Name: Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour gluten-free if needed; 11 ounces caramel candies unwrapped; 2 Tablespoons heavy cream; 10-12 ounces milk chocolate roughly chopped; Flaky sea salt and edible gold leaf optional for decorating

There’s something downright irresistible about a cookie that combines a buttery base, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate—you’re in for a treat with this Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe. These aren’t your everyday cookies; they’re a delightful little indulgence that feels special every time you bite into that luscious caramel topped with silky chocolate. Trust me, these will become your new go-to for celebrations or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.

The image shows a group of round cookies laid out on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has a smooth, light beige base layer topped with a shiny, thick layer of caramel in a golden brown color. On top of the caramel is a swirled dollop of rich, glossy dark chocolate spread, decorated with flakes of gold leaf and white flaky sea salt scattered unevenly across the chocolate. The cookies are placed close together, some slightly overlapping, creating a neat and inviting arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe because it’s not just about sweetness — it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors. From the crisp cookie base to the gooey caramel and smooth chocolate, every bite feels like a little celebration in your mouth.

Perfect balance: The buttery cookie base isn't too sweet, letting the caramel and chocolate shine without overwhelming your palate.
Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it easier to whip up in no time.
Elegant and impressive: They look stunning with flaky sea salt and even edible gold leaf, perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Customizable: You can easily swap chocolate types or add nuts for a twist, tailoring it exactly to your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe is a harmony of classic cookie ingredients paired with indulgent caramel and chocolate. Each element plays its part to create those rich layers you crave. Here’s a quick peek at why these ingredients come together so well:

Flat lay of a small block of pale yellow unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals on a small white ceramic dish, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a plain white ceramic plate, a small heap of unwrapped golden caramel candies, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick heavy cream, roughly chopped chunks of glossy milk chocolate on a simple white ceramic plate, tiny flakes of bright gold leaf scattered delicately beside a small white ceramic bowl with flaky sea salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps with a tender cookie texture and better mixing.
Granulated sugar: Adds a slight crunch and sweetness without making the cookie too soft.
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Gives a warm, aromatic depth that complements the caramel beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and keeps things balanced.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free): The cookie’s sturdy base that holds everything together perfectly.
Caramel candies: The star of the show—melts down into a rich, gooey layer that's pure bliss.
Heavy cream: Thins out the caramel just enough for that perfect silky consistency.
Milk chocolate: When melted, it forms a glossy, sweet crown that pairs perfectly with the caramel underneath.
Flaky sea salt & edible gold leaf (optional): Adds a beautiful contrast of texture and a touch of luxe that’ll wow your friends.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe is because it's so flexible. I love adding personal twists depending on my mood or who's coming over. Don’t hesitate to make these your own!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate when I want a slightly less sweet, richer flavor — it creates a beautiful balance with the caramel’s sweetness.
Nutty twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or macadamia nuts on top before the chocolate sets adds a delightful crunch.
Salt adjustment: If you’re a fan of salty-sweet combos, sprinkle a bit more flaky sea salt on top to amp up the flavor contrast.
Gluten-free option: I’ve used gluten-free flour blends successfully, so no one has to miss out on these cookies.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe

The image shows several cookies on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two layers: a bottom layer of smooth, light brown caramel spread directly on the cookie, and a top layer of thick, glossy dark chocolate frosting swirled in a circle. The chocolate layer is decorated with small, shiny gold leaf pieces and white flaky salt sprinkled on top. A woman's hand is reaching to take one of the cookies. The cookies have a light, golden-brown color with a soft, crumbly texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

I start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This step is so important because it helps give those cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush it! You want the mixture pale and airy before adding anything else.

Step 2: Mixing in Vanilla, Salt, and Flour

Next, I add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing just until combined. Then the flour goes in, but be gentle here—mix on medium-low speed and stop as soon as the dough pulls together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so keep an eye out. I like to scrape the sides down so everything combines evenly.

Step 3: Rolling and Chilling the Dough

I lightly flour my countertop and roll the dough out to around ¼ inch thick. Using a floured cookie cutter, I cut out rounds, then re-roll scraps until all dough is used. Popping these cutouts into the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking helps them keep their shape without spreading too much. Patience here really pays off!

Step 4: Baking the Cookies

Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden. They’ll still look soft but will firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes before moving to a wire rack, which is perfect timing to prepare your caramel and chocolate layers.

Step 5: Melting and Spreading the Caramel

While the cookies cool, I melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often to avoid burning. The key is gentle heating—caramel can go from luscious to rock hard quickly! Once melted, I spoon about a teaspoon onto each cookie, spreading it carefully to the edges.

Step 6: Finishing with Chocolate and Optional Décor

Finally, I melt the milk chocolate the same way and spoon it over the caramel. Before it sets, I love sprinkling flaky sea salt and adding touches of edible gold leaf—this simple step takes these cookies from tasty to truly special. Let everything cool and firm up fully so you can enjoy those perfect layers with each bite!

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe multiple times, a few little tricks helped me guarantee success and impress anyone I shared these cookies with:

Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This makes the creaming step much easier and gives you that perfect cookie texture.
Don’t overbake: The cookies should feel a bit soft when you take them out of the oven; they firm up as they cool and will stay tender, not dry.
Careful with caramel heating: Microwave in very short bursts and stir well to avoid burning. If the caramel overheats, it’ll set too hard and lose that silky texture.
Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and keeps your baking sheet clean, plus it makes removing the cookies a breeze.

How to Serve Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe

Millionaire Caramel Cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of these cookies. It brings out the caramel's richness and balances all that sweetness. For occasions that call for a wow factor, I carefully place small bits of edible gold leaf on top—trust me, it makes these cookies look like little treasures.

Side Dishes

Serve these alongside your favorite strong coffee or a robust black tea. The bitterness pairs beautifully with the sweet, creamy layers. If it’s a holiday baked goods spread, add fresh berries or a fruit compote to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert stand. Sometimes I add edible flowers or gold-dusted nuts around them for an extra elegant touch. They also make beautiful individually wrapped gifts—just pop a few in a clear bag with a ribbon and a handwritten note.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I usually layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep that chocolate and caramel intact.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I individually wrap the cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully — just thaw them on the counter for about 30 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Reheating

To freshen them up, I warm the cookies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the caramel just enough to make them taste freshly made without melting the chocolate too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate?

Yes! Chocolate chips will work just fine, but chopping a bar or block of chocolate tends to melt more evenly and gives you a smoother finish. If you only have chips, they’re a great convenient alternative.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Be careful not to overheat the caramel. I prefer microwaving it in short 30-second bursts and stirring well between each. Adding a bit of heavy cream thins it out, helping it stay wonderfully soft and gooey on the cookies.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. I’ve tried this swap and it worked perfectly while keeping the same delicious texture.

How do I store these cookies if I want to make them ahead?

Store them in an airtight container layered with parchment paper at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this Millionaire Caramel Cookies Recipe has become one of my favorite baking adventures—not only because of how luscious they taste but because they bring a bit of joy and luxury to any day. I hope you find the same satisfaction in baking and sharing these cookies as I do. Give them a try for your next gathering or a cozy night in—you won’t regret it!