Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey caramel goodness. The balance of sweet and salty makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies will surely bring a smile to your face.

What makes this recipe special is how easy it is to whip up bakery-quality cookies right from the comfort of your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have warm, delicious cookies in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an indulgent dessert for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create mouthwatering cookies that taste like they came from your favorite bakery.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! This recipe is great for baking with kids or sharing with family and friends.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later baking.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of caramel and sea salt creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful salted caramel cookies!

For the Cookie Dough

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

For the Add-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 cookie recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences. Here are some fun variations to try!

• Add nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Try different chips: Substitute chocolate chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Infuse flavors: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor of your cookies. Make sure everything is well combined for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips using a spatula. You want those delicious pockets of caramel throughout each cookie!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread as they bake.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This step adds that perfect sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies so special.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set up nicely while still being warm and gooey inside.

There you have it—your very own batch of soft and chewy salted caramel cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking these salted caramel cookies can be a delight, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your cookie game even further!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly, resulting in a light, fluffy dough that helps cookies rise perfectly.
• Don’t overmix the dough – When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the dough (if time allows) – If you have extra time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavor and texture by allowing the ingredients to meld together better.
• Adjust baking time for softness – For softer cookies, take them out of the oven when they are just golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool.
• Experiment with mix-ins – Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts or dried fruits can provide additional texture and flavor that complements the salted caramel beautifully.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them creatively can enhance their charm and make them even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce – A light drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cookies adds an extra touch of indulgence.
• Sprinkle of flaky sea salt – Just before serving, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt enhances that sweet-salty contrast and makes each bite pop.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture and vanilla flavor perfectly complement the warm salted caramel cookies, creating a delightful dessert combo.
• Coffee or espresso – A cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their rich flavors while providing a cozy experience.
• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Milk or non-dairy milk alternatives – A glass of cold milk (or almond/coconut milk) balances out the richness and creates a nostalgic childhood snack moment.

Now you’re all set to bake these scrumptious salted caramel cookies and serve them up in style! Enjoy every gooey bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week. Here’s how to store and freeze them for optimal freshness.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy them within a week for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough by scooping it onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• For baked cookies, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy your cookies fresh and gooey again with minimal effort!

FAQs

Have questions about this salted caramel cookie recipe? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use other types of chips in my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute caramel chips with butterscotch chips or even peanut butter chips. Mix and match for a unique flavor twist that suits your taste buds!

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Cookies stay chewy?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I replace the butter in the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Yes! You can use vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute. Just make sure it’s softened before creaming with the sugars to achieve that fluffy texture.

What makes these Salted Caramel Cookies special?

The combination of gooey caramel bits, rich buttery dough, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s both sweet and salty.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies last up to a week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this salted caramel cookie recipe a try! These cookies bring together delightful flavors that create a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying them solo, they’re bound to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!