Name: Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 Tablespoons salted butter cubed; 6.5 oz dark chocolate bar (60–70 % cocoa), chopped; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 large eggs room temperature; 1 large egg yolk room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled; 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 11 oz soft caramels (1 bag), unwrapped; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; Flaky sea salt for topping

Nothing beats the perfect balance of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, especially when there's a touch of sea salt to bring it all together. This Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe combines everything you dream about in both brownies and cookies – fudgy, chewy, and irresistibly gooey centers crowned with a caramel kiss.

The image shows a group of dark brown cookies with a cracked texture, each topped with a smooth, light caramel-colored sauce in the center, sprinkled with coarse white salt flakes. They are arranged on a flat white marbled surface, with some cookies stacked in the middle. One cookie at the front has a bite taken out, revealing a slightly soft inside. There is a small white bowl filled with the caramel sauce to the right, with a spoon inside, and a black bowl with white salt in the background. Small pieces of dark chocolate are scattered around the cookies. The scene looks warm and inviting, with natural light and soft focus on the background. 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 Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe – it’s my go-to when I want something that feels both a little fancy and totally comforting. It’s the kind of treat that impresses guests but is super simple to pull off even on a busy weekday.

Fudgy brownie texture: These cookies have that dense, chewy goodness that makes every bite feel decadent without being overwhelming.
Gooey salted caramel center: The hidden caramel surprise brings a luscious, smooth flavor pop that complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
Easy to make: Despite feeling fancy, it’s surprisingly straightforward, even if you haven’t made brownies or caramel before.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a party, gift, or weeknight treat, everyone will be asking for your secret recipe.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe lies partly in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating that fudgy, chewy texture and that addictive caramel punch.

Flat lay of six cubed pieces of salted butter, a chopped dark chocolate bar, a small white bowl with pure vanilla extract, two whole uncracked brown eggs and one whole uncracked egg yolk, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of packed light brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with Dutch-process cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl with fine salt, a pile of soft caramel squares, a small white ceramic bowl holding heavy cream, and a small pile of flaky sea salt flakes, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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

Salted butter: Adds richness and a subtle saltiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel.
Dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa): Provides deep chocolate flavor and the fudgy base for the cookies.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate’s complexity with a warm, sweet aroma.
Eggs and egg yolk: Give the cookies structure while keeping them moist and chewy.
Granulated and light brown sugar: The combo ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture, with the brown sugar adding a bit of caramel depth.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the cookies cakey.
Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives an intense chocolate flavor and that gorgeous deep brown color.
Baking powder: Just enough lift for a slightly airy but still dense cookie.
Salt: Key to balancing the sweetness and bringing out the chocolate and caramel notes.
Soft caramels: The heart of the gooey salted caramel filling – I love using soft caramels like Werther’s because they melt smoothly.
Heavy cream: Makes the caramel silky and easy to drizzle into each cookie.
Flaky sea salt: The final sprinkle that takes these cookies from good to unforgettable.

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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

One of the reasons I adore this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your own tastes. I’ve tried a few variations and each time it turns out just as amazing.

Variation: When I want to boost the chocolate factor, I toss in extra dark chocolate chunks or swap half the caramel for chocolate chips – it’s a chocoholic’s dream come true.
Dietary tweaks: I’ve experimented with coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper flavor, and almond flour to lighten the texture, and both options work really well.
Seasonal spin: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper gives a festive warmth for holiday gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe

The image shows several round cookies with a rich dark brown color and a cracked texture on top. Each cookie has a smooth, shiny, caramel-colored dollop in the center, sprinkled with small white salt flakes. The cookies are placed closely together on a white marbled surface, with some pieces of dark chocolate scattered nearby. The overall look is rustic and inviting with a mix of rough cookie edges and smooth caramel centers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt the magical mix

Start by melting your salted butter and chopped dark chocolate together in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to get a smooth glossy finish. Adding the vanilla extract now releases that sweet, comforting aroma – it always reminds me of cozy afternoons baking with family. Let it cool slightly so it won’t scramble your eggs in the next step.

