Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, you’ve come to the right place! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is one I hold dear to my heart. The moment you take a bite, you’ll experience the delightful blend of soft, chewy dough and gooey caramel pockets, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just treating yourself after a long day.

What makes these cookies truly special is how simple they are to whip up. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen—just a few wholesome ingredients and some love. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on creating these delicious salted caramel cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: In just about 55 minutes, you can have fresh cookies straight from your oven.
• Family favorite: These cookies are sure to please everyone, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.
• Flexible recipe: Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins!
• Bakery-quality taste: Enjoy that fresh-baked cookie flavor without the bakery hassle.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a snack or dessert, these cookies fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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)

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Try different chips: Substitute white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
• Make it festive: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy holiday flavors.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour and ensures that every cookie rises beautifully!

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 because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds depth to the flavor—trust me; it makes all the difference!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in those delicious caramel chips and chocolate chips if you’re using them. Each bite will be bursting with gooey goodness!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Giving them space allows them to spread while baking.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This little touch elevates their flavor from good to absolutely irresistible!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect!

Step 10: Cool Down

Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The waiting is tough but trust me; it’ll be worth it when you take that first bite!

Enjoy sharing these delightful salted caramel cookies with friends and family—or keep them all for yourself!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Making the perfect salted caramel cookies is all about a few small details that can take your baking from good to great!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter, leading to a more even texture in your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing until just combined helps maintain the chewy texture of the cookies. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently!

• Chill your dough if time allows: For an even chewier cookie, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help. It firms up the butter and allows for better flavor development.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Since every oven is different, start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. The edges should be golden, while the centers may look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.

• Add extra sea salt after baking: For an extra punch of flavor and that irresistible sweet-salty contrast, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt immediately after taking them out of the oven.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas to elevate your presentation!

Garnishes

• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies adds an elegant touch and makes them even more indulgent.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top enhances that gooey caramel flavor and creates a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk: This creamy drink complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with caramel.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like strawberries, apples, and bananas provides a refreshing contrast to rich cookies.
• Coffee or tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting pairing that balances out the sweetness of the cookies quite nicely.
• Ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream served alongside a warm cookie creates a delightful dessert experience that will please everyone!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your homemade salted caramel cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for maximum enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different chips in the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even nuts if you prefer. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your taste!

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Cookies are chewy?

To achieve that soft, chewy texture, avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Also, underbake slightly so they remain soft when cooled.

Can I reduce the sugar in this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Yes! You can reduce the granulated sugar slightly without drastically affecting the texture. However, keep in mind that reducing sugar will affect sweetness and moisture levels.

What if I don’t have caramel chips for my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

You can make your own by melting regular caramels or using homemade caramel sauce. Just be sure to allow any melted caramel to cool slightly before mixing it into your cookie dough.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful salted caramel cookies as much as I do! They bring a wonderful balance of sweetness and that irresistible salty kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner, these cookies are sure to delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!