As I pulled a tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven, the alluring aroma of warm caramel wafted through my kitchen. These Ultimate Salted Caramel Cookies are not just any dessert; they offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a chewy center and crispy edges that make each bite a delightful experience. Best of all, they are incredibly easy to whip up, meaning you can enjoy gourmet bakery-style treats without the fuss. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or just craving a personal indulgence, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Curious about how each caramel pocket brings these cookies to life? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe! Why Salted Caramel Cookies Are a Must-Try? Irresistible flavor combination: The sweet and salty contrast creates a delightful taste explosion that’s hard to resist. Easy to make: With straightforward ingredients and steps, you’ll whip up bakery-quality cookies in no time. Gourmet experience: These cookies replicate the flavors of high-end bakeries, allowing you to indulge at home. Versatile delights: Add chocolate chips or nuts for a personalized twist, just like in my Cinnamon Roll Cookies. Perfect for sharing: Bring them to gatherings or enjoy them solo; these cookies are a hit with everyone! Whether you’re enjoying them with a glass of milk or serving them with dessert, they’re sure to create sweet moments! Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients • • Here’s what you’ll need! For the Dough 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and chewiness. Substitution: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps cookies rise and achieve their signature texture. Ensure it’s fresh for best results. 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly. Use flaky sea salt for topping to enhance flavor. 1 cup unsalted butter – Softened for rich flavor and moisture. Tip: Brown the butter before adding for an extra depth of flavor. ¾ cup granulated sugar – Adds a delightful crisp to the cookie’s edges. Can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist. ¾ cup brown sugar – Infuses moisture and a caramel-like flavor. Choose light or dark based on your taste preference. 2 large eggs – Room temperature helps the dough blend smoothly. Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor beautifully. Use pure extract for the best results. For the Sweet Additions 1 cup caramel chips – Creates gooey pockets of indulgence. Kraft caramel bits work exceptionally well here. ½ cup chocolate chips – Adds a rich chocolatey flavor. Opt for dark chocolate for a more decadent taste. ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt – For that perfect sweet-salty contrast, sprinkled on top just before baking. Enjoy these beautiful cookies that come together with ease and deliver gourmet bakery vibes right to your home! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin your delicious journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface that will help your salted caramel cookies lift off effortlessly once they are baked to perfection. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This mixture forms the base for your salted caramel cookies and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent. Set this bowl aside as you prepare the wet ingredients. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible chewy texture your salted caramel cookies are known for. Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla Add 2 large room temperature eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, pour in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together, creating a smooth cookie dough, while the vanilla enhances the flavor. Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the tender, chewy texture of your salted caramel cookies. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky. Step 6: Fold in the Sweet Additions Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and, if desired, ½ cup of chocolate chips using a spatula. This step creates those delightful gooey bursts of caramel and optional richness from the chocolate in each cookie. The dough should now be a beautiful blend of sweet additions. Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, place rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring to leave at least 2 inches of space between each dough ball. This spacing allows your salted caramel cookies to spread beautifully as they bake, achieving that desired shape. Step 8: Add Flaky Sea Salt Just before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This small touch enhances the sweet and salty contrast you’ll love in your finished salted caramel cookies, making each bite a perfectly balanced treat. Step 9: Bake the Cookies Bake your salted caramel cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly soft. Keep an eye on them, as you want that perfect chewy texture while ensuring they don’t overbake. Step 10: Cool Before Transferring Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This resting period helps them set and makes transferring them to a wire rack easier. Finally, let the cookies cool completely on the rack, ensuring they maintain their delightful chewy centers. Make Ahead Options These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal quality, keep the dough from drying out by ensuring it’s well sealed. If you’re planning further ahead, the dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled or thawed dough onto your baking sheets and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking. Enjoy delicious, freshly baked salted caramel cookies with minimal effort any day of the week! Salted Caramel Cookie Variations Feel free to mix things up with these delightful twists to make your cookies truly your own! Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted pecans for a delightful crunch. These nuts not only enhance texture but also bring a beautiful, earthy flavor. Fruity Twist: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a burst of fruitiness. This tangy addition contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the caramel. Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or even cayenne pepper for a surprising twist. This subtle heat can elevate the flavor profile and leave your guests guessing. Chocolate-Lover’s Delight: Swap out caramel chips for rich dark chocolate or butterscotch chips. Each variation brings its own delicious charm to the cookies. Sandwich Cookies: Create decadent sandwich cookies with caramel filling. Simply place a drizzle of caramel between two cookies for an indulgent treat that will impress. Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly version. You’ll still enjoy that gooey caramel goodness without the animal products. Sea Salt Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel over the baked cookies and sprinkle additional flaky sea salt on top for even more decadent flavor. Cinnamon Roll Style: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar into the dough for a cinnamon roll-inspired twist. It’s like cinnamon rolls and cookies had a delicious baby! Why not try a few of these variations along with your homemade Salted Caramel Banana delightful recipe or accompany them with a batch of my Chewy Brown Butter Cookies? Each addition will take your cookie game to the next level! Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies Brown the Butter: For deeper caramel flavor, brown the butter before mixing. Let it cool until soft for optimal results. Watch the Mixing: Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. This ensures your salted caramel cookies stay tender and chewy. Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop. This promotes consistent baking and ensures all cookies are equally delicious. Don’t Skimp on Salting: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the sweet-salty contrast, elevating your salted caramel cookies to gourmet status. Keep an Eye on Baking: Monitor the baking time closely. Remove the cookies when the edges are golden and the centers are lightly set for that perfect texture. Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain their soft, chewy texture. Fridge: If you want to extend freshness, cookies can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Dough Storage: Raw cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Shape into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag; bake directly from frozen by adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. What to Serve with Ultimate Salted Caramel Cookies Experience the magic of sweet and salty indulgence by pairing these delightful cookies with complementary treats and beverages. Cold Milk: A classic match, the rich, creamy texture of cold milk balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm atop a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert. The contrast of temperature and texture creates a delightful experience. Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of coffee enhance the cookies’ sweet notes, making them a perfect accompaniment for an afternoon pick-me-up. Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over cookies for an extra layer of richness; the combination of flavors is simply divine. Fresh Berries: Serve a side of mixed berries; their tartness cuts through sweetness, adding a refreshing touch to your dessert. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cookies for an indulgent treat; it elevates the caramel flavor while keeping that gooey texture. Sweet Red Wine: A light sweet red wine complements the sweet and salty elements, providing a sophisticated pairing for your dessert spread. Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right caramel chips for my cookies? Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using Kraft caramel bits, as they melt beautifully and create those gooey pockets of caramel. Make sure the chips are fresh, as old ones can lose their texture. How should I store my salted caramel cookies for maximum freshness? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying for the best texture. Can I freeze my salted caramel cookie dough? Yes, indeed! To freeze your dough, shape it into balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time—no need to thaw! What if my cookies spread too much while baking? Very occasionally, cookies may spread too much due to warm butter or inadequate chilling of the dough. If that happens, try refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, which will help keep their shape. Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes! Substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) works wonderfully. Also, ensure you use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to suit your vegan preferences. How do I know when my salted caramel cookies are done baking? Look for golden edges and soft, slightly set centers; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, and don’t worry if they look a bit undercooked in the center—it’s that chewy texture we’re aiming for! Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe for Sweet Moments These Salted Caramel Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a chewy center and crispy edges for an unforgettable treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 37 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Substitution: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure it's fresh for best results.1 teaspoon salt Use flaky sea salt for topping to enhance flavor.1 cup unsalted butter Tip: Brown the butter before adding for an extra depth of flavor.¾ cup granulated sugar Can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.¾ cup brown sugar Choose light or dark based on your taste preference.2 large eggs Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure extract for the best results.For the Sweet Additions1 cup caramel chips Kraft caramel bits work exceptionally well here.½ cup chocolate chips Opt for dark chocolate for a more decadent taste.½ teaspoon flaky sea salt For that perfect sweet-salty contrast, sprinkled on top just before baking. Equipment OvenMixing bowlsHand mixerSpatulaCookie scoopBaking sheetsParchment paper Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined, being careful not to overmix.Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips.Scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each.Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball.Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly soft.Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best results, brown the butter, watch the mixing, and use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies. Don't skimp on the sea salt for enhanced flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
