If you’re craving something sweet, rich, and downright irresistible, you’ve come to the right place! Let me introduce you to Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies, the ultimate treat for chocoholics and caramel lovers alike. These cookies are indulgent, with a decadent chocolate base and a gooey, salted caramel center that oozes out with every bite. They’re the kind of cookies that will make you close your eyes and savor each mouthful!
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Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
- Decadent and Gooey: These cookies are rich, fudgy, and have a molten caramel center—pure heaven in every bite!
- Sweet & Salty Perfection: The contrast of sweet chocolate and salted caramel creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Impressive but Easy to Make: They may look like they came from a bakery, but they’re simple to make at home!
- Crowd Pleasers: Whether for a party, a cozy night in, or a holiday treat, these cookies are guaranteed to wow everyone.
What Do These Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are like biting into a warm, fudgy brownie—but better. The cookie itself is soft, rich, and intensely chocolatey, while the center surprises you with a gooey caramel filling that’s sweet, buttery, and has a touch of sea salt to make the flavors pop. The balance of textures and flavors makes each bite utterly satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these decadent cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12-14 soft caramel candies (like Kraft or Werther’s), unwrapped
- Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment!
- Add Chocolate Chips: Want even more chocolate? Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
- Try Dark Chocolate: Use dark cocoa powder for an even richer flavor.
- Switch the Caramel: If you want a different twist, try stuffing the cookies with peanut butter cups or marshmallows for a fun variation.
- Sea Salt: For a more intense salty kick, sprinkle a bit more sea salt on top after baking.
How to Make Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
These cookies are easier than you might think! Let’s get started:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and fudgy!
Step 2: Stuff the Cookies
- Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
- Place one of the caramel candies in the center, then fold the dough around it, making sure to completely encase the caramel.
- Roll the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and caramel candies, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
- As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Serve these cookies warm so you can enjoy the gooey caramel center at its best. They’re perfect with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee!
What to Serve with These Cookies
These rich, decadent cookies pair wonderfully with:
- Milk: A classic! The creamy milk balances out the intense chocolate and caramel flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, making for a perfect match.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a next-level dessert, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Tips for Making the Best Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
- Use Soft Caramel Candies: The softer the caramel, the easier it will melt into a gooey center.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be slightly underbaked in the center to keep that fudgy texture and molten caramel filling.
- Salt After Baking: Sprinkling the sea salt immediately after baking allows it to stick to the cookies without dissolving into the dough.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft and chewy, you can also place a slice of bread in the container. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls (with the caramel inside) before baking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Absolutely! If you want to go the extra mile, use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candies. Just make sure the caramel is soft enough to stay gooey when baked.
Why did my cookies flatten too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because your dough was too warm. Make sure to chill the dough balls for 10-15 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Conclusion
There you have it—Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies that are guaranteed to impress! These cookies are everything you could want in a dessert: rich chocolate flavor, a gooey caramel center, and a hint of sea salt to bring it all together. They’re the perfect indulgence for when you need a sweet treat that feels extra special.
I hope you try these cookies and love them as much as I do! If you make them, be sure to leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. I’d love to see how they turn out!
Nutritional Information (per cookie)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
More Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of chocolate and caramel, you’ll love these other recipes:
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: A chocolate lover’s dream!
- Chocolate Caramel Bars: Layers of chocolate and caramel goodness.
- Brown Butter Salted Chocolate Chip Cookies: A delicious twist on the classic cookie with nutty brown butter.
Happy baking! 🍫