CARAMEL STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies start with our BEST EVER chocolate chip cookies, then stuffed with soft, sweet caramel & baked until golden brown. Everything you love about traditional chocolate chip cookies with soft, gooey caramel inside!

Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookies deserve a spot in every kitchen, not just ours. We bake chocolate chip cookies at least once a month, and the batch disappears almost instantly. This time, I elevated our go-to recipe by adding one irresistible ingredient—soft, chewy caramel. Combined with buttery dough, rich brown sugar, melty chocolate chips, and gooey caramel, these cookies are pure indulgence. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never look back!

Be sure to check out our updated collection of the BEST HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE RECIPES here!

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies ingredients

Butter & shortening: Use ½ cup salted butter for flavor, plus ½ cup butter flavored shortening to make the cookies extra soft and tender.

Sugars: You need ¾ cup of each brown sugar and granulated sugar for perfectly sweet treats.

Eggs: 2 eggs bind the ingredients together well.

Flour: You’ll need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for the structure of this cookie dough.

Leavening mix: Combine 2 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt, to create lightness and balance the sweetness.

Chocolate: ¾ cup regular semi-sweet chocolate chips will ensure chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Caramel chips: These are getting much easier to find year round, use ¾ cup caramel chip or butterscotch chips if you can’t find them.

Soft caramels: You’ll want the bags of Werther’s SOFT Caramels. I find these often in the grocery store checkout lane. Make sure they’re the SOFT caramels! You’ll need 2 bags.

Choosing the Best Chocolates and Caramels

1. Choose semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks—3/4 cup provides a good balance without overpowering the caramel. Chocolate chunks give a more intense chocolate experience if you prefer.
2. For caramel, soft caramel pieces are essential. Look for Werther’s Soft Caramels, commonly sold near checkout aisles. These melt well and remain gooey in the baked cookie.
3. If you can’t find caramel chips, substitute with butterscotch chips. They won’t be quite the same but will add a similar sweetness and chewiness.

How long are these caramel chip cookies good for?

If you plan on eating your cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale or dry. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored properly.

Can you freeze chocolate chip cookies?

Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls—just scoop, freeze on a sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, either thaw while the oven preheats or add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies. They may be a little drier once thawed, but after about 20 minutes at room temp, they’re ready to enjoy.

What type of butter should be used in caramel chocolate chip cookies?

Use salted butter for this recipe, as it adds a subtle saltiness that complements the sweet caramel.

Can I substitute butterscotch chips for caramel chips if unavailable?

Yes, butterscotch chips work well as a substitute. They provide a similar sweetness and texture, but the flavor will be slightly different from caramel.

What variations of chocolate can be used in this cookie recipe?

You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or opt for chocolate chunks if you prefer larger pieces. Both options melt well and combine nicely with the caramel.

Are there any adjustments needed when using butter flavored shortening?

Butter flavored shortening adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. Use it in equal amounts as called for in the recipe (1/2 cup) alongside the salted butter for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Try more of our favorite chocolate chip cookie variations here:

• Salted Caramel White Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, chewy treats loaded with caramel and white chocolate chips, then finished with a touch of sea salt for the ultimate sweet-and-salty bite.
• These Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies are chocolatey treats made with cocoa, chocolate chips, and sour cream for extra richness and flavor.
• Try our Oatmeal Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies for a playful spin on the classic favorite. They are chewy oatmeal cookies packed with chocolate chips and gooey marshmallows.
• Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies are ultra-soft and chewy, made with butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and chocolate chips—no eggs required!
• These Copycat Grand Floridian Hotel Chocolate Chip Cookies are just like the ones from the park! Crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and packed with rich flavor, these are a must try.

Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies take classic chocolate chip cookies to the next level with a sweet, gooey caramel center baked to golden perfection.