Minute Hard Caramel
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar
- 16 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons real vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate (coarsely chopped or chips)
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the hard caramel by melting equal parts granulated sugar in a saucepan until golden brown. Pour onto parchment paper and cool before breaking into pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together room-temperature butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt together.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until just combined. Fold in dark chocolate and caramel pieces.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheets with space between each cookie. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cooling on the sheet before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup without packing. For added flavor variations, consider using different types of chocolate or nuts.