Chocolate Caramel Cookies

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Indulging in cookies is one of life’s simple pleasures, and when you bring together the rich allure of chocolate and the sweetness of caramel, it turns into a completely divine experience.

These Chocolate Caramel Cookies are soft, chewy, and every bite bursts with delicious caramel chunks.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm cookie loaded with melty chocolate and gooey caramel — it’s pure bliss! Perfect for sharing (or just keeping all to yourself!), this recipe is one that you’ll want to make time and again.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

These Chocolate Caramel Cookies stand out for many reasons.

They combine rich chocolate flavor with the sweet, creamy texture of caramel, resulting in a cookie that is both satisfying and luxurious.

The balance between the sweet caramel and the slightly bitter cocoa powder creates a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable.

Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (285 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1⅓ cups (150 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup/8oz) (225 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup (115 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt
• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped into chunks
• 28 soft caramels, such as Kraft or Werthers
• Flaky sea salt for topping

How To Make Chocolate Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk these together until they are well incorporated, then set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and light in color.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Then, add the pure vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well-blended.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Add Buttermilk

Pour in the buttermilk (or plain yogurt) and mix until smooth.

The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate and Caramel

Gently fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and soft caramel pieces with a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 8: Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop generous amounts of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie for a perfect sweet and salty combination.

Step 10: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.

The centers may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy!

Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delicious treats warm or at room temperature!

Expert Tips

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
• Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients; this will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• For a richer flavor, add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• If you want more chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet.

Variations and Customizations

• Try adding nuts, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunchy texture.
• For a fun twist, mix in some peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chunks.
• Substitute the buttermilk with a non-dairy milk option if desired.
• Experiment with different kinds of caramel or chocolate, such as sea salt caramel or white chocolate.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Caramel Cookies fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing.

Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to a week.

If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them! Simply layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and you can even warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked experience.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly.

A good starting ratio is to replace 1/4 to 1/2 of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

What can I use instead of eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and allowed to sit for 5 minutes) for a vegan-friendly option.

How can I make the cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, try chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

This allows the butter to firm up, resulting in a denser cookie.

Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to crunchy cookies.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of soft caramels?

Yes, you can drizzle melted caramel sauce over the cookies after they bake for an extra layer of caramel flavor.

Just be sure not to use too much, as it can make the cookies soggy if not done carefully.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Caramel Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate and sweet caramel into a delightful cookie experience.

With their soft texture and gooey centers, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire.

Whether for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just an indulgent weekend baking session, these cookies won’t disappoint.

Get ready to enjoy every decadent bite!