Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about these cookies. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Gooey Caramel & Creamy White Chocolate : Every bite is a mix of melty caramel and sweet white chocolate.
- Chewy and Soft : The cookies have a perfect chewy texture with crispy edges.
- Easy to Make : Simple pantry ingredients and no special tools required.
- Customizable : Add nuts, sprinkle with sea salt, or switch up the chocolate.
- Crowd-Pleaser : These cookies disappear faster than any other treat at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to these heavenly cookies lies in their indulgent mix-ins and balanced dough. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (or chunks)
- 1 ½ cups caramel chunks (use soft caramels cut into pieces or store-bought caramel bits)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Flaky sea salt , for sprinkling on top
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up these decadent, chewy cookies? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins
- Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and caramel chunks. If using nuts, add them here.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Press a few extra caramel chunks or white chocolate chips on top for a picture-perfect finish.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes , until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Do not overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Set
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—the caramel will be molten at first.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of these cookies lies in their balance of textures and flavors. The brown sugar adds deep caramel notes, while the white chocolate brings a creamy sweetness. The caramel chunks melt into pockets of gooey delight, creating a cookie that’s both chewy and decadent. A sprinkle of sea salt on top (optional) enhances the sweetness without overpowering it. Together, these elements create a treat that’s as irresistible as it is comforting.