Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

If there’s one cookie that absolutely steals the spotlight with its perfect harmony of sweet and salty, it has to be this Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a golden, chewy cookie with pockets of molten caramel melting alongside just the right sprinkle of flaky sea salt to awaken your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy treat, these cookies deliver a deliciously rich, buttery flavor that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe lies not only in the technique but in the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each element plays a star role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the unique caramel chips that create those irresistible gooey pockets.

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy foundation and chewy texture every cookie needs.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for softness without losing their chewy core.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances out the sweetness beautifully and enhances all other flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Assures rich creaminess without adding extra saltiness.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle crispness to the cookie edges.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a natural caramel note to the dough.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Binds the dough perfectly and contributes to tenderness.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts the entire flavor profile with warm, aromatic tones.
• 1 cup caramel chips: The star ingredient for those luscious caramel bursts in every bite.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Adds a decadent richness for chocolate lovers.
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it creates a divine sweet-salty contrast.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This small prep step sets the stage for even baking and easy cleanup, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix ensures your cookies have the proper structure and that the rising agent is evenly distributed for consistent texture.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this step is key to fluffiness and sweetness distribution, which will give your cookies the perfect chew and golden color.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat eggs in one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract. This ensures that the dough is smooth and that every cookie is infused with that amazing vanilla warmth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing at this point can make your cookies tough, so stir gently to keep them tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Fold the caramel chips and chocolate chips (if using) into the dough, spreading them evenly so every cookie gets those irresistible little pockets of gooey caramel and melty chocolate.

Step 7: Shape and Top

Scoop generous portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Then, sprinkle the tops lightly with flaky sea salt, which will elevate the flavor with each bite.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them firm up without losing their chewy center.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, consider topping your cookies with a drizzle of melted caramel or a few extra shards of flaky sea salt just before serving. It adds a gourmet feel that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich coffee or tea. The contrasting temperatures and flavors make each bite even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try sandwiching a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a dreamy dessert, or serve them alongside a warm bowl of spiced apple cider for a delightful fall treat. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture. They should stay fresh for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy that Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe magic whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

Warm your cookies slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven to revive that gooey caramel sensation and bring back the freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is recommended because it allows you to control the overall saltiness of the cookies, especially since the recipe includes sea salt sprinkled on top. Using salted butter might make the cookies too salty.

What can I substitute for caramel chips?

If you can’t find caramel chips, chopped soft caramels or butterscotch chips work as great alternatives. Just fold them in gently to avoid melting the chips too early.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The caramel chips are the highlight of this Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe, so chocolate chips are optional and only add a touch of extra richness if you prefer.

How do I get chewy cookies instead of crispy?

Make sure not to overbake your cookies. Taking them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look soft will give you chewy, tender cookies as desired.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend can work, but results may vary depending on the blend. Adding a binder like xanthan gum may help maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe is truly like creating little bites of pure joy, combining buttery softness, luscious caramel, and that satisfying sprinkle of salt all in one. I can honestly say that once you bake a batch, your cookie jar will never be the same again. So grab your ingredients and start baking — your taste buds are in for an unforgettable treat!

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