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!

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

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat caramels and heavy cream in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
2. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the cookie dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Scoop 1 ½ tbsp of dough and flatten slightly. Place ½ tsp of caramel in the center.
10. Cover with another 1 ½ tbsp of dough, sealing the edges to enclose the caramel.
11. Repeat with remaining dough and caramel.

Step 4: Bake

12. Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
13. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
14. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

15. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
16. 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! 🍪🍫✨