Irresistible Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Sweet tooths go crazy for this salted caramel stuffed chocolate cookies recipe that promises pure indulgence.

decadent chocolate envelops a molten caramel center, creating an irresistible treat.

Delicate sea salt crystals dance across the surface, intensifying each rich bite.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves swooning over these incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.

Crisp edges give way to a gooey center that surprises with every nibble.

Baking these cookies feels like crafting edible magic in your kitchen.

When you pull these beauties from the oven, prepare for instant dessert devotion.

Decadent Salted Caramel Cookies Snapshot

• Indulge in cookies that reveal a luscious, gooey caramel surprise with every delightful bite, creating an unexpected and exciting flavor explosion.
• Master these sophisticated cookies without needing advanced baking skills, making them perfect for home bakers who want impressive results with minimal complexity.
• Transform ordinary cookie moments into extraordinary experiences with the rich combination of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of sea salt that elevates this dessert beyond typical sweet snacks.
• Serve these irresistible cookies at gatherings, potlucks, or as a special homemade gift that will wow friends, family, and even the most discerning dessert lovers.

What Goes into Salted Caramel Cookies

• Butter: A creamy base that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cookie browning and crispness.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes moisture and deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie dough.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

• Soft Caramel Candies, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth, rich caramel center that adds decadent sweetness to the cookies.

• Sea Salt: Provides a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel and enhances the overall flavor complexity.

How to Bake Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients until they become light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2: Craft the Gooey Caramel Center

• Soft caramel candies
• Heavy cream

Use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring between each interval.

Mix until the caramel becomes silky and smooth.

Let it cool down slightly so it’s easier to handle.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let it rest and firm up for at least 30 minutes.

This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Take a tablespoon of chilled dough and flatten it in your hand.

Place a small dollop of caramel in the center, then carefully fold the dough around the filling.

Roll it into a perfect ball.

Continue this process until you’ve used all the dough.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Bake for 10-12 minutes.

You’re looking for firm edges with soft, gooey centers.

Right after removing from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top while the cookies are still warm.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The caramel will set, creating a delicious surprise in every bite.

Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

• Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Let the caramel cool slightly before filling to prevent burning and ensure easier handling when assembling cookies.
• Add sea salt while cookies are still warm to help it adhere and enhance the sweet-salty flavor profile of the caramel.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cookie removal effortless.
• Microwave caramel in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, creamy filling.

Storing Salted Caramel Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each row. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from melting.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and soft texture.
• Place cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent caramel from becoming too soft.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to restore their gooey caramel center and soft texture. Alternatively, briefly warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to revive their just-baked quality.

Salted Caramel Cookie Pairings

• Savor Rich Coffee Companions: Dark roast espresso or French press coffee perfectly complements the deep caramel and chocolate notes in these decadent cookies, cutting through their sweetness with robust intensity.
• Pair Creamy Dessert Drinks: Smooth salted caramel latte or rich hot chocolate creates a luxurious flavor harmony, enhancing the cookie's sweet-salty profile and providing a velvety drinking experience.
• Elevate with Dessert Wine: Late harvest Riesling or muscato offers a delightful sweet counterpoint, its honeyed undertones dancing beautifully with the caramel's rich complexity and the cookie's chocolate depth.
• Craft Unexpected Milk Matches: Chilled almond milk or creamy vanilla-infused milk provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, gooey cookie, creating a delightful sensory balance.

Creative Spins on Salted Caramel Cookies

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Salted Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and create a dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free caramel candies, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich flavor.
• Nutty Caramel Variation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the cookie dough for added crunch and depth, complementing the salted caramel filling.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out during baking?

Chill the dough thoroughly and ensure you completely seal the caramel inside the cookie dough ball by pinching the edges carefully. The cold dough helps maintain the seal during baking.

• Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramel candies?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce, but it should be thick enough to hold its shape. If too runny, add a bit of cornstarch or chill it before filling to make it more stable.

• Why is sea salt added to these cookies?

Sea salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and creates a delicious contrast in flavors, bringing out the rich, deep notes of the caramel and chocolate. It adds a gourmet touch to the classic cookie.

• What's the best way to handle the sticky caramel filling?

Use a small spoon or cookie scoop, and work quickly. If the caramel gets too sticky, briefly refrigerate it or lightly grease your utensils with cooking spray to make handling easier.