Step 2: Whip eggs and sugars till fluffy

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and egg yolk together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick enough to hold ‘ribbon-like’ trails when you lift the whisk. This step is key for a light texture inside your fudgy cookies, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Combine chocolate and dry ingredients

Slowly pour in the melted chocolate mixture with the mixer on low speed to avoid splattering. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold those dry ingredients into the wet chocolate batter until silky and glossy, just like brownie batter but thicker. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Scoop and bake for crackly tops

Use a medium-sized cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them comfortably. The secret to those crackly, shiny tops is to bake all cookies together swiftly at 350°F for around 8-10 minutes. I find 8 minutes gives me just the right soft center with that signature glossy crackle.

Step 5: Shape and hollow

Right after baking, while the cookies are still warm and soft, use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to gently nudge them into perfect circles. Then press a shallow well into the center of each cookie with the back of a spoon – this is where your caramel magic will live.

Step 6: Melt and fill with caramel

While the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes, combine your soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring until velvety smooth. Let the caramel rest for about 5 minutes so it thickens enough to hold its shape but still pours nicely. Spoon carefully into each cookie’s indent, then sprinkle flaky sea salt over the tops. Let them set for about 20 minutes before diving in.

Top Tip

From baking numerous batches, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe. A couple of tweaks make all the difference to ensure fudgy, perfectly shaped cookies every time.

Don’t skip chilling your caramel: Letting the caramel cool for 5 minutes before filling gives it the ideal texture to stay put rather than run all over your cookies.
Beat eggs and sugars well: The fluffier the batter, the better your cookie texture – I always spend the extra minute here, and it pays off.
Shape cookies warm: Nudging the cookies into shape right out of the oven helps maintain their soft edges and pretty appearance.
Use flaky sea salt: It’s the final touch that balances the rich sweetness and adds lovely crunch; avoid table salt here as it’s too harsh.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe

Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnish simple so the cookie’s caramel center shines. A few twists of flaky sea salt right after filling is my go-to. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra elegant touch, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled glass of milk always wins over friends and family. For a grown-up mix, a cup of strong coffee or a rich espresso complements the deep chocolate and caramel flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a slate board with clusters of fresh berries and mint leaves, adding a pop of color and freshness. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a thicker layer of salted caramel or peanut butter for a delicious twist that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the caramel is set, I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fudgy and delicious for up to 3 days this way. When I want to stash them for longer, I use my freezer.

Freezing

Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they last up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy one, I let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating to regain that perfect soft texture with caramel still gooey.

Reheating

If you want to warm your cookie, I suggest a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or a few minutes in a low oven (around 300°F). This softens the cookie and refreshes the caramel’s gooey goodness without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for this Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe?

While you can substitute milk chocolate, the cookies will be sweeter and less intense in flavor. I recommend sticking to dark chocolate (60-70%) to maintain the rich, fudgy character this recipe is known for.

What’s the best way to melt the caramel for filling?

Melting soft caramels with heavy cream in the microwave, stirred every 30 seconds until smooth, is the easiest and most foolproof method. Just be careful not to overheat, and let it cool slightly to get the right pouring consistency.

Can I store these Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies in the fridge?

I personally prefer keeping them at room temperature to preserve the chewy texture and gooey caramel. Refrigerating can cause the cookies to firm up and the caramel to harden. If your kitchen is warm, just store them in an airtight container, and keep them out of direct sunlight.

What’s the secret to getting those glossy cracked tops on the cookies?

The glossy cracked tops come from beating the eggs and sugars until very fluffy and baking at the right temperature for a short time (8-10 minutes). Also, baking all the cookies quickly together helps develop that signature crackly surface.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—each batch feels like a little celebration of chocolate, caramel, and all things cozy. I’m confident you’ll find the same joy in baking and sharing these with friends or keeping them all to yourself. Give them a try, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever lived without that melty caramel center and fudgy brownie goodness!