If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances sweet, gooey caramel with rich chocolate chips in a soft, chewy cookie, you’ve got to try this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Each bite offers a warm hug of buttery dough, melting pockets of caramel, and bursts of chocolate that create a seriously irresistible combination. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies come together easily and will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the ideal texture and flavor. From the creamy butter providing moisture and tenderness to the caramel candies adding that luscious chew, every component is a building block of cookie perfection.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies a rich, creamy base and ensures softness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds all ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure and body of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Offers melty pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces: Adds gooey, chewy bursts of caramel magic.
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps incorporate air for lighter cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed sugar and butter, beating until well blended. These ingredients bring the dough together and offer sweet, aromatic notes in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and salt evenly distribute, giving the cookies a perfect rise and balanced flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so mix until you no longer see dry flour.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Caramel
Gently fold the chocolate chips and chopped caramel candies into the dough. These bursts of sweetness are what make this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe truly memorable.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread out nicely without merging into each other.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. The key is to avoid overbaking so you retain that chewiness and moist crumb.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period lets them set beautifully while keeping all that gooey caramel intact.
How to Serve Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as they come out of the oven. It enhances the caramel’s sweetness and adds a pleasant crunch that’s pure magic.
Side Dishes
Pair your caramel chocolate chip cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for that classic combo or enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dessert party, serve these cookies stacked with layers of whipped cream and sliced strawberries in mini trifle cups. Or sandwich two cookies around a dollop of caramel ice cream for an unforgettable homemade ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, while locking in the gooey caramel goodness so every bite is just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the bake time.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. The caramel melts back to gooey perfection, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute caramel candies with caramel sauce?
You can try, but caramel sauce will likely spread and melt more, changing the dough texture. Using chopped soft caramel candies gives a better chewy caramel pocket inside the cookie.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar perfectly, but feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate based on your taste preferences.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for best texture. The cookies will still be deliciously chewy and full of flavor.
How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is essential. It prevents caramel from melting onto the pan and makes cleanup much easier.
Can I double this Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients accordingly and bake the cookies in batches. Keep an eye on baking times as ovens vary and larger batches might affect heat distribution.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe are the perfect way to brighten any day with a little homemade sweetness. They blend all the best parts of a classic cookie with that unmistakable caramel charm, making each bite a deliciously gooey delight. I can’t wait for you to try making these yourself and experience how truly special they are right out of the oven.
Print
Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the rich flavors of melted caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips within a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies feature a golden, lightly crisp edge with a gooey center that highlights the caramel pieces. Ideal for baking enthusiasts looking for a delicious homemade treat.
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
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat the 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, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender texture for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to blend the wet ingredients and add flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly.
- Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing and a tough cookie.
- Fold in Chocolate and Caramel: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped caramel candies to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Form the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and preserving texture.
Notes
- Using soft caramel candies ensures they melt nicely within the cookie without hardening.
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them by removing at 10 minutes and letting residual heat finish the process.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate depending on sweetness preference.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
