If you adore rich, gooey chocolate treats with a caramel surprise in every bite, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Rolo Brownies with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt Recipe. Imagine ultra fudgy, soft brownies studded generously with those irresistible Rolo candies, baked to perfection, and then finished with a luscious salted caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, salty, smooth, and gooey all wrapped up in one bite, making it a true show-stopper for any occasion or just a decadent everyday treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear bowls and containers arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different baking ingredients spread out in a loose circle. At the top right, there's a clear jar filled with white flour. To its left is a small round bowl with light brown liquid. Below that, a bowl is filled with reddish-brown cocoa powder. In the center, there is a clear bowl packed with round pieces of milk chocolate. To the bottom left, a bowl contains melted yellow butter. Near the bottom center is a measuring cup holding finely ground brown sugar. To the right of the sugar, a carton holds three light brown eggs. Above the eggs, a measuring cup filled with white granulated sugar has a wooden handle. On the far left, two small measuring spoons with wooden handles hold white baking powder and salt. The textures and colors of the ingredients stand out brightly against the white marbled surface, with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but work together beautifully to create that irresistible texture and flavor for your brownies. Each component plays a vital role, from the richness of cocoa to the soft chewy Rolos hiding inside.

Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, creamy base and keeps the brownies ultra moist.
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder (¾ cup): Packs in deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Rolo candies (1½ cups, unwrapped and chilled): Adds gooey caramel-filled chocolate pockets throughout.
Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetness that balances the cocoa’s natural bitterness.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and subtle caramel notes for depth.
Large eggs (3, at room temperature): Bind the batter together and add tenderness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon or more): Enhances all the other flavors with warm sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 cup, spooned and leveled): Gives the brownies structure without making them tough.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate richness; adjust if using salted butter.
Salted caramel sauce (½ cup): Drizzled on top, it gives a decadent, buttery finish that makes these brownies irresistible.
Chopped Rolo candies (½ cup): Sprinkled on top for extra texture and to amp up the caramel-chocolate experience.
Flaky sea salt (optional): Adds that subtle crunch and burst of saltiness to elevate every bite.

How to Make Rolo Brownies with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt Recipe

Step 1: Chill the Rolos

Start by unwrapping 1½ cups of Rolos and pop them into the fridge for about 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step is a game-changer because it helps keep the Rolos from melting into the brownie batter while baking, ensuring you get those lovely caramel pockets in every square. Set aside the other ½ cup of Rolos, halve them for topping after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift the brownies out easily after cooling. Spray the parchment with cooking spray for non-stick results.

Step 3: Melt Butter and Mix Cocoa

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter, about a minute on high power. Then whisk in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this is the rich chocolate base that ties the whole brownie together.

Step 4: Whisk Sugars and Eggs

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously by hand for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. You can use a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed if you prefer.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually pour the cocoa and butter mixture into the sugar-egg bowl, whisking continuously to blend everything smoothly. Then fold in the flour and salt gently with a rubber spatula—just enough to combine without overmixing, so your brownies stay tender, not tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chilled Rolos

Gently fold the chilled Rolos into the batter. Their firm texture prevents them from melting straight away, creating delightful gooey pockets once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 42-50 minutes. Since these brownies are ultra fudgy, they should be taken out when just done and slightly gooey in the middle. Ovens differ, so keep an eye from 40 minutes onwards and test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking. The toothpick may come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudge-like texture.

Step 8: Add Toppings and Cool

Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then sprinkle the halved Rolos evenly on top, drizzle generously with your salted caramel sauce, and finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang, slice carefully with a sharp knife—wiping between cuts—and get ready to indulge.

How to Serve Rolo Brownies with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt Recipe

Nine square pieces of chocolate brownies are placed on parchment paper on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each brownie has a rich, dark brown base layer with a slightly cracked top texture, covered with melted chunks of caramel-colored chocolate and drizzled with a shiny layer of golden caramel sauce. Some pieces have visible small pools of caramel, adding a sticky glossy look. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth caramel sauce and scattered round chocolate pieces nearby. A wooden-handled knife lies at the top right over the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, dust the top with a little cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The contrast of creamy, cold ice cream against warm, gooey brownies is pure magic.

Side Dishes

These brownies stand beautifully on their own but pair decadently with fresh berries for a fruity burst or a simple cup of rich coffee or espresso to balance all that sweetness. Even a glass of cold milk works wonders alongside!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these brownies in decorative paper cups for parties or slice them into smaller bite-sized pieces for a charming brownie platter. You can also stack a couple with caramel layers in between to create a mini brownie tower that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Rolo Brownies with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and gooey. Avoid refrigerating as the Rolos will harden and lose that lovely texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the brownies either whole or cut into pieces. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For the best experience, reheat leftovers gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm up the caramel and soften the Rolos a bit. Avoid overheating, which can melt the candy excessively and change texture.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes! Using unsalted butter works perfectly fine. Just be sure to adjust the salt in the recipe slightly to taste since salted butter already adds some saltiness.

Why do I need to chill the Rolos before baking?

Chilling the Rolos helps them stay intact while baking so they don’t completely melt into the batter. This creates those amazing caramel surprises in your brownies.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel is delicious and easy to make with sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt. But store-bought caramel sauce works just as well if you’re short on time.

Should I refrigerate these brownies?

It’s best to keep them at room temperature. Refrigeration causes the Rolos to harden and get very tough, which can be unpleasant when eating.

How do I get clean slices when cutting these brownies?

Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a warm damp cloth between cuts. This helps maintain neat edges without gooey batter sticking to the knife.

Final Thoughts

These Rolo Brownies with Salted Caramel Drizzle and Sea Salt Recipe are a luxurious treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite indulgence to share (or keep all to yourself!). The perfect combination of fudgy chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt creates a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and a little bit decadent. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into this chocolatey, caramel-filled delight today—your taste buds will thank you!