Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the gooey sweetness of caramel, then you’re in for a treat! This cookie recipe not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also brings joy with every bite. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and soft caramel encased in a buttery cookie is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ cup butter (softened)
⅓ cup white sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus ⅓ cup for topping)
7 caramels (unwrapped)
Flaky sea salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
14-16 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 35-40 minutes
Yield
14 cookies
This delightful recipe results in soft, chewy cookies with a deliciously surprising center. With the steps clearly laid out, you’ll find it easy to whip up a batch that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the white and brown sugars using an electric mixer. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat for about a minute until the mixture lightens in color and is fluffy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, beating until everything is well combined and forms a dough.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Set Aside Dough
Set aside ⅓ of the cookie dough for later use.
Step 7: Form Cookie Bases
Divide the remaining ⅔ of the dough into seven equal balls. Place these balls on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
Step 8: Prepare Caramels
Flatten each cookie dough ball slightly. Take a caramel square, flatten it by rolling it out with a rolling pin or pressing it between your hands, and place it in the center of each cookie base.
Step 9: Cover with Reserved Dough
Divide the reserved cookie dough into seven equal balls. Flatten each ball and place it on top of the caramel, ensuring to seal the edges to fully enclose the caramel.
Step 10: Add Toppings
Press the remaining ⅓ cup of chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies. Finish by sprinkling flaky sea salt over each cookie for added flavor.
Step 11: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the center of the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 12: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet until they are safe to handle. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Cook techniques
Beating Ingredients
Beat softened butter, sugars, and egg until the mixture is creamy and light in color for optimal texture.
Measuring Baking Ingredients
Use precise measurements for flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure the right consistency and taste in your cookies.
Rolling Caramels
Flatten caramels by rolling them with a rolling pin or pressing them between your hands for easy incorporation into cookies.
Sealing Cookie Edges
When placing dough on top of caramels, seal the edges well to prevent caramel from leaking during baking.
Chocolate Chip Topping
Press additional chocolate chips into the tops of the cookies before baking for an enhanced chocolate flavor.
Cooling Cookies
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to firm up.
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What can I use if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar and a bit of molasses for a similar taste.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for long-term storage.
What if I don’t have sea salt?
If you don’t have flaky sea salt, standard table salt can be used, but use it sparingly as it is more potent.
Conclusion
Indulging in these caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies offers a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, enhanced by the rich taste of chocolate and the gooey caramel center. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing friends and family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy them warm for a delightful treat, or store them to savor later!
More recipe suggestions and combination
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Swap out some of the butter for creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist on classic chocolate chip cookies.
Oatmeal Caramel Cookies
Incorporate old-fashioned oats into the dough for added texture and chewiness, along with the chocolate and caramel centers.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies
Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and rich flavor.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Infuse the cookie dough with mint extract and add mint-flavored chocolate chips for a refreshing variation.
Double Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Replace some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a double chocolate version, keeping the caramel center for a decadent treat.
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
Add pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal twist on the classic recipe.
