Ultimate Gooey Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies: An Irresistible Easy Recipe
Prepare yourself for a truly decadent treat: Caramel Brownie Cookies! Imagine rich, fudgy chocolate cookies, crafted effortlessly from a simple brownie mix, each one concealing a luscious, buttery soft caramel center that melts into gooey perfection with every bite. To elevate this delightful indulgence, a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates an exquisite balance, highlighting the deep chocolate and sweet caramel. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a gourmet experience made incredibly easy, promising a spectacular flavor combination that will have everyone reaching for more.
Is there any flavor pairing more heavenly than the exquisite blend of salted caramel and rich chocolate? We think not! This easy cookie recipe brings these universally adored flavors together in a delightful, accessible way, ensuring that every single cookie delivers that mouth-watering sensation. What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity. By starting with a convenient box of brownie mix, we transform what could be a complex baking project into a fun and stress-free experience. From prep to plate, you’ll find the process enjoyable and the results absolutely stunning. These homemade brownie mix cookies are the perfect solution for satisfying those deep chocolate and caramel cravings with minimal fuss.
What Exactly Are Caramel Brownie Cookies?
At their heart, Caramel Brownie Cookies are an ingenious twist on traditional cookies, utilizing a box of your favorite brownie mix as their foundation. This brilliant shortcut allows us to create unbelievably chewy, fudgy chocolate cookies with minimal effort, achieving that deep, rich brownie flavor in a convenient cookie form. The magic truly happens when we take small squares of soft caramel candy and carefully tuck them into the center of each dough ball. As these brownie cookies bake in the oven, these hidden caramels transform into a warm, molten, gooey core, creating a delightful and irresistible surprise in every bite. It’s like finding a treasure in the middle of your favorite chocolate cookie!
While optional, the addition of flaky sea salt on top is highly recommended for the ultimate flavor experience. It’s not just for garnish; the salt cuts through the sweetness, enhancing both the deep chocolate and the rich, buttery caramel notes, elevating these stuffed cookies to a truly gourmet level. These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience, delivering indulgence with remarkable ease, making them perfect for gatherings, a special treat, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Get ready for an easy dessert that tastes incredibly complex and delicious.
Essential Ingredients for Your Decadent Brownie Cookies
Creating these delightful caramel stuffed brownie cookies requires just a few key ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a truly delicious and satisfying outcome, providing the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Brownie Mix: The foundation of our easy cookie recipe! You’ll need one 18-ounce box of your favorite dry brownie mix. This forms the rich, chocolatey base of our cookies, delivering that classic brownie flavor and signature chewiness without the need for multiple individual dry ingredients. It’s a fantastic shortcut for consistent, fudgy results every time.
- All-Purpose Flour: A mere ¼ cup of all-purpose flour is added to the brownie mix. This small but crucial addition helps adjust the dough’s consistency, making it easier to handle and ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully while maintaining that perfect soft-baked texture. It prevents the cookies from spreading too thinly.
- Large Eggs: Two large eggs are essential binders for our cookie dough. They help bring all the ingredients together, add crucial moisture, and contribute significantly to the rich, chewy texture that defines these delicious brownie cookies. Eggs also help with leavening and browning.
- Melted Butter: One stick (½ cup) of unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, infuses the cookies with a rich, buttery flavor and helps create a tender crumb. Melting the butter ensures it incorporates smoothly and evenly into the dough, contributing to its fudgy consistency and moistness.
- Soft Caramels: You’ll need 8 soft caramel candies for stuffing. The key here is “soft” – these are the caramels that will melt into a luscious, gooey center when baked, creating that irresistible caramel surprise. We highly recommend Werther’s Soft Caramels for their incredible flavor, buttery texture, and perfect melting consistency.
