Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

The Best Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe Ever

Sweet, sultry salted caramel dark chocolate cookies upgrade ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Rich, complex flavors dance between decadent chocolate and golden caramel undertones.

Sophisticated ingredients meld together, creating a sensory experience that elevates traditional cookie expectations.

Unexpected salt crystals provide a dramatic counterpoint to deep, intense chocolate depths.

Luxurious textures promise a delightful contrast between crisp edges and soft, molten centers.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will find this recipe irresistibly approachable and remarkably impressive.

Indulgence awaits those who dare to blend these remarkable ingredients.

Delicious Pairings for These Rich Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: A warm, rich caramel latte complements the deep chocolate and salted caramel notes in the cookies, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that elevates both the drink and the sweet treat.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve these decadent cookies alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold creaminess contrast with the warm, gooey chocolate caramel center for a sensational dessert experience.
  • Enjoy with Aged Port Wine: A glass of smooth, slightly sweet aged port wine beautifully balances the intense chocolate and salty caramel, offering a sophisticated pairing that brings out the complex flavors of the cookies.
  • Complement with Salted Almond Brittle: Crumble some homemade salted almond brittle alongside the cookies to enhance the salt and sweet profile, adding a delightful crunch that echoes the cookie's own textures.

Creative Takes on Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies

  • Nutty Chocolate Caramel Crunch: Replace dark chocolate chips with chopped almonds and milk chocolate chips for a crunchy, nutty version that adds extra texture and depth to the classic recipe.
  • Espresso Caramel Swirl: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients, creating a rich coffee-infused cookie that complements the dark chocolate and caramel perfectly.
  • Salted Coconut Caramel Edition: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the cookies before baking and use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a tropical-inspired variation that enhances the caramel's sweetness.
  • Mexican Chocolate Spice Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients, giving the cookies a warm, slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate and caramel.

Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Snapshot

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Delight: These cookies pack an intense dark chocolate punch with a luxurious salted caramel surprise that transforms an ordinary treat into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Easy Bakery-Style Technique: The simple method of encasing caramel centers creates professional-looking cookies that seem complicated but are surprisingly straightforward for home bakers.
  • Enjoy Sensational Texture Contrast: Soft, chewy cookie exterior meets gooey caramel center, while flaky sea salt adds a delightful crunch that elevates the entire flavor profile.
  • Prepare Make-Ahead Convenience: The chilling process allows busy home cooks to prep dough in advance, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or planned gatherings.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies

Cookie Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Soft and creamy foundation that helps create a rich, tender texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet partners that add depth and help with cookie caramelization.
  • Large Egg: Binding agent that provides structure and moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that complements chocolate beautifully.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural base that gives cookies their classic shape and consistency.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deep, intense chocolate flavor that creates a dark, rich cookie.
  • Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cookies rise and spread properly.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste.
Chocolate and Caramel Ingredients:
  • Milk: Moisture addition that helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Rich, intense chocolate pieces that melt into delicious pockets.
  • Chocolate-Coated Caramels: Surprise center that adds gooey caramel goodness to each cookie.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Finishing touch that provides a delightful salty contrast to sweet flavors.

Baking Instructions for Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy mixture using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Blend Wet Ingredients

Pour in:
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until everything combines smoothly.

Step 3: Craft The Dry Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Merge Wet And Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add Moisture And Chocolate

Stir in milk to help dough come together.

Fold in dark chocolate chips, distributing evenly throughout the dough.

Step 6: Rest And Chill The Dough

Cover dough with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours to develop rich flavors and firm texture.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop dough into 1 1/2 tablespoon portions.

Flatten slightly.

Place chocolate-coated caramel in center.

Mold dough around caramel, creating perfect round balls.

Position cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Slide cookies into preheated oven.

Bake 12-13 minutes until edges set but centers remain soft.

Step 10: Cool And Enjoy

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Savor your delectable creation!

  • Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 3 hours to intensify flavors and prevent spreading during baking.
  • Salt with Precision: Sprinkle flaky sea salt just before baking to create a delightful sweet-salty contrast and enhance chocolate's richness.
  • Caramel Concealment: Completely wrap caramel centers with dough to prevent leaking and ensure a gooey, surprise filling in every bite.
  • Soft Center Secret: Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for a perfectly chewy texture.
  • Cooling Technique: Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to help them set and maintain structural integrity.

How to Store Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies

  • Refrigerate: Place cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from melting.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, restoring their soft, gooey texture.
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Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Salted caramel dark chocolate cookies deliver pure indulgence with rich chocolate and sweet-salty caramel notes. Rich layers of intense flavor meld together, creating an irresistible treat that chocolate enthusiasts will savor in every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (270 grams) dark chocolate chips
  • 18 chocolate-coated caramels (Rolos)
  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (55 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar

Wet Ingredients and Additional Components:

  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. In a spacious mixing vessel, whip butter, granulated and brown sugars until they transform into a cloud-like, airy texture using an electric mixer.
  2. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Separately, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the creamy base, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing.
  5. Splash milk into the developing dough, stirring until everything melds seamlessly.
  6. Disperse dark chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture, creating pockets of rich intensity.
  7. Wrap the dough securely and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing flavors to deepen and texture to solidify.
  8. Heat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  9. Portion dough into small mounds, creating a gentle indentation to nestle a chocolate-coated caramel at the center.
  10. Carefully envelop the caramel completely, rolling into smooth spheres and positioning them with ample spacing on the prepared sheets.
  11. Delicately shower the cookie tops with flaky sea salt, creating a tantalizing contrast.
  12. Bake until edges look set but centers remain tender, approximately 12-13 minutes.
  13. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough helps develop deeper flavors and creates a perfectly textured cookie that’s soft inside and slightly crisp outside.
  • Chocolate-coated caramels hidden within each cookie provide a surprise molten center that melts in your mouth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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