By Becky Hardin
Published Jan 12, 2022
There’s something about salted caramel that feels simple yet indulgent, and these salted caramel brownie cookies are the perfect example. They’re sweet, salty, and chocolate-y all in one. They’re warm and gooey on the inside, yet wonderfully crunchy and chewy on the outside! Made with just five ingredients, these easy to make caramel cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Cookies made with brownie mix are almost too good to be true. I’ve been making brownie mix cookies for years and it’s by far my favorite baking hack! These super simple yet incredibly decadent fudgy brownie cookies start with dry brownie mix and are quickly elevated with an ooey gooey caramel filling and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. Each cookie is baked to perfection with so much to love in each bite. No one will ever know these cookies were whipped up from a box of Ghirardelli brownie mix! And if you have room for more, make my M&M brownie cookies next.
Ingredients for Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies
- Brownie Mix: I’ve tested this recipe with many brands of brownie mix, and have had the best results with Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie mix. Use the chocolate syrup that comes with it. If you can’t find Ghirardelli brownie mix, use a Pillsbury brownie mix. Try not to use Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker brownie mixes – the cookies spread way too much when I tested this recipe with those brands.
- Eggs: Eggs bind all the ingredients together. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before preparing the dough.
- Butter: Use fully melted, unsalted butter. Or swap it for ¼ cup of vegetable oil if needed, though this may change the texture and thickness slightly.
- Caramel: Use soft caramel squares–any brand works great—just make sure they’re soft, and cut them in half before using. You can also make condensed milk caramel .
- Sea Salt: A coarse sea salt is perfect for topping these cookies. Feel free to use your favorite gourmet salt for extra wow. Just avoid iodized table salt because it won’t have the same effect.
Tips for Success
- For evenly baked and uniform cookies, I recommend using a cookie scoop or food scale to ensure all cookies are the same size. I use this Wilton cookie scoop.
- For ooey gooey cookies, serve these when they’re still a little bit warm!
- Chilling the cookie dough is a must! This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading while they bake in the oven.
- Don’t overbake! These brownie cookies are done when the edges are set–they will still look soft in the center, but will harden as they cool.
How to Store
Let them cool fully before storing. Store salted caramel brownie cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Or freeze for 3 months.
All the Holiday Cookies
25+ Favorite Christmas Cookies
Baking and Christmas go hand in hand. See our guide for our fave recipes + tips and tricks for perfect cookies.
5-Star Review
“They were delish! My husband and grandkids love them. Thank you.” – Lenette
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 18 ounces brownie mix 510 grams, dry mix only (1 standard box), Ghirardelli recommended
- ▢ 2 large eggs 100 grams
- ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter 57 grams, melted (½ stick)
- ▢ 12 soft caramel squares 122 grams
- ▢ Coarse sea salt for topping, to taste
Video
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir the dry brownie mix, eggs, and melted butter together. Tightly cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap. Place the bowl of cookie dough into the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes. 18 ounces brownie mix, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup unsalted butter
- While the cookie dough chills, cut the caramel squares in half. 12 soft caramel squares
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon worth of chilled cookie dough, stuff a piece of caramel into the middle of the cookie, and cover the caramel with the cookie dough. Repeat for all 24 cookies.
- Place the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Sprinkle the cookies with salt immediately after baking. Coarse sea salt
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Portion Scoop
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies Step by Step
Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, stir together 1 box (18 ounces) of brownie mix, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter.
Chill the Dough: Tightly cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap. Then place the bowl of cookie dough into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes.
Baking Prep: While the cookie dough chills, cut 12 soft caramel squares in half. Preheat the oven to 350°F. And line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Stuff the Cookie Dough: Scoop a heaping tablespoon worth of chilled cookie dough, stuff a piece of caramel into the middle of the cookie, and cover the caramel with the cookie dough. Repeat for all 24 cookies.
Bake: Place the caramel stuffed cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I recommend baking 5-6 at a time, and storing the rest of the cookie dough balls in the fridge until ready to bake another batch. Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
Finish: When done, sprinkle the cookies with course sea salt immediately after baking, while still warm. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Continue baking more batches until the dough is gone.
More Cookie Recipes We Love!
Strawberry Cookies
S’more Brownie Cookies
Hershey Kiss Cookies
S’mores Cookies
Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
- Cookie Portion Scoop
Ingredients
- 18 ounces brownie mix 510 grams, dry mix only (1 standard box), Ghirardelli recommended
- 2 large eggs 100 grams
- ¼ cup unsalted butter 57 grams, melted (½ stick)
- 12 soft caramel squares 122 grams
- Coarse sea salt for topping, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir the dry brownie mix, eggs, and melted butter together. Tightly cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap. Place the bowl of cookie dough into the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes. 18 ounces brownie mix, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup unsalted butter
- While the cookie dough chills, cut the caramel squares in half. 12 soft caramel squares
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon worth of chilled cookie dough, stuff a piece of caramel into the middle of the cookie, and cover the caramel with the cookie dough. Repeat for all 24 cookies.
- Place the cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Sprinkle the cookies with salt immediately after baking. Coarse sea salt
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