- Flaky Sea Salt: This is an optional, yet highly recommended, topping. A delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt before or immediately after baking enhances the overall flavor profile by providing a beautiful contrast to the sweet chocolate and gooey caramel. It adds a gourmet touch, a hint of crunch, and makes the cookies taste and look utterly irresistible. This sweet and salty combination is truly unmatched!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Gooey Caramel Stuffed Brownie Cookies
Get ready to bake some magic! Follow these simple, straightforward instructions to create your own batch of incredibly delicious caramel brownie cookies, guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents sticking, ensures easy cleanup, and helps in achieving even baking. Set the prepared baking sheets aside for now.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, empty the entire contents of your 18-ounce brownie mix. Add the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour to the mix. Use a rubber spatula or a whisk to combine these dry ingredients lightly, ensuring the flour is evenly distributed throughout the brownie mix. This simple step helps create the ideal cookie consistency.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Next, crack in the two large eggs and pour in the ½ cup (1 stick) of melted butter. Mix these wet ingredients thoroughly with your rubber spatula until a cohesive, uniform dough forms. It’s important to note that the dough will likely appear a little wetter and stickier than typical cookie dough; this is perfectly normal for a brownie-based cookie recipe and is what contributes to its signature fudgy, chewy texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Stuff with Caramel: Now for the fun, hands-on part! Scoop out portions of dough, aiming for approximately 3 tablespoon-sized balls for each cookie. Gently roll each portion into a smooth ball. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, gently press a hole into the center of each dough ball to create an indent. Place one soft caramel square into this indent. Carefully cover the caramel completely with the surrounding cookie dough, ensuring it’s fully enclosed and no caramel is exposed. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful gooey, molten caramel center without it oozing out prematurely during baking. Repeat this process until all the dough and caramels are used, making sure each cookie has its sweet surprise.
- Chill the Dough: Arrange the prepared dough balls onto your lined baking sheets, leaving ample space (about 3 inches) between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. Once all the dough balls are arranged, place the baking sheets into the freezer for approximately 20 minutes. Chilling the dough is an essential step that helps the cookies maintain their shape, prevents excessive spreading, and contributes to a thicker, chewier cookie with a perfectly contained caramel pocket.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the chilled baking sheets to your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 15-17 minutes. It’s incredibly important to watch these cookies carefully, as overbaking can quickly result in a hard, dry, and unpleasant texture. You want the edges to be just set and lightly golden, and the centers to still look a little loose and slightly puffed, but not wet or raw. Remember that cookies continue to set as they cool. If any caramel happens to spill out onto the pan during baking (which can sometimes happen, especially if the caramel wasn’t fully enclosed), gently scrape it off with a spatula while it’s still warm and soft, before it has a chance to harden and become difficult to remove.
- Finishing Touch & Cooling: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. If desired, immediately sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt for that irresistible sweet and savory contrast – it truly enhances the overall flavor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for at least 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. While they are tempting to eat warm (the caramel will be delightfully gooey), be aware that the caramel will also be very hot. For a cleaner, yet still wonderfully soft and chewy cookie, let them cool a bit more. If you’ve enjoyed them fresh and want to revisit that warm, melty caramel later, a quick microwave warm-up for a few seconds will bring back that glorious gooey center! These caramel brownie cookies are also absolutely amazing served as ice cream sandwiches for an extra indulgent treat!
Caramel Brownie Cookies Recipe
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Ingredients
- 18 oz brownie mix
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted
- 8 soft caramels Werther’s Soft Caramels are highly recommended for the best gooey center!
- Flaked sea salt for topping optional, but recommended for enhancing flavor
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix and all-purpose flour. Whisk lightly to ensure they are well combined.
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Add the large eggs and melted butter to the dry mixture. Use a rubber spatula to mix until a consistent dough forms. The dough will be softer than typical cookie dough.
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Scoop about 3 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Create an indent in the center of the ball and place one soft caramel square inside. Gently cover the caramel completely with the dough. Repeat for all remaining dough and caramels.
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Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are about 3 inches apart. Transfer the baking sheets to the freezer for about 20 minutes, or until the dough is firm. This step helps prevent excessive spreading.
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Bake for 15-17 minutes. Monitor them closely; overbaked cookies will become hard. The edges should be set, and the centers should appear slightly loose but not wet. If any caramel leaks, scrape it off the pan while still warm.
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Optionally, sprinkle with flaked sea salt immediately after removing from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a truly gooey experience, enjoy them warm! If serving later, a brief warm-up in the microwave will remelt the caramel beautifully. These are also incredible when turned into ice cream sandwiches!
Notes for Success
The type of caramel candy you use is crucial for that perfect gooey center. Soft caramels are essential as they melt beautifully. Harder caramels will likely remain firm and chewy, altering the desired texture. We often find bags of excellent Werther’s Soft Caramels in the checkout lane or baking aisle!
Want to make smaller, bite-sized cookies? Simply cut your soft caramels in half before stuffing them into smaller portions of dough. Adjust baking time slightly if making smaller cookies.
