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Chocolate Caramel Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Centers)

These Chocolate Caramel Cookies are pure cozy-dessert magic. They start with a rich, soft, double chocolate cookie base that is deep, fudgy, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. But the real surprise is inside — a gooey caramel center that melts beautifully when the cookies are warm. Finished with a light sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of sweet + salty + chocolate. Every bite is warm, soft, and luxurious — the kind of cookie you make when you want something irresistible and comforting. Perfect for: Cozy evenings Holiday gifting Coffee or hot cocoa moments Chocolate lovers who want a little extra sweetness
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & chill time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 22 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins & Filling:
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Soft caramel candies or caramel sauce for filling
  • Sea salt flakes optional, for sprinkling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
Step 3:
  1. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 4:
  1. Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  2. Mix gently until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.
Step 5:
  1. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6:
  1. Cover and chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.
  2. This helps create chewy, thick cookies.
  3. Shape & Stuff
Step 7:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Step 8:
  1. Scoop dough into balls. Flatten slightly and place a small piece of soft caramel in the center.
  2. Seal the dough around the caramel so it’s fully enclosed.
Step 9:
  1. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
Step 10:
  1. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.
Step 11:
  1. While warm, sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
  2. Let cool slightly before enjoying (caramel will be hot!).

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freeze dough balls (before baking) for up to 2 months.
Reheat a baked cookie 8 seconds for warm caramel centers.
🥄 Variations (Normal Style)
Extra Gooey:
Drizzle caramel sauce on top instead of stuffing inside.
Salted Dark Chocolate Version:
Use dark chocolate chips and more sea salt.
Caramel Swirl:
Add small dollops of caramel into the dough and swirl lightly.
Nutty Caramel Cookies:
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
Hot Cocoa Cookie Vibe:
Press 1–2 mini marshmallows into the tops before baking.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use caramel candies instead of sauce?
Yes — soft, chewy caramel candies work best for stuffing.
Why did my caramel leak out?
Make sure the dough fully covers the caramel before baking.
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling makes cookies thicker and chewier — recommended.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes — reduce added salt by a pinch.
Can I freeze baked cookies?
Yes — freeze for up to 2 months.
Are these soft or crispy?
Soft and chewy — especially in the center.
Can I make them smaller?
Yes — reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes.
Can I use dairy-free butter?
Yes — also use dairy-free chocolate.
Can I add chocolate chunks instead of chips?
Yes — chunks make the cookies even more melty.
Can kids help make these?
Yes — stuffing caramel inside is a fun step.
🏁 Conclusion
These Chocolate Caramel Cookies are rich, chewy, warm, and beautifully melty — with caramel centers that make every bite feel indulgent and cozy. They’re the perfect comfort cookie, and once you make them, they’ll become a regular favorite.
Serve warm for maximum joy