If you’ve been looking for a dessert that perfectly marries fudgy chocolate goodness with a luscious burst of caramel and a hint of sea salt, then this Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies bring together the rich, dense texture of classic brownies with the chewy softness of cookies, all filled with molten caramel centers that make every bite feel like a decadent little surprise. It’s one of those irresistible treats that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat, and I can’t wait to share all the juicy details with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s building the cookie’s fudgy structure, injecting buttery richness, or adding that sweet and salty contrast that keeps you reaching for more. Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible batch:
- 18 ounces brownie mix: The base of your cookies; choose a high-quality dry mix for the best chocolate flavor and fudgy texture.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the cookie dough together, providing moisture and richness for a soft bite.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds velvety richness and moisture without overpowering the chocolate notes.
- 12 soft caramel squares: The sweet heart of each cookie that melts beautifully once baked, delivering that signature gooey surprise.
- Coarse sea salt: Sprinkled on top for the perfect salty crunch that balances the sweet caramel and chocolate flavors.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by whisking together the dry brownie mix, eggs, and melted butter in a large bowl until fully combined. This is the foundation of your cookie dough and getting a smooth, uniform batter here ensures each cookie bakes up fudgy and tender. Once your dough is ready, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up—this step is what helps your cookies keep their shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
Step 2: Prep the Caramel Filling
While your dough chills, slice each caramel square in half. Smaller caramel pieces nestle perfectly inside the cookie dough, allowing for a beautiful molten center without overwhelming the cookie itself.
Step 3: Get Your Oven and Sheet Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick layer ensures your cookies bake evenly and are super easy to remove once done.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
Scoop about a heaping tablespoon of the chilled dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place a half piece of caramel in the center. Then, carefully mold the dough around the caramel, sealing it inside like a treasure chest. Repeat until all 24 cookie balls are prepared—this part is so satisfying, especially when you can’t wait to taste that gooey caramel surprise!
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Place each cookie dough ball onto your parchment-lined sheet with roughly 2 inches of space in between. Pop them in the oven and bake for 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft and tender. This baking time creates that perfect fudgy chewiness you crave.
Step 6: Salt and Cool
The moment your cookies come straight out of the oven, sprinkle them generously with coarse sea salt. This salty kiss contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel and chocolate, elevating every bite. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack—they’ll firm up just enough to handle but remain deliciously soft inside.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider topping your cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and add a subtle freshness that complements the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
These cookies are heavenly on their own, but if you want to turn dessert into a full experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of strong coffee or bold black tea also pairs beautifully, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the salted caramel notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by stacking these cookies on a pretty platter or arranging them in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper. You can even sandwich a bit of ice cream between two cookies to create an indulgent frozen treat perfect for warm days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store your Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and fudgy for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet snack whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
The cookie dough can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before baking. Simply wrap individual cookie dough balls tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with baking as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen; just let them cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper in a container.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and melts the caramel center again, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven experience without needing to bake a new batch.
FAQs
Can I use any brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use your favorite dry brownie mix, but a high-quality one with rich cocoa will give you the best flavor and texture. Ghirardelli is a popular choice that works beautifully.
What if I can’t find soft caramel squares?
If soft caramel squares are hard to find, you can use caramel bits or chop soft caramels from candy bags. Avoid hard caramels as they won’t melt smoothly.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps the cookies hold their shape without spreading too much when baked. It also intensifies the flavors.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe, use a gluten-free brownie mix. Just ensure all other ingredients, including caramel squares, are gluten-free as well.
How salty should the sea salt topping be?
Don’t be shy with the sea salt—just a light sprinkle on top of each cookie right after baking enhances the flavors perfectly. It should be noticeable but not overpowering.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a homemade cookie filled with molten caramel and topped with a touch of sea salt, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe. It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious—a perfect treat for any occasion or just a cozy night in. Once you taste them, I’m pretty sure these cookies will be on your repeat list for a long time to come!
Print
Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies combine the fudgy richness of brownie batter with gooey caramel centers and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty treat. Using a boxed brownie mix makes these indulgent cookies quick to prepare, with a soft, chewy texture and a delightful caramel surprise inside every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 18 ounces brownie mix (510 grams, dry mix only, 1 standard box, Ghirardelli recommended)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (100 grams)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 grams, melted, ½ stick)
Additional Ingredients
- 12 soft caramel squares (122 grams)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping, to taste)
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the dry brownie mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Caramel: While the dough chills, cut each caramel square in half to create smaller pieces to stuff inside the cookies.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Form Cookies: Scoop heaping tablespoons of the chilled cookie dough. Flatten each scoop slightly, place a halved caramel piece in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the caramel to fully enclose it. Repeat to make 24 cookies.
- Arrange Cookies: Place the prepared cookie dough balls on the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Add Salt: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle the tops of the cookies with coarse sea salt to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy the perfect blend of rich brownie, sweet caramel, and salty topping.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake; the centers should remain soft for the best texture.
- Use soft caramel squares that melt well for the gooey center.
- Refrigerating the dough helps contain the caramel inside and prevents spreading.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Coarse sea salt is recommended for visible texture and balanced flavor, but fine salt can be used if preferred.