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Cookie)
Tips for Perfect Caramel Brownie Cookies Every Time
While this recipe for gooey caramel stuffed brownie cookies is wonderfully straightforward, a few expert tips can ensure your batch turns out absolutely perfect, with that ideal balance of fudgy cookie and molten caramel. These tricks will help you achieve bakery-quality results in your own kitchen!
- Do Not Overmix: After adding the wet ingredients to the dry brownie mix and flour, stir just until combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher, drier cookies instead of that desired soft, chewy, and fudgy texture we all love in a brownie cookie. Mix gently until just combined.
- Chill is Key: Do not skip the freezing step! Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking is essential for several reasons. It helps the cookies maintain their beautifully formed shape, prevents them from spreading too much on the baking sheet, and contributes significantly to a thicker, chewier cookie with a perfectly contained, molten caramel pocket. Cold dough bakes better!
- The Right Caramels Matter: As mentioned previously, using soft caramels is crucial for achieving that delightful gooey, flowing center. Harder caramels simply won’t melt into the luxurious consistency you’re looking for and will likely remain firm and chewy, altering the desired texture. If you can’t find Werther’s Soft Caramels, look for other brands of soft, pliable caramel candies or consider using Rolo candies or Milk Duds as effective alternatives, keeping in mind they may have slightly different flavor profiles and melting properties.
- Perfect Bake, Not Overbake: Brownie cookies, much like actual brownies, can go from perfectly fudgy and soft to hard and dry very quickly if overbaked. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should appear just set and slightly puffed, while the centers should still look a little soft and moist, but not wet or raw. Remember, cookies continue to set and firm up as they cool on the baking sheet even after being removed from the oven.
- Scrape Immediately: In the rare event that any caramel escapes its doughy prison and melts onto the baking sheet during baking, make sure to gently scrape it off with a spatula while it’s still warm and pliable. Once it cools and hardens, it will become much more difficult to remove from the parchment paper or pan, potentially sticking firmly.
- Serving Warm: For the ultimate, most indulgent experience, always try to enjoy these caramel brownie cookies warm! The warm, flowing, gooey caramel is truly irresistible and enhances the entire flavor profile. If you’ve stored them and want to bring back that fresh-baked warmth, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will remelt the caramel beautifully, making them taste like they just came out of the oven.
Customizing Your Caramel Brownie Cookies: Delicious Variations
While these rich chocolate caramel brownie cookies are fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize them to your taste! The beauty of baking is that you can always add your own touch. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next batch of these easy brownie mix cookies:
- Add Extra Chocolate: If your chosen brownie mix doesn’t already contain chocolate chips, or even if it does and you’re a true chocolate lover, you can always stir in an extra ½ to 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix!) into the dough along with the eggs and melted butter. This creates an even more decadent, multi-layered chocolate experience.
- Nutty Crunch: For a delightful texture contrast and an added depth of flavor, consider folding in ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts. Pecans, walnuts, or even lightly toasted almonds would pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate and sweet caramel, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of warm spices can add an interesting and complex dimension to the chocolate base. Try adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle “Mexican chocolate” kick, or even a hint of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Add these with the dry ingredients.
- Different Caramel Flavors: While classic soft caramels are perfect, you can experiment with different types of soft caramels if you can find them! Salted caramel bits (pre-made), small pieces of homemade dulce de leche, or even some soft peanut butter caramel squares could offer unique and exciting flavor variations, allowing you to tailor the cookies to your preference.
- Elevate the Topping: Beyond flaky sea salt, there are many ways to enhance the cookie’s appearance and taste. Consider a light dusting of cocoa powder for an intense chocolate aroma, a beautiful drizzle of melted white chocolate or dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts on top of the warm cookies for an added flourish and visual appeal.
Storing Your Delicious Brownie Cookies
Proper storage ensures your homemade Caramel Brownie Cookies remain fresh, chewy, and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy them days after baking:
- Room Temperature Storage: Once your cookies have completely cooled to room temperature, store them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and wonderfully chewy for up to 3-4 days. For optimal gooeyness and to revive that molten caramel center, we highly recommend giving them a quick reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: This recipe is fantastic for make-ahead baking! You can prepare the cookie dough balls, stuff them with the soft caramels, and then freeze them before baking. Arrange the prepared dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy fresh-baked cookies, simply place the frozen dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake as directed in the recipe. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they are starting from frozen.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Baked and completely cooled cookies can also be frozen for longer storage. For best results, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature for an hour or so, or reheat gently in the microwave or a low-temperature oven (around 275°F/135°C) for a few minutes until warmed through, bringing back that delightful fresh-baked taste and gooey caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Brownie Cookies
Can I use a hard caramel for my cookie centers?
