Name: Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Your Sweet Escape
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (Essential for creating the cookie's base and texture.); 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Use Dutch-processed for a richer chocolate flavor.); 0.5 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the cookies rise slightly and become fluffy.); 0.25 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; kosher salt is perfect here.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Provides moisture and richness; ensure it's at room temperature.); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (Adds sweetness and influences the cookie’s texture.); 0.5 cups light brown sugar (Contributes moisture and chewiness; can swap with dark brown for deeper flavor.); 1 large egg (Acts as a binding agent; room temperature eggs yield better texture.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Adds a warm flavor; pure vanilla is ideal for the best taste.); 0.5 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips (Offers rich chocolate flavor; choose according to your preference.); 0.5 cups caramel flavored chips (Infuses each bite with rich caramel sweetness.); Sea salt flakes (A finishing touch that enhances all the flavors beautifully.); caramel sauce or dulce de leche (Adds extra sweetness and eye-catching appeal.)

As I stood in my cozy kitchen, the rich aroma of chocolate wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful indulgence that combines crispy edges with a soft, fudgy center. The perfect harmony of chocolate and caramel, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, turns an ordinary cookie into a sensational treat. Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they also require no chilling time—a lifesaver when those sweet cravings hit! Whether you’re a seasoned home-chef or someone simply looking to escape the fast food routine, these cookies promise to bring joy to your day. Ready to treat yourself? Let’s dive into the world of these luxurious cookies!

Why Are These Cookies Irresistible?

Decadent Indulgence: Each bite of these Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies offers a delightful burst of rich chocolate and gooey caramel, making them an unmissable treat.

Easy to Make: With no chilling required, you can create these scrumptious cookies in no time—a perfect option when unexpected guests drop by or when a craving strikes!

Crowd Pleaser: Whether served at a festive gathering or just enjoyed with a glass of milk, these cookies are guaranteed to impress friends and family.

Versatile Flavor: Feeling adventurous? Substitute caramel chips with peanut butter for a fun twist or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Need more sweet ideas? Check out my White Chocolate Pumpkin Snickerdoodles or White Chocolate Halloween Oreo Bark for delicious variations!

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for creating the cookie’s base and texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Use Dutch-processed for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and become fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; kosher salt is perfect here.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and influences the cookie’s texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and chewiness; can swap with dark brown for deeper flavor.
• Large Eggs – Act as a binding agent; room temperature eggs yield better texture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm flavor; pure vanilla is ideal for the best taste.
• Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips – Offers rich chocolate flavor; choose according to your preference.
• Caramel Flavored Chips – Infuses each bite with rich caramel sweetness; homemade caramel can be a substitute.
• Sea Salt Flakes – A finishing touch that enhances all the flavors beautifully; flaky salt is recommended.

Optional Drizzle
• Caramel Sauce or Dulce de Leche – Adds extra sweetness and eye-catching appeal; perfect for a special touch.

These double chocolate salted caramel cookies will not only delight your taste buds but also become a beloved recipe in your baking repertoire!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven & Sheets
Begin by adjusting your oven rack to just above center and preheat the oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, ensuring they are ready for your delicious Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined. Set the bowl aside and admire your rich, chocolatey mixture; this will be the base of your delectable cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. The creamy texture indicates you’re ready to move on to the next step.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
With your mixer on low speed, mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. The batter should now be smooth and fragrant, ready to blend with your dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed, blending until just combined. Once the flour is incorporated, gently fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup of caramel flavored chips, creating that irresistible contrast of flavors in your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. To enhance the flavor, lightly sprinkle the tops with sea salt flakes before baking; this step is key to achieving that perfect sweet-salty balance.

Step 7: Bake
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to look firm and the tops are slightly glossy. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 8: Optional Drizzle
When your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are completely cool, if you wish, drizzle them with caramel sauce or dulce de leche for an extra touch of indulgence. This step is not just for flavor but also adds a beautiful finishing touch to your delightful treats.

