Name: Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (200g, packed) brown sugar; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda; 3/4 teaspoon (4g) salt; 1 1/2 cups (255g) chocolate chips or chunks (mix of semi-sweet and dark recommended); 1 cup (150g) soft caramels, cut into small pieces; Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you love the classic chocolate chip cookie, wait until you try this Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe—it’s a game changer. Imagine crispy edges giving way to irresistibly gooey centers bursting with melty chocolate and chewy caramel, all enhanced by the nutty richness of perfectly browned butter and finished with just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Every bite feels indulgent yet comforting, making these cookies an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion or just because you deserve something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface under a light blue KitchenAid mixer. On the left side, the bowl contains three layers: at the bottom is white granulated sugar, above it is light brown sugar, and on top are two pale yellow sticks of butter placed diagonally. On the right side, the contents are mixed into a rough light brown dough with two raw yellow eggs and a small pool of dark brown vanilla extract sitting on top. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the rich brown butter that gives depth and nuttiness to the dough, to the mix of sugars that ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

1 cup unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie.
1 cup brown sugar (packed): Moist and flavorful, it contributes to the chewy texture and caramel undertones.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness to the edges while balancing sweetness.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Provides that warm, familiar aroma that makes cookies irresistible.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and tenderness to each cookie.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cookies rise and stay soft in the center.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips or chunks: A mix of semi-sweet and dark chocolate creates melty, rich pockets in each bite.
1 cup soft caramels, cut into small pieces: Provides those delightful chewy surprises that blend with chocolate for a luscious combo.
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling: Adds crunch and a sophisticated salty finish to cut through the sweetness.

How to Make Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by gently melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as it melts, watching closely for it to foam, then slowly turn golden brown with a delicious, nutty aroma—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. This step is the heart of this recipe because that browned butter sure packs an incredible depth of flavor. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to scrape all of those precious brown bits into your butter.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until combined. Slowly pour in your cooled browned butter and mix until smooth—your dough will start to smell amazing here. Next, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. Whisk everything until fully incorporated for a luscious, creamy base ready to welcome the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening and salt, which is key for perfectly textured cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula or mixing on low speed until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be careful.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate and Caramel

This is where the fun really begins—fold in your chocolate chips or chunks along with those soft caramel pieces. These ingredients will melt and combine during baking to give you those irresistible gooey chocolate and caramel pockets that make this cookie recipe stand out.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you can wait that long. Chilling not only helps with flavor development but also prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, giving you beautifully thick edges and soft centers.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion your dough onto the sheets, spacing each 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes—cookies will be golden around the edges but still soft in the middle. Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even baking.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Once out of the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately over the warm cookies. This finishing touch highlights all the sweet and salty contrasts that make these cookies irresistible. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them slightly warm, melty and perfect.

How to Serve Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

A single cookie is placed on crinkled white parchment paper resting on a white marbled surface. The cookie has one thick, round layer with a golden-brown color and a rough, cracked texture showing some deeper cracks around the edges. Dark brown chocolate chunks are embedded in the cookie, popping out on the surface at different spots. Pools of shiny, sticky caramel spread unevenly inside the cookie, creating glossy amber pockets. White sea salt flakes are sprinkled over the top, adding small bright spots and texture contrast. The background shows blurred shapes of more cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate these cookies even further when entertaining guests, adding visual appeal and an extra layer of decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of rich coffee or hot cocoa to balance the sweetness with creamy or bitter notes. Each pairing creates a delightful sensory experience that complements the cookie’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching two cookies with a scoop of ice cream in the middle for an indulgent dessert sandwich. You can also arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and edible flowers for a festive look that’s perfect for celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your cookies will keep wonderfully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The flavors continue to develop, and the chewy caramel pockets stay soft and delightfully melty.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough scoops before baking to have fresh cookies anytime you want. Simply portion the dough onto a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their gooey texture and melty caramel. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies greasy or overly soft.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for this Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?

You can, but since the recipe already includes salt and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt, it’s best to reduce any additional salt to avoid overly salty cookies.

What if I don’t have soft caramels? Can I substitute with caramel bits?

Soft caramels melt better and give that delightful chewy texture inside the cookie, but caramel bits can work in a pinch. Just be aware they might not melt as evenly.

How important is chilling the dough in this recipe?

Chilling helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor, giving you thicker cookies with better texture. Though optional, it’s highly recommended for the best results.

Can I use all dark or all semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Mixing semi-sweet and dark chocolate creates a nice balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to use your favorite chocolate combination.

Is this Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

With the right gluten-free flour blend substituting all-purpose flour, you can make a delicious gluten-free version. Just make sure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to wow your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try your baking, this Brown Butter Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a must-make. The way the browned butter amplifies the caramel and chocolate flavors, coupled with that perfect sweet-salty finish, truly makes these cookies a treasured indulgence. Get your ingredients ready and treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it!