I’m absolutely obsessed with these Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies, and you will be too. The fudgy chocolate dough hugging that gooey Rolo center creates pure magic in your mouth. And that moment when the caramel stretches as you take a bite? Heaven. What really makes these cookies special is the contrast of sweet caramel against that sprinkle of sea salt—it’s the perfect balance that keeps you reaching for just one more. Want to know my secret trick for getting that caramel pull just right?
Why You’ll Love these Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies
If you’re craving a cookie that hits every perfect note on the flavor scale, these chocolate caramel sea salt cookies are about to become your new obsession.
The rich, fudgy chocolate dough cradles a gooey Rolo center that creates the most divine caramel pull when bitten into.
And that sprinkle of sea salt on top? It’s not just for looks. It cuts through the sweetness and creates this magical sweet-salty balance that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Seriously, can you think of a better combination than chocolate and caramel?
What Ingredients are in Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies?
These decadent cookies combine rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and that perfect hit of sea salt for a treat that satisfies all your sweet-and-salty cravings.
- 1 cup flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 18 Rolo candies, unwrapped
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for the best results—cold ingredients don’t incorporate as well and can affect the texture of your finished cookies, while those perfectly unwrapped Rolos are the secret to the gorgeous caramel center.
How to Make these Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together 1 cup of flour, 2/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
Getting this mixture perfectly combined now means no dry pockets of flour later—and nobody wants to bite into that.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat 10 tablespoons of softened butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, and trust me, this step is worth the time—it’s what gives these cookies their irresistible texture.
A stand mixer is an essential kitchen appliance that makes creaming butter and sugar effortless while providing consistent results.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until completely incorporated.
The mixture should look smooth and glossy, like a chocolate dream coming to life right in your mixing bowl.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in 1 1/4 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving some for topping the cookies later if you want that bakery-style look.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
This might seem like torture when you’re craving cookies, but chilling firms up the butter and lets the flavors meld together for a much better final result.
Step 6: Prepare and Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll the chilled dough into balls, flatten each one slightly, place an unwrapped Rolo candy in the center, and then carefully wrap the dough around it, making sure the caramel is completely enclosed.
Step 7: Add Final Touches
Press a few extra chocolate chips on top of each cookie dough ball and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
The salt might seem like an odd addition if you’ve never tried it, but it’s what transforms these from regular chocolate cookies into an extraordinary sweet-and-salty experience.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies
These decadent cookies deserve equally wonderful companions to round out your dessert spread. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm cookie creates that irresistible hot-and-cold magic as the caramel center oozes out.
For drinks, try a glass of cold milk (the classic!), or step it up with a creamy coffee milkshake for the ultimate indulgence.
Want something a bit more grown-up? A shot of espresso or a cappuccino balances the sweetness beautifully.
If you’re setting these out for company, consider adding fresh berries on the side—the tartness cuts through the rich chocolate wonderfully.
These cookies make perfect afternoon treats, late-night snacks, or the star of any dessert table.
Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies Substitutions and Variations
• Topping Ideas: Besides sea salt, try a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking, crushed pretzels for extra crunch, or a sprinkle of flaky Maldon salt for that picture-perfect finish.
Leftovers and Storage for these Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Cookies
These decadent cookies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers.
Want to refresh them? Microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey caramel center—honestly, is there anything better than warm, melty caramel?
To prevent cookies from drying out, add a slice of bread to your storage container (the cookies will absorb the moisture).
While these cookies are absolutely divine fresh from the oven, many bakers swear they actually taste better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld.
The chocolate deepens and that sweet-salty contrast becomes even more pronounced.
Final Thoughts
These Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies truly represent the perfect balance in dessert-making—deep chocolate richness, gooey caramel centers, and that flawless hint of sea salt that makes every flavor pop.
There’s something magical about the way the Rolo candies transform into pockets of molten caramel goodness when baked inside the chocolate cookie dough.
They’re impressive enough for holiday cookie exchanges but simple enough for a weekend baking project when chocolate cravings hit.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies offer that rare combination of homemade comfort and bakery-worthy sophistication in every bite.