Decadent Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies: Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
Indulge in the ultimate sweet and salty delight with these incredible Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Imagine rich, deep dark chocolate cookies, perfectly chewy, crowned with a luscious swirl of creamy salted caramel frosting, and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This recipe is more than just a cookie; it’s an experience, a perfect balance of intense flavors that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite. Get ready to elevate your baking game and create a truly unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply a well-deserved treat.
This holiday season, these Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies have quickly become my absolute favorite recipe, and I’m confident they’ll become yours too! Each cookie starts with a rich, tender dark chocolate cookie dough base, baked to perfection. They are then generously adorned with a silky, smooth salted caramel buttercream frosting. For an extra touch of gourmet elegance and an even deeper caramel flavor, you can add a delicate swirl of homemade caramel sauce on top (this step is optional but highly recommended!). Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances all the flavors, creating that irresistible sweet and salty contrast. I can’t wait for you to bake up these heavenly cookies and share them with your loved ones!
Looking for more delightful cookie recipes to add to your repertoire? Here are some of my other favorites that are perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings:
- Festive Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies
- Easy Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
- The Best Peppermint Kiss Chocolate Cookies
Why These Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies Are a Must-Bake
As the holiday season approaches and the air fills with the aroma of festive baking, you’ll find countless recipes vying for your attention. But amidst all the Christmas treats, these Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies truly stand out. They are more than just a seasonal indulgence; they are a year-round delight that will quickly become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Here are just a few reasons why I (and soon, you!) adore this recipe:
Your New Favorite Cookie – Prepare yourself, because these aren’t just any cookies; they’re destined to become your absolute new favorite. The exquisite combination of a perfectly chewy dark chocolate cookie and the velvety, sweet-and-salty caramel frosting creates an addictive flavor profile. It’s truly difficult to stop at just one, and don’t be surprised if the entire dozen disappears faster than you can say “caramel dream!” Their unique charm makes them memorable.
Rich, Balanced Chocolate Flavor – Each cookie boasts a deep, rich dark chocolate flavor that’s wonderfully balanced by the alluring tang and sweetness of the salted caramel. This isn’t just sweet; it’s a sophisticated interplay of flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy. The quality cocoa powder ensures an intense chocolate experience, perfectly complemented by the salt, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. I promise, your palate will thank you!
Surprisingly Easy to Make – Despite their gourmet appearance and complex flavor, these cookies are remarkably straightforward to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency: while the delicious chocolate cookies are baking in the oven, you can whip up the luscious salted caramel frosting. This smart approach means you can have a batch of these exquisite cookies ready and frosted in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute treats or busy days!
Unbeatable Flavor Combination – Is there truly much more to say when you combine the depth of dark chocolate, the creamy sweetness of salted caramel, and the textural crunch of flaky sea salt? This trio is a culinary match made in heaven, creating a symphony of flavors that is utterly irresistible. Each ingredient plays its part to create a harmonious and unforgettable dessert experience. It’s a classic pairing for a reason, and this recipe executes it flawlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion – While they shine bright during the holiday season, these Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are versatile enough for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, a potluck, or just an afternoon tea, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Their elegant presentation and delightful taste make them a fantastic edible gift or a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
To help you prepare for your baking adventure, I’ve highlighted some key ingredients for these spectacular Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. These are items you might want to double-check on your next grocery run, especially if you don’t typically keep them stocked. For a comprehensive list of all quantities and ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this page!
Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste – This is truly the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies to an extraordinary level. Unlike simple extracts, this flavor paste delivers a concentrated, authentic caramel taste with a delightful hint of salt. I sourced mine from the wonderful Amoetti, and I highly recommend it for its exceptional quality and depth of flavor. You can find their product and explore their range of artisan flavors right here! If this isn’t available, you could try a high-quality caramel extract or a very thick homemade caramel reduction, but the paste offers unparalleled intensity.
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of our cookie dough. For the most accurate measurement and best texture, remember the “spoon and level” technique: gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use a straight edge (like the back of a knife) to level off the excess. This prevents compacting the flour, which can lead to dry, dense cookies.
Heavy Cream – This rich ingredient is crucial for achieving that wonderfully smooth, luscious consistency in our buttercream frosting. Its high fat content contributes to a stable and creamy frosting. While you technically can use milk as a substitute, be aware that it will result in a slightly thinner, potentially runnier buttercream due to its lower fat content. Adjust consistency with powdered sugar if needed.
Eggs – Our recipe cleverly calls for a combination of a whole large egg and an additional egg yolk. The whole egg provides structure and moisture, while the extra egg yolk adds richness, tenderness, and a beautiful chewiness to the cookies. Don’t worry about bringing them to room temperature for this specific recipe; cold eggs work just fine in this context, simplifying your prep work!
