Name: Genius Salted Caramel Dessert
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 113g unsalted butter, softened; 100g brown sugar; 50g granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 160g all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 120g chocolate chunks; 100g soft caramel candies, chopped; Flaky sea salt, for topping

These Genius Salted Caramel Cookies are an irresistible combo of gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and a touch of sea salt—all baked into a chewy, golden-brown cookie. They look bakery-fancy but are shockingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. The moment you pull them out of the oven and the caramel glistens against the dark chocolate, you’ll know you’re in dessert heaven.

Perfect for holiday trays, gifting, or any random Tuesday that needs sweetening, these cookies balance sweet and salty in the most addictive way. They’re also great for making ahead or freezing—so you can enjoy that buttery, chocolatey, caramel goodness whenever the craving strikes.

Why You’ll Love This Genius Salted Caramel Dessert

Golden edges with soft, chewy centers
Rich chocolate chunks + gooey caramel
Sea salt flakes for that elevated bakery finish
Freezer-friendly for stress-free baking
Simple pantry ingredients

What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

You can use soft caramel candies (like Kraft or Werther’s), cut into pieces, or store-bought caramel sauce for a gooier texture. If using sauce, spoon it onto the cookie dough just before baking and chill the dough well so it doesn’t spread too much.

Ingredients for the Genius Salted Caramel Dessert

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a role in delivering the chewy texture and sweet-salty flavor contrast that makes them so special.

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cookies chewy. Be sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
Brown Sugar: Brings a deep caramel-like sweetness and moist texture.
Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the richness and adds structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie structure.
Baking Soda: Gives the cookies just the right lift.
Salt: A small pinch in the dough amplifies the flavor.
Chocolate Chunks: Go for good-quality chunks for rich, melty pools.
Soft Caramel Candies: The star ingredient. Melts into gooey pockets of gold.
Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect contrast.

How To Make the Genius Salted Caramel Dessert

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff

Stir in the chocolate chunks and chopped caramels by hand. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Scoop and Top

Scoop dough onto a baking sheet. If using caramel sauce, spoon a small amount on top of each ball. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and centers are slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. The caramel will be molten hot out of the oven!

How to Store and Serve These Cookies

These salted caramel cookies serve about 18 people when made medium-sized. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Warm slightly in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.

Serve these cookies warm with a cold glass of milk or tuck them into a festive dessert board. They’re show-stoppers!

What to Serve With This Dessert?

Chai Latte or Spiced Tea

The warm spices complement the sweet-salty profile.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve a cookie warm with a scoop on top for instant dessert magic.

Fresh Berries

Add tartness and freshness to contrast the rich cookie.

Dark Roast Coffee

The bold flavors balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Salted Nut Mix

A savory snack that rounds out the sweet treat.

Whipped Cream or Creme Fraiche

Add a dollop for a creamy upgrade.

Bourbon or Bailey’s

For grown-up gatherings, these pair surprisingly well.

If you love this Genius Salted Caramel Dessert, you’ll definitely enjoy these sweet sensations:

Try these Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for an extra nutty crunch.
Enjoy Lemon Churro Cookies that bring zing and spice together.
Bake Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies for a ganache-filled indulgence.
Classic meets classy with these Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies.
Cozy up with Brown Sugar Maple Cookies for a warm, buttery flavor.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the caramel or sneak in a little cinnamon? Maybe added crushed pretzels on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions too—we’re all here to bake better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more dessert gems on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your next favorite!

Genius Salted Caramel Dessert

Author: Nora
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Genius Salted Caramel Dessert recipe creates cookies that blend buttery richness, gooey caramel, and dark chocolate chunks with a pop of sea salt. These cookies are golden on the edges and soft in the center, making them the ultimate sweet-salty treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, holiday cookie tray filler, or an indulgent snack, these easy cookies are sure to impress. Ideal for those searching for quick breakfast bakes, easy dessert recipes, or unique food ideas for gatherings.