Chocolate Chip Cookie with Caramel

Chocolate Chip Cookie with Caramel is the ultimate dessert mash-up—crispy edges, gooey centers, melty chocolate chips, and a surprise pocket (or drizzle) of rich, buttery caramel. Whether baked as individual cookies or skillet-style, these treats bring classic comfort and indulgent sweetness together in every bite. Perfect for cookie lovers who like a little extra decadence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy, soft, and loaded with chocolate
• A molten caramel center or drizzle adds rich, buttery flavor
• Easy to make with pantry staples
• Great for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in
• Can be made ahead or frozen for cookie cravings on demand

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookie dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

For the caramel:

• Soft caramel candies (store-bought) or homemade caramel
• Heavy cream (if melting caramel candies for filling or drizzle)

Optional toppings:

• Flaky sea salt
• Extra chocolate chips
• Crushed pretzels or nuts

directions

this recipe

1. Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips.
2. Chill: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes (optional but helps with thickness and flavor).
3. Add caramel filling (if stuffing): Flatten a tablespoon of cookie dough, place a soft caramel in the center, and wrap the dough around it to seal.
4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are still soft.
5. Caramel drizzle (optional): While cookies cool, melt caramel candies with a splash of cream over low heat until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with flaky salt if desired.
6. Cool and serve: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Makes about 18–20 cookies
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes (optional)
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 45–60 minutes

Variations

• Make it skillet-style: Press dough into a cast iron skillet, bake, and top with ice cream and caramel sauce.
• Add mix-ins: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits add great crunch.
• Use browned butter: For deeper, nutty flavor.
• Stuff with other centers: Try Nutella, peanut butter cups, or salted caramel chocolates.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Reheat briefly in the microwave for that warm, gooey texture.
Freeze baked or unbaked cookie dough for up to 2 months—bake frozen dough with 1–2 extra minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! A thick homemade caramel sauce or soft caramel squares work well.

How do I keep the caramel from leaking out?

Seal the dough tightly around the caramel and don’t overbake to prevent cracking.

Can I skip stuffing and just drizzle caramel?

Absolutely—drizzle adds flavor without the fuss of stuffing.

Can I use salted caramel?

Yes, it adds a delicious balance to the sweet cookie dough.

What kind of chocolate chips are best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips melt well and balance the caramel sweetness.

Do I have to chill the dough?

It’s optional but recommended for thicker cookies with better flavor.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?

Yes, but only for drizzling. It’s too runny to stuff inside the cookies.

What’s the best way to reheat these?

Microwave for 10–15 seconds for warm, gooey centers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter, chocolate, and caramel substitutes.

What pairs well with these cookies?

Cold milk, coffee, or vanilla ice cream take them over the top.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Caramel take everything you love about the classic cookie and turn it up a notch with rich, gooey caramel. Whether stuffed or drizzled, each bite delivers the perfect combo of chewy, melty, and buttery sweetness. They’re cozy, indulgent, and always a hit—ideal for any time you need a treat that feels a little extra special.

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