Name: Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour gluten-free if needed; 11 ounces caramel candies unwrapped; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; 10-12 ounces milk chocolate roughly chopped; Flaky sea salt; Edible gold leaf

There’s something utterly irresistible about the rich combo of gooey caramel, silky chocolate, and buttery cookies all wrapped into one bite. That’s exactly why the Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe is a winner in my kitchen—and it might just become a favorite for you too. Let’s dive in so you can taste what I mean!

The image shows a group of round cookies laid out on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a smooth, light beige base layer topped with a shiny, thick layer of caramel in a golden brown color. On top of the caramel is a swirled dollop of rich, glossy dark chocolate spread, decorated with flakes of gold leaf and white flaky sea salt scattered unevenly across the chocolate. The cookies are placed close together, some slightly overlapping, creating a neat and inviting arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and each batch fills my kitchen with the most comforting, buttery-sweet aroma. These cookies are a total crowd-pleaser—praised for their soft-but-chewy base topped with that decadent caramel and chocolate finish. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that keep everyone reaching in for seconds.

Decadent Triple Layer: Combining cookie, caramel, and chocolate delivers that rich “millionaire” taste in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these on hand, and the method is straightforward.
Customizable Toppings: Flaky sea salt or edible gold leaf add that wow factor, but are totally optional.
Perfect Texture: Crispy edges meet soft centers, satisfying every cookie craving.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating the classic millionaire cookie that’s indulgently buttery with the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Here’s a little insight into each one and why it’s essential.

Flat lay of a small block of pale yellow unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals on a small white ceramic dish, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a plain white ceramic plate, a small heap of unwrapped golden caramel candies, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick heavy cream, roughly chopped chunks of glossy milk chocolate on a simple white ceramic plate, tiny flakes of bright gold leaf scattered delicately beside a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creamed with sugar gives you that tender, rich cookie base.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies bake with crispy edges.
Vanilla Extract or Bean Paste: Adds a warm aroma that amplifies all the other flavors.
Salt: A pinch brightens the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
All Purpose Flour (or gluten-free): The sturdy base that holds everything together.
Caramel Candies: The star ingredient—melted with cream to make a luscious, gooey layer.
Heavy Cream: Softens the caramel for that perfect spreadable texture.
Milk Chocolate: Melts smooth to seal the caramel and add a creamy finish.
Flaky Sea Salt and Edible Gold Leaf (optional): Small touches that elevate the cookie, but not necessary for everyday treats.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love about this Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to adjust based on what you have or like best. Whether you want it gluten-free or decide to swap milk chocolate out for dark or white, the base dough is very forgiving and welcoming.

Vegan Version: I’ve tried replacing butter with coconut oil and using dairy-free caramel and chocolate—it works, but the texture is slightly different (a tad softer).
Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the dough gives a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
Spiced Variation: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom into the dough for a warm, seasonal vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

The image shows several cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a bottom layer of smooth, light brown caramel spread directly on the cookie, and a top layer of thick, glossy dark chocolate frosting swirled in a circle. The chocolate layer is decorated with small, shiny gold leaf pieces and white flaky salt sprinkled on top. A woman's hand is reaching to take one of the cookies. The cookies have a light, golden-brown color with a soft, crumbly texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar until Light and Fluffy

I start by beating the room temperature butter and sugar with my stand mixer for about 2-3 minutes. You want them pale and a bit fluffy—you’ll notice when the mixture looks lighter and isn’t grainy anymore. This step really helps the cookies bake up tender with a nice crumb.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Salt, and Flour

Next, I mix in the vanilla and salt, scraping down the sides so everything is well incorporated. Then I add the flour and beat on medium-low just until the dough starts coming together. Watch closely here — overmixing could make the cookies tough, so once it pulls away from the bowl, stop mixing.

Step 3: Chill and Roll the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading. When chilled, lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick before cutting out cookies. It’s super helpful to chill the cut cookies again on the baking sheet for another 15-30 minutes to keep their shape.

Step 4: Bake Until Just Golden

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set and just starting to turn golden—don’t overbake or these cookies lose their tender chew! Let them rest briefly before moving on to the luscious caramel layer.

Step 5: Melt and Spread the Gooey Caramel

While cookies cool, I melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning. Stir between times until smooth and just bubbly. Then, I spoon about a teaspoon of caramel onto each cookie and spread it gently to the edges. Be quick before it starts setting—this is when your cookies start to feel truly indulgent.

Step 6: Top With Melted Chocolate and Extras

Last up, melt the milk chocolate until silky smooth, then spoon it over the caramel layer. If you want to elevate the presentation, sprinkle with flaky sea salt (I love this contrast!) and edible gold leaf for a dazzling touch. Let the cookies cool completely so that caramel and chocolate harden just right.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that chilling the dough and again chilling the cut cookies before baking makes all the difference between a perfect shape and a spread-out cookie. Plus, melting caramel too quickly or overheating it can turn it grainy or seize up—patience really pays off!

Chill Twice: Don’t skip chilling cut cookies before baking to keep their edges crisp and neat.
Gentle Caramel Melting: Use short microwave bursts, stirring often to avoid burning or hardening.
Spoon and Spread Quickly: Work fast after caramel is melted to cover cookies evenly before it sets.
Final Cooling: Let popcorn cool completely on wire rack—warm caramel or chocolate will be messy!

How to Serve Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Millionaire Caramel Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—it adds a subtle crunch and balances the sweetness like a pro. The edible gold leaf is absolutely stunning for special occasions, like holiday parties or gift boxes. But honestly, these cookies are delicious even without any extras.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a cup of strong coffee or creamy milk to complement the rich flavors. I also love serving them alongside a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or potlucks, I arrange these cookies on a tiered stand sprinkled with edible gold dust and edible flowers to impress the crowd. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a fantastic homemade gift that always disappears fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftover millionaire cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The caramel softens slightly but remains delightfully gooey, and the chocolate stays intact. If your kitchen is warm, a cool spot is best.

Freezing

These cookies freeze nicely if you want to save some for later. I double-wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours, which preserves the soft caramel and fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

I gently warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds if I want that freshly-baked feel with melty chocolate and caramel again. Just be careful not to heat too long or the chocolate can become grainy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramel candies?

Yes, you can use a thick store-bought caramel sauce, but it may be less firm after cooling compared to melted caramel candies mixed with cream. If using sauce, spread it quickly and consider chilling the cookies longer to help it set.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much on the cookies?

To keep the caramel soft, melt it gently and avoid overheating, then spread it on the cookies while still warm. Adding heavy cream helps maintain a gooey texture. Cooling the cookies at room temperature rather than the fridge is also helpful.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure the caramel candies and chocolate you choose are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious!

Why does the cookie dough need to be chilled twice?

Chilling the dough before rolling helps it firm up so it’s easier to handle, and chilling the cut cookies keeps them from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a perfect shape and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Millionaire Caramel Chocolate Cookies Recipe has become one of those sweet treats I make when I want to wow my family or friends without hours of fuss. There’s a joyful magic in biting into a crisp, buttery cookie topped with sticky caramel and melted chocolate that feels like a little celebration. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do—trust me, this will be one recipe you’ll return to time and time again.