Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips

3/4 cup caramel flavored chips

Sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.

Step 5: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and caramel chips gently.

Step 6: Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with sea salt flakes.

Step 8: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft.

Step 9: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead of natural cocoa.

Substitute caramel chips with small caramel chunks or soft caramel candies chopped into pieces.

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and to enhance flavor development.

Use flaky sea salt for the topping to add a nice crunch and burst of salty flavor.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container to retain moisture. Cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying. Reheat briefly in the microwave for a warm, melty treat.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added sea salt in the dough to avoid making the cookies too salty.

Can I substitute regular chocolate chips for the caramel chips?

Yes, but the caramel chips add a unique sweet and chewy flavor that complements the chocolate. You can also try white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips as alternatives.