White Chocolate Caramel Chunk Cookies

White Chocolate Caramel Chunk Cookies are a decadent treat that combines the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel chunks. With a soft, chewy texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether baked for a party or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, they’re guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of white chocolate and caramel chunks creates a luxurious sweetness.
• Soft and Chewy: Perfectly textured cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe accessible to any baker.
• Customizable: Add nuts, sea salt, or other mix-ins to make them your own.

Ingredients

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

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• White chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
• Caramel chunks (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling.

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
   • Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in Mix-Ins:
   • Gently fold in white chocolate chips and caramel chunks, ensuring even distribution.

Chill and Bake:

5. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to enhance the flavor and prevent spreading.
6. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Shape and Bake:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

Cool and Serve:

8. Cool:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Garnish:
   • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty flavor boost.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add chopped macadamia nuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel chunks for a more balanced sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate: Swap some of the white chocolate for dark chocolate chunks.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days for a firmer texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough in pre-portioned scoops or the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake or thaw as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of chunks?

No, caramel sauce will make the dough too wet. Stick with caramel chunks or bits.

2. What type of caramel works best?

Store-bought caramel baking bits or chopped soft caramels are ideal for this recipe.

3. Why chill the dough?

Chilling the dough enhances flavor, prevents spreading, and improves texture.

4. Can I skip the sea salt garnish?

Yes, but the hint of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

5. How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and burnt caramel.

6. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze for longer storage.

7. Can I use white chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Absolutely! Chopped white chocolate adds a rustic look and melts beautifully.

8. How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

9. What can I pair these cookies with?

They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee.

10. How do I ensure evenly baked cookies?

Use a cookie scoop for uniform portions and bake on the middle rack of the oven.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Caramel Chunk Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. With their soft centers, chewy edges, and pockets of melted caramel and white chocolate, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you bake them for a gathering or a quiet night in, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today and savor every sweet, gooey bite!

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