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

Adam

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

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Prep Time 15

bake & chill time 40

Total Time 55

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:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2:

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.

Step 3:

Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4:

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix gently until a soft dough forms — do not overmix.

Step 5:

Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 6:

Cover and chill the dough for 20–30 minutes.
This helps create chewy, thick cookies.
Shape & Stuff

Step 7:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.

Step 8:

Scoop dough into balls. Flatten slightly and place a small piece of soft caramel in the center.
Seal the dough around the caramel so it’s fully enclosed.

Step 9:

Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.

Step 10:

Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers look soft.

Step 11:

While warm, sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes.
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