Chocolate Caramel Sandwiches are rich and indulgent treats featuring layers of smooth caramel sandwiched between crisp cookies or buttery shortbread, all coated in velvety chocolate. These sweet and chewy delights are perfect for dessert, gifting, or satisfying a caramel and chocolate craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures.
- Combines buttery cookies, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate.
- Simple ingredients with a gourmet taste.
- Great for homemade gifts or party treats.
- Customizable with different flavors and toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- Salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- Soft caramel candies or homemade caramel
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Sea salt (optional)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- Dark or milk chocolate, melted
- Coconut oil or butter (for smoothness)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
- Make the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until a dough forms.
- Chill: Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll and cut: Roll out the dough and cut into even-sized rounds.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
- Melt the caramel: Heat caramel candies with heavy cream and butter over low heat until smooth. Stir in sea salt if desired.
- Assemble: Spoon caramel onto a cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Let set.
Step 3: Coat in Chocolate
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave or use a double boiler to melt chocolate with coconut oil or butter.
- Dip the sandwiches: Coat each caramel-filled cookie sandwich in melted chocolate and place on parchment paper.
- Set and serve: Let chocolate harden before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed almonds or hazelnuts to the chocolate coating.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.
- White Chocolate Version: Use melted white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter before the caramel.
- Espresso Flavor: Mix espresso powder into the caramel for a coffee-infused treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Best enjoyed at room temperature; avoid microwaving as the chocolate may melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, shortbread or butter cookies work well if you want to skip baking.
What type of chocolate is best for coating?
High-quality dark or milk chocolate with at least 50% cocoa content melts smoothly and tastes rich.
How do I prevent the caramel from leaking?
Let the caramel cool slightly before assembling to help it thicken and stay in place.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the cookie base.
How do I get a shiny chocolate coating?
Add a little coconut oil or butter when melting the chocolate for a smooth, glossy finish.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream for the caramel, and dairy-free chocolate.
What’s the best way to coat the sandwiches in chocolate?
Use a fork or dipping tool to fully submerge the sandwiches, then tap off excess chocolate.
Can I add a different filling instead of caramel?
Yes, you can use marshmallow fluff, fruit jam, or dulce de leche.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Tempering helps keep the chocolate from melting at room temperature, but it’s not necessary for home use.
What is the best way to store these for gifting?
Layer them between parchment paper in a gift box to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Chocolate Caramel Sandwiches are the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy cookies, rich caramel, and silky chocolate into a perfect bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these treats are great for special occasions, holidays, or a simple sweet craving. Whether you enjoy them fresh or save them for later, they are sure to impress
Print
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 sandwich cookies 1x
Description
These Chocolate Caramel Sandwich Cookies are rich, fudgy chocolate cookies stuffed with a gooey caramel filling. A decadent dessert that’s perfect for caramel lovers!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup caramel candies or soft caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Bake the cookies: Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the caramel filling: Melt caramel candies with heavy cream until smooth.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread caramel filling on one cookie and press another on top.
- Enjoy warm or let cool for a chewy texture!
Notes
- Use sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- Microwave for a few seconds before eating for extra gooeyness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American