These Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cookies are rich, chewy, and loaded with deep chocolate flavor. Filled with gooey caramel centers and finished with a sprinkle of flaky Sea Salt, these cookies offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty. If you love fudgy brownies and decadent caramel, this is the ultimate cookie for you!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
For the Caramel Filling:
- 12 soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
For Topping:
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Filling
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat caramels and heavy cream in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 ½ tbsp of dough and flatten slightly. Place ½ tsp of caramel in the center.
- Cover with another 1 ½ tbsp of dough, sealing the edges to enclose the caramel.
- Repeat with remaining dough and caramel.
Step 4: Bake
- Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm for an ooey-gooey caramel center!
Notes
- Make ahead: Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 48 hours.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
- No caramels? Use dulce de leche or a thick caramel sauce instead.
Why This Recipe Works
The rich cocoa Cookie Dough delivers an ultra-fudgy, almost brownie-like texture, while the melted caramel centerprovides a buttery contrast. The flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate flavor, making every bite irresistibly sweet, salty, and decadent!
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. With a gooey caramel surprise inside and a hint of sea salt, they’re perfect for the holidays, special occasions, or anytime you need a decadent treat. Try them today and enjoy the best fudgy, chocolatey, caramel-filled cookies ever! 🍪🍫✨
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time, and if so, how far in advance?
Yes, the cookie dough can be made ahead of time. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before assembling and baking the cookies. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for the caramels if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have caramels, you can substitute them with dulce de leche or a thick caramel sauce. The flavor profile will remain similar, though the texture might be slightly different. When using caramel sauce, be sure to use a thick variety to prevent it from completely melting and leaking out during baking. You may need to adjust the amount of sauce slightly, using approximately ½ tsp per cookie.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked with the gooey caramel center?
The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still appear soft. Look for a slight crackle on the surface of the cookies. The baking time is approximately 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). A gentle press on the edge of the cookie should feel firm, while the center should still have a slight give. Overbaking will result in a less gooey caramel center.
Can I double or triple this recipe to make more cookies?
Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe. When doubling, use a larger mixing bowl. Be mindful of your oven capacity; you may need to bake the cookies in batches. Increase the baking time slightly if the cookies are thicker due to doubling the recipe, but keep a close eye on them to ensure the centers remain soft.
What are the nutritional highlights of these Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cookies?
These cookies provide a good source of energy from the butter, sugars, and flour. Cocoa powder offers antioxidants, and the eggs contribute protein. The caramel provides additional sweetness and fat. Remember that these are a treat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Cookies
A delightful treat combining rich chocolate fudge with a hint of salted caramel, perfect for any sweet occasion.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup salted caramel chips
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy in a separate bowl.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips and salted caramel chips.
- Drop rounded teaspoons of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are set.
- Remove from oven, allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
These cookies are perfect for sharing during festive occasions or simply enjoying with a glass of milk.
