Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty, then this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just for you! These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey caramel goodness. They have quickly become a favorite in my home, perfect for cozy family gatherings or even just a treat after a long day. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight!

What makes this recipe special is how the warm caramel melds with buttery dough and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Every bite feels like a little hug! Whether you’re baking for friends or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to bring joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 15 minutes of prep time, making it a breeze to put together.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With their delightful flavors, everyone from kids to adults will love these cookies.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Bake them for parties, potlucks, or simply as an afternoon snack; they fit every occasion!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet caramel and flaky salt creates an irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything before we get started!

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure)
• 1 tsp baking soda (Helps cookies rise)
• 1 tsp salt (Balances sweetness)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (Adds crisp texture)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (Adds moisture and caramel flavor)
• 2 large eggs (Room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (Enhances flavor)

Mix-Ins

• 1 cup caramel chips (For gooey caramel pockets)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (Optional for richness)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt (For sweet-salty contrast)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins or flavors.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap in dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Try Different Chips: Experiment with butterscotch or peanut butter chips alongside the caramel.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to suit dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and makes cleanup easier later!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting this aside allows the baking soda to evenly distribute throughout the flour mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that lovely texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Each egg adds moisture while also binding everything together.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; we want tender cookies!

Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips if using. This step adds those delightful gooey pockets we love so much!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading while they bake.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before placing them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie dough ball with flaky sea salt. This enhances that wonderful sweet-salty contrast.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked; they will continue cooking as they cool.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy these warm treats straight away or store them for later!

Now you have everything you need to make these delightful salted caramel cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Making the perfect salted caramel cookies is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies come out delicious every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a uniform batter, resulting in soft, chewy cookies without any lumps.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten from developing too much, which keeps your cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough.

• Chill the dough: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can help prevent spreading during baking.

• Check for doneness: Remember that cookies will continue to bake on the sheet after being removed from the oven. For chewy centers, take them out when they’re just golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap or add different types of chips or nuts. Using dark chocolate or adding nuts like pecans can give an extra layer of texture and flavor!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies not only taste amazing but also look delightful when served right. Here are some ideas for presenting this sweet treat!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dark or milk-free chocolate adds an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal.

• Sprinkle more sea salt: A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving enhances that sweet-salty contrast and makes them even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond ice cream: The creamy texture and subtle flavors of vanilla almond ice cream complement these cookies perfectly for a delightful dessert pairing.

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant bowl of mixed seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies while adding a pop of color to your serving plate.

• Coffee or herbal tea: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat that balances sweetness with warmth.

Enjoy making these amazing salted caramel cookies, whether it’s for yourself or someone special! They’re sure to be a hit in any setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy sweet treats throughout the week or save some for later. With just a few simple steps, you can easily store, freeze, and reheat these delightful cookies.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and gooey again.
• Alternatively, use the microwave: heat one cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding this delicious recipe.

What makes this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe special?

This recipe combines rich caramel flavors with buttery dough and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The soft and chewy texture makes these cookies irresistible!

Can I use different types of chocolate in my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate if you prefer. You can also omit the chocolate entirely if you’d like to keep the focus on the salted caramel.

How do I get my cookies to be extra chewy?

For chewier cookies, try chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure not to overbake them; removing them from the oven while they’re still slightly underdone will help achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Yes! You can use vegan butter or margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter. Additionally, you can replace caramel chips with butterscotch chips or even omit chocolate chips if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope this salted caramel cookie recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! These cookies are not only easy to make but also deliver that warm bakery experience right at home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family—because who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Happy baking!