Best Caramel Chocolate Chip

Rich caramel chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate comfort treat for anyone who loves gooey centers and a chewy bite. These bakery-style cookies wrap soft caramel candies in a buttery dough studded with plenty of chocolate chips for a crave-worthy upgrade to classic chocolate chip cookies. They are ideal for celebrations or when you want to impress friends with homemade baked goods that never last long on the plate.

My kids now call these the gold coin cookies because finding the caramel center is a treasure Every time I bake them the house feels warmer and everyone wants to snag a just-baked one

Ingredients

• Salted butter: melted and slightly cooled gives these cookies a soft chewy texture Use a high-quality butter for best flavor
• Packed brown sugar and granulated sugar: balance rich caramel notes with sweetness Look for soft moist brown sugar
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and rounds out the overall flavor Real vanilla makes a noticeable difference
• Large eggs: help bind everything and keep the cookies plush
• All-purpose flour: structure is everything Here a well-measured flour is vital so spoon and level it
• Baking powder and baking soda: for perfect rise and spread Always check these are fresh
• Salt: balances all the sweet and sharpens the flavors
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: add classic rich pockets throughout Choose a good brand for the best melt
• Soft caramel candies: nestle in each cookie for sticky gooey centers Werthers are my favorite because they stay creamy and soft

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramel Prep:

Unwrap all caramel candies Set aside most for stuffing and chop the rest for topping Do not skip this step so you are ready once the dough is made

Butter and Sugar Mixing:

In a large bowl whisk the melted butter with both sugars until the mixture becomes cohesive and glossy Take your time with this step as it helps create a chewy texture

Eggs and Vanilla Incorporation:

Add vanilla extract and eggs Use a whisk to beat until silky and smooth This step ensures an even bake and that classic cookie crumb

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Add flour baking powder baking soda and salt Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until the dough starts to come together Scrape the sides and bottom to make sure no pockets of flour remain

Chocolate Chip Folding:

Pour in chocolate chips and fold until evenly distributed throughout every bit of dough This keeps each cookie loaded with chocolate

Dough Chilling:

Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes Cold dough prevents over-spreading in the oven and intensifies the flavors

Stuff and Shape:

Portion dough into balls around 90 grams each Flatten slightly and wrap around a whole caramel Make sure the caramel is fully enclosed to prevent leaks Top each with chopped caramel and extra chips Press gently to anchor them

Baking and Swirling:

Line trays and bake cookies spaced apart at 185 degrees Celsius Bake only until the edges are set and the center is slightly underbaked This ensures a gooey middle Right out of the oven use a round cutter to nudge and swirl each cookie for bakery looks

Cooling and Serving:

Let the cookies cool on the tray until they are just warm enough to touch Serve warm for the best melted caramel pull

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Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days For longer freshness keep them in the refrigerator and warm for a few seconds before serving If freezing place baked or unbaked dough balls in a freezer-safe container and bake right from frozen for easy treats on demand

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have unsalted butter just add a pinch more salt to the dough You can swap semi-sweet chips with dark or milk chocolate to highlight your favorite flavor Soft caramels are best but you can try caramel baking bits or homemade caramels if you are feeling adventurous

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are best served just out of the oven when the caramel is molten For an over-the-top dessert sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies or drizzle with extra melted caramel for special occasions

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Baking Inspiration

This recipe was inspired by both classic bakery styles and nostalgic homemade cookies It brings together a classic chocolate chip base with the fun surprise of caramel in the center making it perfect for birthday parties or cozy nights at home

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent caramel from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to fully enclose the caramel in dough, pinching all seams before baking for best results.

→ Can I use different types of caramel?

Yes, soft caramel candies work best, but you can try other brands or homemade caramels if they're pliable.

→ How should I store these cookies for freshness?

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or refrigerate to keep them longer.

→ Is it possible to freeze the dough for later use?

Absolutely. Freeze shaped dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time as needed.

→ Why chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps firm up the dough so the cookies hold their shape better and the flavors blend more deeply.

→ Can I make smaller cookies instead?

Yes, simply reduce portion size and slightly decrease baking time. Be sure to watch the edges for doneness.