Introduction

Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. These cookies combine the soft, buttery texture of classic chocolate chip cookies with a gooey, sweet-and-salty caramel center, creating a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Biting into one reveals a rich caramel filling that perfectly contrasts the chocolatey cookie exterior. The touch of sea salt elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness and adding depth. Perfect for special occasions, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself, these cookies take a classic favorite to the next level. They are decadent, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie into a gourmet treat. The combination of soft, chewy cookie dough with molten caramel centers and a sprinkle of sea salt is pure indulgence. Each bite is a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness, and the aroma while baking fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

These cookies are also impressive yet surprisingly easy to make, making them perfect for both casual baking and special occasions. They are the kind of cookie that makes you feel pampered and instantly satisfied with every bite.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it turns a simple cookie into a decadent experience. The salted caramel center is a showstopper, making these cookies unforgettable and perfect for sharing. They combine textures — soft cookie, melty caramel, and crisp edges — and flavors — rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt — that create a cookie that’s truly next-level.

Whether for holidays, birthdays, or a cozy treat at home, these cookies stand out from ordinary chocolate chip cookies. Their gooey, salty-sweet heart makes them irresistible and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time (optional): 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 32–65 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: ~250
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Classic Bake

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Filling:

• 24 soft caramel candies (wrapped, unwrapped before using)
• 1–2 tsp coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars
   • In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
   • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Form Cookie Dough Balls
   • Scoop 2 tbsp of dough and flatten slightly in your hand.
   • Place one unwrapped caramel candy in the center and fold dough around it, sealing completely.
7. Bake the Cookies
   • Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart.
   • Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and the cookie is set but still soft in the center.
8. Add Sea Salt
   • Immediately after baking, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top of each cookie.
9. Cool
   • Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

• Serve warm to enjoy the gooey caramel center.
• Arrange on a cookie platter for parties or special occasions.
• Pair with a glass of milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for a decadent treat.

Recipe Tips

• Chill dough for 30 minutes if cookies spread too much during baking.
• Use soft caramel candies for easy melting.
• Don’t overbake — cookies should remain soft and chewy.
• Seal the caramel completely inside the dough to prevent oozing.
• Sprinkle sea salt while cookies are warm for better adherence.

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of semisweet.
• Peanut Butter Caramel: Add a small peanut butter dollop along with the caramel candy.
• Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized cookies for party platters.
• Flavored Caramel: Try salted butter caramel or flavored caramels like sea salt or espresso.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cookie dough for extra texture.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?
Yes, but it may ooze more. Chill the dough after filling for better results.

Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q3: Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips?
Absolutely, any chocolate type works.

Q4: How do I prevent caramel from leaking?
Ensure the dough completely surrounds the caramel and chill for a few minutes before baking if needed.

Q5: Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes, adjust baking time to 10–12 minutes for mini cookies.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for cookie lovers. The combination of soft, buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel centers, melty chocolate, and a hint of sea salt creates an unforgettable treat. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you crave a decadent homemade cookie, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolatey goodness that makes them a must-try for any dessert enthusiast.