White Granulated Sugar – Also widely known simply as granulated sugar. This essential sweetener plays a dual role: it provides the necessary sweetness to the dark chocolate cookie dough, and when creamed with butter, it helps to create air pockets, contributing to the cookies’ light and tender texture.
Unsalted Butter – I always opt for unsalted butter in my baking recipes. This gives you complete control over the total salt content, allowing you to perfectly balance the flavors, especially important in a recipe featuring “salted” caramel. For the cookie dough, it can be semi-cold or at room temperature, but for the frosting, ensure it’s at true room temperature for optimal creaming and a smooth consistency.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder – This is key to achieving that deep, rich dark chocolate color and mellow flavor in the cookies. Dutch-processed cocoa has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity, resulting in a less bitter, darker cocoa. It reacts differently with leavening agents than natural cocoa, so ensure you use baking soda as specified in the recipe.
Baking Soda – Our primary leavening agent. It reacts with the slight acidity still present in some ingredients (even with Dutch-processed cocoa, or other minor acidic components) to create carbon dioxide bubbles, giving the cookies their lift and soft texture. Ensure it’s fresh for best results!
Salt – A small but mighty ingredient! Salt enhances all the other flavors, particularly the chocolate and caramel. In a salted caramel recipe, it’s absolutely vital for creating that perfect sweet-and-salty dynamic. Use fine salt for the dough and flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top for a beautiful finish and textural contrast.
Cream Cheese (for frosting) – Room temperature cream cheese adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the frosting, perfectly complementing the rich caramel and chocolate. Make sure it’s soft to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Powdered Sugar (for frosting) – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely ground sugar is essential for a smooth, airy frosting texture. Sifting it before use can help prevent lumps.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Cookie Dough
Crafting the perfect cookie dough is the first step to achieving these incredible Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Below, I’ve outlined some key tips and insights to help you successfully make the chocolate cookie dough portion of this recipe. Following these guidelines will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and rich every time. For the full, detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the complete recipe card below!
Preheat Your Oven Accurately to 350°F. Oven temperature is critical for even baking and consistent results. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you place the cookies inside. Line two cookie sheets with high-quality parchment paper, not wax paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and helps the cookies bake evenly without over-browning on the bottom. Set these aside so they are ready when your dough is formed.
In a stand mixer bowl fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer for versatility), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is visibly light and creamy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t rush this step! Creaming properly incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for giving your cookies a tender, lighter texture rather than a dense, heavy one.
After creaming, always scrape down the bottom and sides of the bowl thoroughly. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and prevents unmixed pockets. Add the cold whole egg, mixing on medium speed for about 20 seconds, just until combined. Then, add the egg yolk, which contributes extra richness and chewiness. Scrape down the sides once more, then incorporate the pure vanilla extract and the star of the show, the Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste. Mix on low speed until these liquid ingredients are just combined; overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten.
Next, it’s time for the dry ingredients. Sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Sifting is important as it breaks up any lumps in the dry ingredients and ensures they are evenly distributed, leading to a more consistent cookie texture. Mix on low speed *just until the dry mixture disappears* and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
To ensure your cookies bake uniformly and look appealing, use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to form 12 equally sized cookie dough balls. Uniform size is crucial for even baking. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Gently flatten each ball to approximately a little over ½ inch in thickness. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie shape.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for a precise bake time of 8-9 minutes. The exact time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and gooey. Overbaking will result in dry cookies. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up before you transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and maintains their perfect texture.
Essential Tools for Baking These Decadent Cookies
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, ensuring both efficiency and excellent results. While some items are optional, others are highly recommended for achieving the perfect Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies. Here’s a list of the key equipment I used and why they’re so helpful:
- Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Absolutely invaluable for this recipe! These mixers are essential for efficiently creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and for thoroughly mixing the cookie dough. A stand mixer offers hands-free convenience, while a good electric hand mixer is a versatile and effective alternative for smaller batches.
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to accommodate all your ingredients, especially when creaming butter and sugar and later adding the dry ingredients. A large bowl prevents spills and makes mixing much easier, whether you’re using a hand mixer or just a whisk.
- Cookie Scoop: A game-changer for uniform cookies! Using a cookie scoop (specifically a 3-tablespoon size for this recipe) ensures that each cookie dough portion is equally sized. This is crucial for consistent baking times and ensures every cookie comes out perfectly, with no burnt edges or underbaked centers.
- Fine-Mesh Sifter: This tool is used to sift your dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Sifting removes lumps and aerates the dry ingredients, leading to a smoother, lighter cookie dough texture and preventing pockets of unmixed flour in your baked cookies.
- Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two sturdy baking sheets to bake your cookies evenly. Using two sheets allows you to bake multiple batches efficiently. Always line them with parchment paper for easy removal of cookies and to prevent sticking, which also helps with even browning.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Once removed from the oven, cookies need to cool properly. A cooling rack allows air to circulate around all sides of the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring they cool evenly. It also stops the baking process, preventing overcooking on a hot sheet.
- Paddle Attachment (for stand mixer): If you’re using a stand mixer, the paddle attachment is the ideal tool for this cookie dough. Its design is perfect for creaming butter and sugar, and for incorporating ingredients thoroughly without over-developing gluten, which can make cookies tough.
- Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of your mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no unmixed pockets remain.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are fundamental to successful baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, along with detailed answers to help you achieve perfect results every time:
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
While Dutch-processed cocoa powder is highly recommended for its richer, darker color and milder, less bitter flavor that perfectly complements the caramel, you can use regular (natural) cocoa powder as a substitute. However, be aware that the cookies’ color might be slightly lighter, and the flavor profile will be a bit different, potentially more acidic. Since natural cocoa is acidic, it also reacts differently with baking soda, so the texture might vary slightly. For the best, most decadent results, stick with Dutch-processed if possible.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! Preparing the cookie dough in advance is a fantastic time-saver. You can refrigerate the cookie dough, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 24-48 hours before baking. Chilling the dough can even enhance the flavors and result in a slightly chewier cookie. If chilling for an extended period, you might need to let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping, just to make it more pliable.
What can I use if I don’t have Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste?
If the artisan flavor paste isn’t accessible, don’t worry, you still have options! You can try using a high-quality homemade salted caramel sauce (reduced to a thick consistency) or a good-quality caramel extract. Keep in mind that the flavor intensity and texture might vary compared to using the paste, which is very concentrated. If using caramel sauce, you may need to reduce the amount of heavy cream in the frosting slightly to maintain desired consistency.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
These Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies are perfectly done when their edges are visibly set and slightly firm, but the centers still look a bit soft, puffy, and perhaps even a little underbaked. They will continue to cook slightly from residual heat as they cool on the baking sheet. Be cautious not to overbake them, as this will result in a drier, harder cookie rather than the desired chewy, moist texture. An 8-9 minute bake time is usually spot on for perfection.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! For an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, feel free to fold in about ½ to 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate would all be delicious) into the cookie dough during the final mixing step, just before scooping. This will add another dimension of texture and flavor to these already decadent cookies.
My frosting is too runny/too thick, what should I do?
If your salted caramel buttercream frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a very small amount of heavy cream (½ teaspoon at a time) until it’s smooth and spreadable. Remember, room temperature ingredients for the frosting are key to preventing lumps and achieving the right texture from the start.
Storing and Freezing Your Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Once completely cooled and frosted, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and wonderful chewy texture for up to 3-4 days. For optimal taste and consistency, keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. If you’ve opted for the homemade caramel swirl on top, you might find them best stored in the refrigerator to keep the caramel firm, especially in warmer climates. Simply let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best experience.
Freezing Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies for Later Enjoyment
These cookies are also fantastic for freezing, allowing you to enjoy their irresistible flavor whenever a craving strikes! To freeze your baked Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies, first ensure they are completely cooled and the frosting is set. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure none of the cookies are touching each other. Place the tray in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the cookies are solid. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen solid, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. If layering them, separate each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking. Stored this way, the cookies will maintain their optimal quality for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for future events or unexpected guests!
I sincerely hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies as much as I do! If you loved this recipe or have any questions during your baking process, please remember to LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW AND A COMMENT below. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps other bakers discover this wonderful treat. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok for even more fun baking content, tips, and delicious recipes. I post so many exciting things across all my platforms, and I’d love to connect with you there!
Recipe
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookie
Molly Murphy
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookie
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg cold or room temperature
- 1 egg yolk cold or room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste
- 1 & ½ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder King Arthur recommended
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
For the Cookies:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using an electric hand mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
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Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the cold egg, mix on medium speed for 20 seconds, then add the egg yolk. Scrape down the sides, add vanilla extract, and Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste. Mix on low until combined.
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Sift in the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until the dry mixture disappears.
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Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop to form 12 equally sized cookie dough balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets and gently flatten to about a little over ½ inch in thickness.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
For the Frosting:
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
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Add the powdered sugar and heavy cream to the butter and cream cheese mixture. Mix on low until combined, then cream on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.
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Add the Natural Salted Caramel Artisan Flavor Paste to the mixture. Mix on medium speed until evenly combined (about 1 minute).
Assembly:
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Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the Salted Caramel Buttercream frosting onto the cookies.
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I used my salted caramel sauce to create that swirl on top! You can find that recipe here (scroll down to the bottom)