Make soft and chewy Caramel Cookies with rich caramel flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for dessert lovers, holidays, and sweet snack cravings.
Chewy Caramel Cookies
Chewy Caramel Cookies are soft, buttery cookies infused with rich caramel flavor and a hint of brown sugar sweetness. Each bite delivers a chewy center with lightly crisp edges and a warm, caramel-like aroma that makes them irresistible fresh from the oven.
These cookies are simple to make and perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or milk.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and chewy texture
- Rich caramel flavor
- Easy pantry ingredients
- Great for gifting and holidays
- Perfect with coffee or tea
Prep and Bake Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: About 24 cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Flavor
- ½ cup soft caramel candies, chopped
or - ½ cup caramel chips
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (optional for extra softness)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
This helps create a soft, chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Add Caramel
Fold in:
- Chopped caramel candies or caramel chips
- Optional caramel sauce for extra softness
Mix gently.
Step 7: Chill Dough (Optional)
Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies and better flavor.
Step 8: Shape Cookies
Scoop dough into small balls and place on baking sheet.
Leave space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Centers should look soft—they will firm up as they cool.
Step 10: Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm for gooey caramel centers
- Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce
- Sprinkle with sea salt for a salted caramel version
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Recipe Tips
- Do not overbake—soft centers create chewiness
- Use brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor
- Chill dough for thicker cookies
- Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance sweetness
- Chop caramel finely so it melts evenly
Variations
Salted Caramel Cookies
Sprinkle sea salt on top after baking.
Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
Caramel Pecan Cookies
Add ½ cup chopped pecans.
Stuffed Caramel Cookies
Place a caramel candy in the center of each dough ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cookies not chewy?
Overbaking or too much flour can make cookies dry. Remove them while centers are still soft.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, but reduce slightly so dough doesn’t become too sticky.
Can I freeze cookie dough?
Yes, scoop and freeze dough balls for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Chewy Caramel Cookies are a rich, soft, and satisfying treat that combines buttery dough with smooth caramel flavor. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or everyday indulgence. One bite delivers warm, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.