Name: Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup (170g) caramel bits or chopped soft caramels; Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Hey y’all! If you love cookies with a gooey, caramel-infused center and bursts of melty chocolate chips, you’re about to meet your new favorite treat. These Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic, chewy texture everyone adores with sweet caramel bits for the ultimate flavor explosion. Whether it’s a family gathering, bake sale, or just a Tuesday treat, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Rich flavor: The perfect harmony between buttery cookie dough, sweet caramel, and decadent chocolate chips.
Soft & chewy: Every bite delivers an irresistible, gooey center and soft cookie edges.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone can bake these cookies at home.
Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, bake sales, holiday cookie swaps, or late-night cravings.
Customizable: Add nuts or switch up the chocolate for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (260g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (170g) caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and caramel bits.

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers are just set. Don’t overbake—cookies will continue to cook on the sheet.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Enjoy warm for extra gooey caramel!

Notes

Let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help cookies stay extra thick and chewy.
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie bottoms.

Variations

Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
Double Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for half the semi-sweet chips.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle baked cookies with extra caramel and a pinch of sea salt before serving.

Required Equipment

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Whisk and spatula
Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Wire rack

Storage Instructions

Store cooled Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies (layered between parchment paper) for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich.
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or cocoa for cozy vibes.

Pro Tips

Space cookies generously on the tray to prevent caramel from sticking.
For the gooeyest centers, serve cookies slightly warm!
Lightly press a few extra chocolate chips and caramel bits on top before baking for picture-perfect cookies.

FAQ

Can I use caramel squares instead of caramel bits?

Yes! Just chop soft caramel squares into small pieces before mixing into the dough.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can be caused by overly warm dough or too much butter. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking to keep cookies thick.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely—use your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour with great results.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: About 28 cookies

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients