Ingredients
The key to this cookie lies in selecting quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. I always reach for fresh, high-quality butter and real vanilla because they make a noticeable difference in texture and taste. When it comes to chocolate, I prefer using a mix of bittersweet chunks and milk chocolate chips for that perfect gooeyness. And don’t skimp on the sea salt—it’s essential to brightening the caramel and chocolate notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Substitution Tips: If you prefer, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. If caramel bits aren’t available, chopped soft caramels work beautifully.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. I always sift these ingredients to avoid lumps and get a light, tender cookie texture.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating that soft, chewy texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture and richness, so don’t skip this!
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks, chocolate chips, and caramel bits gently but thoroughly to distribute the goodies evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. This underbaking ensures the cookies remain chewy and gooey.
- Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on each cookie to enhance the caramel and chocolate flavors.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here really pays off!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookie, recipe, cooking, food