While you certainly *could* technically use a harder caramel piece if that’s all you have on hand or prefer, it’s important to understand that the delicious results will not be the same. The magic of these Caramel Brownie Cookies lies in the wonderfully warm, melty, and gooey center that only a soft caramel can truly provide. Harder caramels, when baked inside a cookie, tend to remain quite firm and chewy, rather than transforming into a luxurious molten surprise. This difference in texture significantly impacts the overall enjoyment of the cookie. If soft caramels are unavailable at your local store, alternatives like Rolo candies or Milk Duds can often offer a similar soft-chewiness and melt, creating a comparable, though perhaps slightly different flavored, experience. For that signature oozing caramel experience, always prioritize soft, pliable caramels.
Where can I find Flaky Sea Salt?
Flaky sea salt is a fantastic ingredient that truly elevates many desserts, adding a crucial layer of texture and a burst of savory contrast. These caramel brownie cookies are absolutely no exception! You can often find it in the spice aisle of your local grocery store, typically shelved near other specialty salts, gourmet seasonings, or sometimes in the baking aisle. Brands like Maldon Sea Salt Flakes are widely available. If you have no luck finding them in person, online retailers such as Amazon are an excellent and reliable resource. Searching for “flaky sea salt” will yield many options from various brands. A single box or container of good quality flaky sea salt lasts a remarkably long time, making it a very worthwhile investment for enhancing not only these cookies but countless future baking and cooking adventures. The distinct, delicate crunch and burst of salinity it provides are truly unparalleled and will transform your dessert creations.
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes You’ll Love!
If you’ve fallen in love with these easy caramel brownie cookies, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of cookie recipes is filled with even more delightful creations, many featuring the beloved chocolate and caramel combination, or ingenious shortcuts like using a cake or brownie mix to simplify your baking. Explore these other family favorites and discover your next go-to dessert:
- CHOCOLATE CARAMEL LINZER COOKIES: Elegant and rich, perfect for special occasions.
- CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CRINKLE COOKIES: A festive treat with a sweet caramel surprise.
- CARAMEL APPLE OATMEAL COOKIES: A delightful blend of fruit, spice, and gooey caramel.
- HOW TO MAKE BROOKIES: The best of both worlds – brownies and cookies in one!
- CARAMEL SPICE CAKE MIX COOKIES: Easy, flavorful cookies with a hint of warmth.
- CARAMEL STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES: A classic with an irresistible gooey twist.
- CARAMEL THUMBPRINT COOKIES: Delicate cookies with a sweet caramel well.
- EASY BROWNIE COOKIES: Simple, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey cookies.
- CHOCOLATE CARAMEL CAKE MIX COOKIES: Another fantastic shortcut for quick indulgence.
- CARAMEL APPLE CAKE MIX COOKIES: A seasonal favorite, perfectly spiced and sweet.
Speaking of family, I have to share a little anecdote that warmed my heart! This cute teenager wasn’t exactly thrilled about me taking her picture – you know how it goes with kids and cameras sometimes – but hey, I’m the mom, so I reserve the right to capture these precious moments! What prompted this impromptu photo, you ask? She actually woke up early and made the entire family waffles for breakfast! Now, if that isn’t teenager behavior that deserves to be documented and celebrated, I don’t know what is! It was such a sweet, unexpected gesture that truly brightened our morning.
I absolutely loved it, and therefore, it simply had to be documented. That’s all for now!
In conclusion, these Caramel Brownie Cookies offer a perfect blend of convenience, indulgence, and unforgettable flavor. Starting with a simple brownie mix, they deliver a rich, fudgy chocolate cookie experience, elevated by a hidden core of buttery, gooey caramel that melts beautifully in every bite. The optional yet highly recommended sprinkle of flaky sea salt transforms them into a gourmet delight that satisfies every craving for sweet and savory. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, need a quick yet impressive dessert, or simply treating yourself to something truly extraordinary, this recipe is designed for ease and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to bake, share, and savor every single decadent bite of these irresistible caramel brownie cookies!
