Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows

If you’re a fan of sweet, salty, and chocolatey desserts, you’ll fall head over heels for these Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows. Soft, fudgy chocolate cookies are stuffed with gooey caramel and topped with a touch of flaky sea salt for the ultimate indulgent treat. Each bite is a perfect balance of richness and sweetness with just the right hint of salt. They’re decadent, dreamy, and surprisingly easy to make—ideal for holidays, parties, or whenever you’re craving a bakery-style cookie at home.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bakery-Quality at Home – Soft, chewy, and filled with caramel goodness.
Irresistible Flavor – Deep chocolate + salted caramel = dessert perfection.
Easy to Make – Straightforward steps for an impressive result.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and bake when the craving hits.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for gifting, parties, or cookie swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¼ cups brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

For the Filling & Topping:
24 soft caramel candies (or homemade soft caramels)
Flaky sea salt (for topping)
1 tbsp milk or cream (to soften caramels, if needed)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cooling rack
Microwave-safe bowl (for caramel prep)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) for easier handling.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Centers

1. If your caramels are firm, microwave them with 1 tbsp milk or cream in 10-second intervals until soft but still hold their shape.
2. Let cool slightly, then form into small balls (about ½ inch wide) if needed.
3. Keep them slightly chilled so they’re easier to work with when stuffing the dough.

Step 3: Assemble the Pillows

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop about 1½ tbsp of dough and flatten it into a small disc.
3. Place a caramel in the center and fold the dough around it, sealing the edges and rolling into a smooth ball.
4. Place each stuffed dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

1. Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
3. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows
Chill the Dough – Cold dough is easier to handle and prevents spreading.
Seal Well – Make sure the caramel is fully enclosed to avoid leaks.
Don’t Overbake – Keep them soft in the center for that perfect gooey bite.
Use High-Quality Caramels – The better the caramel, the more decadent the cookies.
Add Extra Chocolate – Press a few chips on top before baking for that bakery look.

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
Add to a holiday cookie tray for a decadent touch.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade.
Pair with a drizzle of extra caramel or a dusting of cocoa powder for plating.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze Dough Balls: Stuff and roll dough into balls, then freeze on a tray. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes to bake time).
Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use homemade caramel?
   Yes! Just make sure it’s soft and pliable for stuffing into the dough.
2. Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
   Not recommended for stuffing, as homemade dough holds the caramel better.
3. What type of salt works best for topping?
   Flaky sea salt or Maldon salt gives the best texture and presentation.
4. How do I keep the caramel from leaking?
   Fully enclose the caramel in dough and chill the balls before baking.
5. Are these cookies super sweet?
   They’re rich, but the salt and dark chocolate balance the sweetness nicely.

Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Chocolate Pillows are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, gooey, and crunchy. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just a weekend treat, these cookies always deliver. They’re a little fancy, a lot of fun, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Try them once, and they’ll become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us—I’d love to see your gooey masterpieces!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling)
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

Print