Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 min20 cookiesmediumAmerican
Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies with a hidden surprise of gooey caramel tucked inside each one. The combination of semisweet chocolate chips and warm caramel creates the perfect sweet indulgence, while a sprinkle of coarse sea salt adds a sophisticated contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with a bakery-style treat. The secret to success is properly sealing the caramel inside the dough to prevent leakage during baking, creating cookies that deliver a delightful molten center with every bite.

Ingredients

Yield: 20 cookies
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
    salted butter1:1none

    reduce added salt by half

    Full guide →
  • 6 ½ unsalted butter, softened
    salted butter1:1none

    reduce added salt by half

    Full guide →
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
    milk chocolate chips1:1noneadds dairy

    for sweeter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 20 kraft caramels
    rolo chewy caramels1:1none

    mentioned in recipe

  • coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and line baking sheet with parchment paper

  2. 2

    Whisk flour, baking soda, cornstarch and salt in medium bowl

  3. 3

    Beat butter and sugars until fluffy in separate bowl or stand mixer

  4. 4

    Add egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated

  5. 5

    Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and combine

  6. 6

    Fold in chocolate chips

  7. 7

    Roll dough into balls, add caramel to center and seal dough around it

  8. 8

    Place on prepared baking sheet

  9. 9

    Bake until lightly golden brown

  10. 10

    Rest for 10 minutes, sprinkle with sea salt

  11. 11

    Transfer to wire rack to cool completely

Tips

Tip 1

Ensure caramels are completely wrapped in dough to prevent leaking during baking

Tip 2

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet before transferring to prevent breaking while warm

Tip 3

Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

Make Ahead

Cookie dough can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking

Serve With

Best served slightly warm when caramel is still soft

Common Mistakes

Watch

Ensure dough completely covers caramel to avoid leaking during baking

Watch

Don't overbake or cookies will become hard and caramel may crystallize

Substitutions

kraft caramels
rolo chewy caramels1:1none

mentioned in recipe

semisweet chocolate chips
milk chocolate chips1:1noneadds dairy

for sweeter flavor

Full guide →
unsalted butter
salted butter1:1none

reduce added salt by half

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, but ensure it's firm enough to handle and not too soft, or it will leak during baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature for best texture.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?

Yes, freeze assembled cookies on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.