Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

Joyce m barkerr
March 2, 2025

Welcome to our recipe guide for Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies.

In this guide, you’ll find the complete recipe guide detailing every step, ingredient, and tip to help you create these decadent treats at home.

What are Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies?

Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies are a unique hybrid dessert that combines the fudgy, rich texture of brownies with the crisp, chewy elements of cookies.

Infused with a luscious salted caramel swirl, these cookies offer an irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Enjoy every bite as the caramel melts into the dense, chocolatey base, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup salted caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions for Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

Step 1
Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to have a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper at the ready.

Step 2
Combine the melted butter and granulated sugar in the mixing bowl. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. The melted butter helps dissolve the sugar, creating a creamy base for your batter.

Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined. This process ensures a rich, custardy foundation that supports the later layers of flavor.

Step 4
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mixing gently prevents the batter from becoming overworked, which helps maintain a tender crumb in the finished cookies.

Step 5
Drizzle in the salted caramel sauce and fold it into the batter carefully. Swirl the caramel throughout the mixture to create beautiful streaks of flavor without fully blending them in. Add the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution for extra texture and bursts of chocolate in every bite.

Step 6
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie for them to spread and maintain their unique brownie-like texture. Press lightly on the tops if you desire a flatter, more uniform cookie.

Step 7
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges appear set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember that these cookies should remain slightly fudgy in the middle, so avoid overbaking.

Step 8
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating the perfect balance of textures.

Step 9
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

For best results, ensure that your butter is fully melted and not too hot, as excessively hot butter can cook the eggs upon mixing, resulting in a lumpy batter.

Use high-quality cocoa powder to achieve a deep, rich chocolate flavor, and always sift your dry ingredients to avoid any lumps in the final texture.

When folding in the salted caramel, do so gently to preserve the caramel swirls that add both flavor and visual appeal.

Avoid overbaking the cookies, as a slightly underbaked center creates a moist, fudgy consistency that defines a perfect brownie cookie.

Finally, consider using a mix of walnuts and chocolate chips to add both crunch and extra bursts of flavor, ensuring that each bite is a delightful surprise.

Salted Caramel Brownie Cookie Variations

Sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt on top
Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chips
Add a swirl of peanut butter
Replace walnuts with pecans
Incorporate a dash of espresso powder

Things that I can serve with Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

Vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries
Extra salted caramel drizzle
A dusting of powdered sugar
A glass of cold milk

Topping Options for Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

Enhance the presentation and flavor of your Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies with a variety of topping options.

Consider lightly sprinkling coarse sea salt over the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven.

A drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce not only adds extra flavor but also creates a visually appealing finish. You might also top the cookies with a thin layer of chocolate ganache for an even more decadent treat, or add a few finely chopped nuts to introduce an additional crunch.

A subtle dusting of powdered sugar can finish the presentation elegantly without overpowering the rich, caramel-infused taste.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

Proper storage is key to maintaining the perfect texture and flavor of your cookies.

After the cookies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze them without losing their delightful fudgy texture.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, a quick reheat in the microwave brings back their freshly baked softness.

Use the table below as a quick reference guide:

Method	Instructions	Duration
Refrigeration	Store in an airtight container	Up to 1 week
Freezing	Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, seal tightly	Up to 3 months
Reheating	Microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven at 300°F	Just before serving

Be sure to let the cookies come to room temperature after reheating to allow the flavors and textures to fully re-emerge.

Ways to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies

There are several creative approaches to preparing Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies that allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences.

The traditional oven-baked method is the most popular, ensuring a classic, fudgy consistency that balances the brownie and cookie textures perfectly.

For a modern twist, consider using an air fryer; this method offers a slightly crispier edge while retaining a soft center, providing a unique texture contrast.

Although unconventional, a microwave version can be attempted for a quick treat, though this might alter the texture slightly by making it more cake-like.

Additionally, if you are looking for a no-bake version, you can chill the dough and then cut it into bars, which gives a different presentation while still delivering the essential flavors.

Each of these methods provides a unique twist, ensuring that no matter your preference or time constraints, you can enjoy a variation of this decadent treat.

Faq

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: It is best to use unsalted butter to better control the salt level, as the salted caramel already provides a salty contrast.

Q: What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
A: You can make your own by simmering sugar with a bit of water until it caramelizes, then adding cream and a pinch of salt. Pre-made salted caramel sauce works perfectly, too.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
A: Look for cookies that are set around the edges with a slightly underbaked, fudgy center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. The texture may vary slightly, so it might require a little experimentation.

Q: How should I store leftover cookies?
A: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat gently to restore their soft texture.

Conclusion

In short, Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies offer a sublime fusion of fudgy brownies and chewy cookies, accented with a delightful salted caramel twist.

This recipe guide provides everything you need to create these irresistible treats at home, from ingredients and step-by-step directions to expert tips and creative variations.