Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

There are few things in life as joyful as the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. You know that feeling when you bite into a cookie, and it’s gooey, sweet, and just a tad salty? That’s exactly what you’ll experience with my Salted Caramel Cookies. This recipe isn’t just a mere collection of ingredients for me; it blends memories, comfort, and that sweet escape from a long day. The beauty of these cookies lies in the contrast of flavors and textures. Think about it: soft, buttery dough marrying sweet, gooey caramel with those crunchy, flaky sea salt crystals sprinkled on top. Pure bliss!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you why these cookies will make you feel like a rock star in the kitchen. First, they are seriously easy to whip up. The dough comes together in one bowl, and who doesn’t love quick clean-up while you dream about that warm cookie in just 10 minutes flat? The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the cookies a delightful depth of flavor and perfectly chewy centers.

And can we talk about the caramel? Oh boy! Those little caramel chips melt into gooey pockets of happiness with every bite. Then bam, right when you think it can’t get any better, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt dances on your tongue, balancing out the sweetness and making each cookie absolutely irresistible. Perfect for cookie enthusiasts and those new to baking alike! Trust me, you’ll want to make these on repeat.

Gather these ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: This is your secret weapon for the perfect cookie structure. It gives them the stay-soft-in-the-middle-and-crunchy-on-the-edges vibe we all love.
• 1 tsp baking soda: This little guy helps the cookies rise, creating that perfect fluffiness.
• 1 tsp salt: It’s the unsung hero here, balancing all that sweetness so it doesn’t hit you like a tidal wave.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): This adds richness and flavor—you want the butter to be soft enough to cream effortlessly without melting.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: This contributes a lovely crisp texture and sweetness that every cookie craves!
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Gives moisture and a deeper, caramel-y flavor that will make you swoon.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Room temp eggs blend easier and create that velvety texture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: The magic essence that enhances every flavor in these cookies—don’t skip it!
• 1 cup caramel chips: For the deliciously gooey pockets of caramel joy.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Because sometimes, a touch of chocolate makes everything better!
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt: This is your key to that irresistible sweet-salty contrast.

How this recipe comes together

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for perfect baking. While that warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to avoid any sticky situations.

Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Set that mixture aside like a good friend waiting for their spotlight.

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’re aiming for light and fluffy—think clouds on a sunny day. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.

Once fluffy, add in your room temperature eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract next; it should be bubbling with flavor at this point!

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as we want to keep those cookies tender. Now comes the fun part—gently fold in the caramel chips and if you’re feeling fancy, the chocolate chips too!

Scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart for room to spread. Sprinkle those lovely flakes of sea salt on top before sliding them into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. You want the centers to be a bit soft because they’ll continue to set as they cool.

After baking, let them cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. You’ll want that moment to capture the joy!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, here’s how to elevate your cookie game. Serve these salted caramel cookies warm, with a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk for those classic cookie dunking moments. Feeling adventurous? Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a cookie experience that’s off the charts!

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you’re like me, you might not have any leftovers (they disappear fast!). But if you do find yourself with some extra cookies, here’s what to do: store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain that gooey texture, consider placing a slice of bread inside the container as it retains moisture.

Want to save some cookies for later? Freeze them! Just flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once firm. They should keep well for a month. Pop one in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy!

Extra tips and advice

• Use high-quality caramel chips; trust me, it makes a world of difference!
• If you’re short on time, try chilling the dough before baking to help control spread—just a 30-minute chill can work wonders!
• For a browner cookie, add a minute or two to the baking time, but watch closely to avoid over-baking.
• Need a gluten-free option? Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, but check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Creative Twists

Feeling creative? Let’s spice things up! Consider adding finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. You could swap caramel chips for peanut butter chips for a nutty twist, or mix in some espresso powder into the dough for a mocha flavor.

Want to take a seasonal spin? Add some pumpkin spice for a fall vibe, or sprinkle in some mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired cookie. The sky’s the limit!

Ingredients list

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel chips
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt

Directions to follow

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Gradually add dry mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in caramel chips and optional chocolate chips.
7. Scoop onto baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
10. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Your questions answered

• What is the prep time for these cookies? The prep time is about 15-20 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes for baking.
• Can I use margarine instead of butter? You can, but it may affect the texture and flavor. Unsalted butter is best for this recipe.
• How do I get more chewy cookies? Use more brown sugar and ensure not to overbake them.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 3 days before baking or freeze it for up to a month.
• What should I do if my cookies spread too much? This can happen if the dough is too warm. Consider chilling it, or ensure your butter is just soft, not melted.

The joy of baking is not just in the final product but the adventure of creating it. Remember, every stir, every spoonful of flour, and every sprinkle of salt is a step toward something magical. I can’t wait for you to dive into this salted caramel cookie experience! So, roll up your sleeves, have fun, and let me know how yours turn out! Happy baking!

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Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 30 hrs

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 24 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 120

Description

These Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful blend of gooey caramel and crunchy sea salt, making each bite an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Cookie Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (This is your secret weapon for the perfect cookie structure.)
• 1 tsp baking soda (Helps the cookies rise, creating fluffiness.)
• 1 tsp salt (Balances out the sweetness.)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) (Adds richness and flavor.)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (Contributes to texture and sweetness.)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (Adds moisture and a deeper flavor.)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature) (Blend easier for a smooth texture.)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (Enhances flavor.)
• 1 cup caramel chips (Creates gooey pockets of caramel.)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) (Adds a chocolatey touch.)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt (For a sweet-salty contrast.)

Directions

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix dry ingredients

   Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
   Mark as complete

3. Cream butter and sugars

   Cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
   Mark as complete

4. Add eggs and vanilla

   Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine mixtures

   Gradually add dry mixture until just combined.
   Be careful not to overmix.
   Mark as complete

6. Fold in chips

   Fold in caramel chips and optional chocolate chips.
   Mark as complete

7. Scoop cookies

   Scoop onto baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
   Mark as complete

8. Add sea salt

   Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
   Mark as complete

9. Bake cookies

   Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
   Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 24

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 120kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Saturated Fat 5g25%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 120mg5%

Potassium 60mg2%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 10g

Protein 1g2%

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Vitamin A 4 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 0 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 0 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 0 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0 mg

Phosphorus 1 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 0 mg

Zinc 0 mg

Selenium 0 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: salted caramel, cookies, baking, sweet, dessert