Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

If you’re a chocolate lover with a soft spot for caramel, then Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a cookie with fudgy, chocolatey goodness, pockets of gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt to enhance the flavors—pure bliss. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, making them ideal for everything from cozy nights in to holiday cookie trays.

Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these cookies are designed to impress without complicated steps or ingredients. Easy, indulgent, and utterly delicious, they showcase the perfect harmony between rich chocolate and decadent caramel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Double chocolate indulgence: Cocoa powder and chocolate chips create a deep, fudgy flavor.
• Sweet and salty magic: Sea salt brings out the best in chocolate and caramel.
• Soft and chewy texture: Crispy edges with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Easy to make: Simple steps with common ingredients.
• Perfect for gifting: These cookies look and taste gourmet.
• Customizable: Swap chocolate or caramel chips for variety or add nuts for crunch.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients with measurements, ensuring perfect cookies every time.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
• 1 cup caramel-flavored chips
• Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)

Optional Topping

• Caramel sauce or dulce de leche (for drizzling over cookies)

Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie sheets lined with parchment paper
• Wire cooling racks
• Tablespoon or cookie scoop
• Optional: Sauce bottle or spoon for caramel drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these instructions for cookies that are fudgy, chocolatey, and perfectly caramelized.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. This ensures even distribution of leavening and chocolate flavor throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer, beat unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. The mixture should appear pale and slightly aerated.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender, chewy texture.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate and Caramel Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in chocolate chips and caramel-flavored chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed without overworking the dough.

Step 7: Portion and Add Sea Salt

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Sprinkle sea salt flakes lightly over the tops to enhance flavor.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and cookie size.

Step 9: Cool

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The centers will firm up slightly while maintaining a soft, chewy texture.

Step 10: Optional Caramel Drizzle

Once cooled, drizzle cookies with caramel sauce or dulce de leche for an extra touch of decadence.

Tips & Variations

• Chocolate options: Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, or a mix for depth of flavor.
• Caramel alternatives: Soft caramel bits, homemade caramel chunks, or dulce de leche cubes work beautifully.
• Nutty variation: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for texture.
• Extra fudgy: Chill dough for 15–20 minutes before baking to intensify flavor and prevent excessive spreading.
• Mini cookies: Use a teaspoon to make bite-sized cookies; reduce baking time to 7–8 minutes.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate and caramel chips.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Deep chocolate notes with pockets of sweet caramel and a subtle salty contrast.
• Texture: Crispy, slightly firm edges with a soft, chewy, fudgy center.
• Occasion: Perfect for dessert trays, cookie swaps, holiday gifts, or a decadent snack.

Nutritional Overview (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Dietary Notes: Vegetarian; can be adapted to vegan or gluten-free versions.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Dough: Prepare and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance flavor.
• Baked cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Layering: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use dark chocolate or milk chocolate?
Yes, feel free to swap chocolate chips for any preferred type or combination.

Q2: Can I substitute caramel chips with soft caramel squares?
Absolutely. Chop them into small pieces before adding to the dough.

Q3: How can I make these cookies extra chewy?
Slightly underbake the cookies and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to racks.

Q4: Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may vary slightly.

Q5: Can I make mini cookies for bite-sized treats?
Yes, reduce portion size to a teaspoon and bake 7–8 minutes.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients & dough	15 minutes
Portion and sprinkle salt	5 minutes
Bake cookies	8–10 minutes
Cooling	10 minutes

Total Time: ~25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, milk, or tea.
• Arrange on decorative trays for parties or gifting.
• Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Stack with parchment paper in gift tins for homemade presents.

Creative Recipe Variations

1. Salted Chocolate Pretzel Cookies: Add crushed pretzels to the dough for crunch and salty-sweet flavor.
2. Espresso Chocolate Cookies: Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
3. Nutty Caramel Cookies: Fold in chopped pecans or hazelnuts for texture.
4. Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate for extra indulgence.

Ingredient Spotlight

Unsalted Butter

• Selection: Use high-quality unsalted butter for richness.
• Storage: Bring to room temperature before mixing to ensure even texture.

Cocoa Powder

• Selection: Use Dutch-processed or natural unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Caramel Chips

• Selection: Store-bought or homemade caramel chips work.
• Tip: Avoid overmixing to prevent caramel from melting into dough too early.

Pro Baking Tips

• Cream butter and sugars well: Incorporates air for soft, chewy cookies.
• Use room temperature eggs: Helps in emulsification and texture.
• Avoid overmixing dry ingredients: Maintains tender texture.
• Space cookies properly: Prevents merging during baking.
• Cool properly: Essential to set the cookies and maintain gooey centers.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Unbaked dough: Shape into portions, freeze on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen.
• Baked cookies: Store at room temperature for 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Layering: Use parchment between cookies to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	20 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	100 mg
Dietary Notes	Vegetarian; can be adapted to vegan or gluten-free

Expanded Conclusion

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate and caramel lovers alike. The combination of fudgy chocolate, sweet caramel, and a hint of sea salt creates a perfect flavor profile in every bite.

Easy to make, visually appealing, and utterly delicious, these cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or simply a cozy night at home. With simple ingredients, minimal preparation, and flexible variations, you’ll find yourself making these cookies again and again.

Baking a batch not only fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas but also brings joy to anyone lucky enough to taste them. Treat yourself, share with loved ones, and enjoy the ultimate sweet experience.

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