Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies
If you love the rich, fudgy texture of brownies but crave the ease of cookies, these Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. Made with a simple box of brownie mix, gooey caramel centers, melty chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they're everything you love about brownies in an easy-to-make cookie.
The best part? No one will ever guess they started with a boxed brownie mix. These cookies bake up with perfectly crackled tops, crisp edges, and soft, chewy centers that are filled with warm, melted caramel. They're perfect for holiday cookie trays, bake sales, Valentine's Day, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Why You'll Love These Brownie Mix Cookies
- Made with just a handful of ingredients
- Rich, fudgy brownie flavor in cookie form
- Gooey caramel surprise inside every bite
- Sweet and salty combination everyone loves
- Perfect for beginner bakers
- Ready in about 30 minutes
If you've never made cookies from brownie mix before, prepare to be amazed. They're one of the easiest desserts you'll ever bake.
Ingredients
- 1 (18.3-ounce) box fudge brownie mix (Duncan Hines is my favorite, but Betty Crocker or Ghirardelli work well too)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I love using Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips.)
- Caramel candies, cut into small pieces
- Flaky sea salt, for topping (I love using Maldon Sea Salt Flakes)
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you don't have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until a soft, thick dough forms.
Step 3
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls about 1½ inches in diameter and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Press a small piece of caramel candy into the center of each dough ball, then gently wrap the dough around it so the caramel is completely enclosed.
If you'd like, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies before baking for that bakery-style look.
Finish each cookie with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Step 5
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops have developed that classic crinkled brownie appearance. The centers should still look slightly soft—that's exactly what you want for a chewy cookie.
Step 6
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
As they cool, the caramel center stays wonderfully soft while the cookies develop crisp edges and irresistibly fudgy centers.
Tips for the Best Brownie Mix Cookies
- Don't overbake. The cookies will continue to set as they cool.
- Use a cookie scoop to keep all the cookies the same size for even baking.
- Make sure the caramel is completely wrapped inside the dough to prevent it from leaking onto the pan.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these cookies from delicious to absolutely irresistible.
Easy Variations
One of my favorite things about brownie mix cookies is how easy they are to customize.
Try mixing in:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Peanut butter chips
- White chocolate chips
- Toffee bits
- Mini marshmallows
- Crushed peppermint candies during the holidays
You can even swap the caramel center for a peanut butter cup or a chocolate truffle for a fun surprise inside.
How to Store Brownie Mix Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
For a freshly baked taste, warm one in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make the caramel perfectly gooey again.
These cookies also freeze beautifully. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months and thaw at room temperature whenever a chocolate craving hits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any brand of brownie mix?
Yes! Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker, and Ghirardelli all work well. Different brands may produce slightly different textures, but they'll all make delicious cookies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. The baked cookies store well, and you can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why are my cookies still soft?
That's exactly how they should be! Brownie mix cookies are meant to have soft, fudgy centers. They'll continue to firm up slightly as they cool while staying wonderfully chewy inside.
The Ultimate Chocolate Lover's Cookie
These Salted Caramel Brownie Mix Cookies combine everything we love about brownies and cookies into one unforgettable dessert. Rich chocolate flavor, gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and a touch of flaky sea salt make every bite the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Whether you're baking for a party, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this easy brownie mix cookie recipe is one you'll find yourself making again and again. It's proof that a simple box of brownie mix can create something truly bakery-worthy.