What to Serve with Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

A warm batch of cookies can make any occasion sweeter, but pairing them well elevates the experience even further.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream perfectly contrasts the rich chocolate and caramel flavors, creating a delightful dessert duo.
Fresh Berries: Bright and juicy berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee enhances the cookies’ chocolate depth, making for a cozy, indulgent experience—perfect for your afternoon pick-me-up.
Milk: Classic and timeless, a cold glass of milk is the ultimate companion to these cookies, washing down the rich flavors with each bite.
Chocolate Ganache Dip: For extra indulgence, serve these cookies with a side of chocolate ganache. The silky texture and intense flavor will take your treat to another level.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm salted caramel sauce on top of your cookies not only looks great but also amplifies that sweet-salty deliciousness.
Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, making each bite of cookie even more exciting.
Hot Chocolate: On a chilly day, pair your cookies with a mug of rich, creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate warm dessert experience.

Let your taste buds guide you as you explore these delicious pairings, and make your cookie moment extraordinary!

Expert Tips for Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Butter Softness: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature; softened butter will whip better for a fluffier cookie.

• Chill If Necessary: If your dough is too warm, consider chilling it for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Optimal Baking Time: Keep a close eye on them; cookies will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.

• Storage Solutions: To keep your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

How to Store and Freeze Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and fresh.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can also store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but they may lose some of their softness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Make Ahead Options

These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply by scooping the dough onto cookie sheets, covering them with plastic wrap, and refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into a preheated oven without thawing, extending the baking time by a minute or two if needed. For an even longer option, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. To maintain their quality, just make sure to store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. When finished baking, drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra indulgent touch, and you’ll have warm, gooey cookies ready to enjoy in no time!

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these cookies, enhancing their deliciousness with a few delightful twists!

Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor and a touch of healthiness. You’ll enjoy the same indulgent taste with a little extra fiber!
Peanut Butter Chips: Swap out caramel chips for peanut butter chips to create a rich and nutty flavor profile. This will not only change the taste but will also add a creamy texture that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch and earthy tones. The nuts will offer a delightful contrast to the soft center and enhance the cookies’ flavor.
Double the Chocolate: Use a combination of dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips to create layers of deep chocolate richness. A haven for chocolate lovers, this is sure to elevate the indulgence!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that balances the sweetness. Just a dash will do—it adds an intriguing and unexpected twist!
Minty Freshness: Stir in some crushed peppermint candies or a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist. Perfect for the holidays or any time you need a little festive cheer!
Salted Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Instead of just using caramel chips, enhance with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top of the baked cookies for an extra touch of decadence. It not only looks stunning but also amplifies that sweet-salty flavor marathon!
Meringue Topping: For a fancy spin, top each cookie with a dollop of meringue before baking. The result is a delightful crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the soft cookie underneath.

Looking for more delicious recipes? You may enjoy my scrumptious Gluten Free Chocolate Oat Cookies or the indulgent Chocolate Chip Cookies for your next baking adventure!

Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, ensure that your unsalted butter is at room temperature; it should feel soft to the touch but not melted. When selecting eggs, opt for large eggs that are fresh for binding and moisture. Additionally, use high-quality chocolate chips—whether semi-sweet or milk chocolate—to elevate the rich taste of your cookies.

How should I store Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies soft and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain maximum freshness, placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist. If you’d prefer them chilled, storing them in the fridge is an option, but they may lose some of their signature softness.

Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Certainly! To freeze your Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, first let them cool completely. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!

What if my cookie dough is too runny?
No worries! If your dough is too runny, it might be due to over-creaming the butter and sugars or using warm ingredients. To fix this, you can add a little extra flour—1 tablespoon at a time—until the dough reaches a more manageable consistency. Remember, the key is to mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies!

Are these cookies pet-friendly?
Definitely not! These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies contain ingredients such as chocolate and sugar that can be dangerous for pets, especially dogs and cats. Always store your baked goods out of reach and opt for pet-specific treats for your furry friends!

Can I substitute ingredients to make them healthier or allergy-friendly?
Absolutely! To make these cookies a bit healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for additional fiber. If you or someone you’re serving has a nut allergy, be mindful when adding chocolate chips or caramel chips. You can always omit them or substitute with allergy-safe chocolate alternatives. The more the merrier when it comes to customizing these treats to fit your needs!