Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Soft chocolate cookies with pockets of gooey salted caramel, made with just five simple ingredients for a quick indulgence. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 27 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 12 pieces soft caramel candies
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp baking soda.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 4: Scoop out 2 tbsp dough portions and flatten each slightly. Place one soft caramel candy piece in the center of half the dough portions, then top with remaining dough balls, sealing edges to encase the caramel.
- Step 5: Place the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, sprinkle each with a pinch of 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
- Step 6: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve once slightly cooled to enjoy the gooey caramel centers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Five-Ingredient Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
