As the aroma of melting caramel wafts through the kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia for the cozy bakeries of my childhood. This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe – Perfectly Sweet & Salty delivers that same comforting feeling with every bite. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it also transforms your home into a bakery, impressing family and friends alike. The chewy centers filled with gooey caramel paired with the slight crunch of salted edges create a moment of indulgence that’s hard to resist. Plus, these cookies are customizable—think chocolate chips or toasted nuts for added richness—making them perfect for any occasion. Are you ready to create a sweet treat that will leave your taste buds dancing?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Bakery-Style: These salted caramel cookies taste like they came straight from your favorite local bakery, offering authentic flavor without the need for extensive baking skills.
Easy to Customize: With options for adding chocolate chips or nuts, you can easily tailor this recipe to fit your cravings.
Perfectly Sweet & Salty: The delightful combination of gooey caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt creates a unique flavor profile that’s simply mouthwatering.
Time-Saving Treat: Ready in just about 12 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those busy days when you’re craving something sweet.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for a family gathering or a cozy evening treat, these cookies are sure to impress—just like our Biscoff Cookie Butter Brownies or Caramel Apple Upside recipes.
Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients
• Discover the secret to your new favorite cookies!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the perfect structure for your cookies.
- Baking Soda – Ensures your cookies rise beautifully for a soft center.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness of caramel for a well-rounded flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened, it creates a rich base that enhances taste.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds a delightful crisp texture to each bite.
- Brown Sugar – Provides moisture and boosts the caramel flavor profile.
- Large Eggs – At room temperature, they help bind the ingredients effectively.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor, making them irresistible.
For the Sweet Addition
- Caramel Chips – Infuse your cookies with gooey pockets of caramel goodness.
- Chocolate Chips – Optional; they add an extra layer of richness and decadence.
For the Topping
- Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkle on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast that makes this salted caramel cookie recipe shine.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe – Perfectly Sweet & Salty
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This simple step ensures a smooth baking process and helps achieve the perfect golden edges for your salted caramel cookies.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly incorporated, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes. Set this bowl aside, as it will become your base for the dough and will help create a well-structured cookie.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In another large bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, visually increasing in volume. This step introduces air into your dough, which is essential for achieving that perfect texture in your salted caramel cookies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow this with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir until fully blended into the batter. The eggs will bind the ingredients, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of your salted caramel cookies, making each bite rich and delicious.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a tender texture for your cookies. As you mix, you’ll notice the dough coming together, forming a cohesive and slightly sticky consistency.
Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and, if desired, ½ cup of chocolate chips using a spatula. This step is where the magic happens, as the gooey caramel will create delightful pockets of sweetness in your salted caramel cookies. Ensure even distribution but be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This distance allows the cookies to spread without merging during baking, ensuring your salted caramel cookies retain their individual shape and the gooey centers remain intact.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the tops of the dough balls. This final touch enhances the sweet-and-salty charm of your salted caramel cookie recipe and creates a beautiful contrast that will elevate each flavorful bite into an indulgent treat.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want the centers to look slightly underbaked to achieve that chewy texture. The aroma will fill your kitchen, teasing you with the promise of delicious cookies.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Your salted caramel cookies will finish firming up, ensuring a deliciously satisfying treat as they cool, ready for enjoyment!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cooled salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and chewy for daily treats.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough in pre-scooped balls in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating: To enjoy warm salted caramel cookies, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their chewy texture.
Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative and adapt this delectable recipe to your taste preferences!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft caramel.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out caramel chips for 1 cup of chocolate chips for an indulgent twist; this makes for a decadent chocolate treat.
- Flavored Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for a unique twist. A little change can make a big impact on flavor!
- Extra Saltiness: If you fancy a more pronounced salty kick, sprinkle more flaky sea salt on top before baking. This will amplify that sweet-and-salty harmony.
- Dried Fruit Twist: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a surprising burst of tartness that complements the sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to cater to gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste.
- Coconut Infusion: Add 1 cup of flaked coconut for a tropical flavor twist. The combination of coconut and caramel is simply irresistible!
- Spicy Kick: For those who like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a surprising heat that elevates the sweetness.
Feel free to pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect treat, just like you would enjoy with our Marble Sugar Cookie or Christmas Sugar Cookie recipes!
What to Serve with Irresistible Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies
As you indulge in these heavenly cookies, think about how to complement their rich flavors with delightful pairings that create a full experience.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm cookies, enhancing the sweetness of the caramel.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of this decadent drink makes every bite even more comforting, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Coffee or Espresso: A robust brew balances the sweet, indulgent flavors of the cookies, making it an ideal afternoon pick-me-up.
- Chocolate Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels offers a unique texture and flavor contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweet cookies.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhance the caramel experience with an extra drizzle over warm cookies, creating a melty, indulgent treat.
- Nutty Trail Mix: Add crunch and a touch of savory, which rounds out the sweetness, making for a satisfying snack alongside your cookies.
- Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the flavors of the cookies and brings childhood nostalgia, perfect for dipping!
- Decadent Brownies: For a dessert extravaganza, serve alongside chewy brownies, creating a delightful dessert platter for all to enjoy.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Cookies are a lifesaver for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked goodness even on the busiest days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, feel free to scoop the dough into individual balls and freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet while preheating the oven, add an extra minute or two to the baking time, and they’ll be just as delicious as if made fresh that day! This way, you can indulge in warm, gooey Salted Caramel Cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies
- Brown the Butter: For a deeper flavor, try browning the butter before using it. Let it cool until solid but still soft for easy mixing.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture you’re aiming for.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop to ensure the dough is the same size; this also helps maintain the perfect chewy center.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when the edges are golden but the centers appear underbaked for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Sea Salt Sprinkle: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt on top! It enhances the sweet-salty contrast that makes this salted caramel cookie recipe truly irresistible.
Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe FAQs
How can I tell if my caramel chips are fresh?
Absolutely! When selecting caramel chips, look for a shiny appearance without any dark spots or discoloration. Fresh caramel chips should feel slightly soft and pliable, not hardened or rock-like. If you notice any signs of moisture or clumping, it’s best to discard them.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
The more the merrier! Store your cooled salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness, you can also refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just let them warm up to room temperature before indulging in those gooey bites.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, indeed! For longer storage, freeze your unbaked cookie dough in pre-scooped balls. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them straight into the oven, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time, and enjoy fresh cookies anytime!
What do I do if my cookies are too flat?
Very common! If your salted caramel cookies turn out flatter than expected, this could be due to softened butter or too much sugar. To fix this, try refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, ensure you’re measuring ingredients accurately. Using a cookie scoop for uniformity can also help maintain the desired shape.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in about ½ cup of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Just make sure to chop them roughly so that they mix well with the dough without overpowering the caramel flavor.
Are these cookies safe for pets?
Not at all! Keep in mind that the salted caramel cookies contain ingredients that are not safe for pets, such as chocolate and sugar. Be sure to store them out of reach of your furry friends to keep them safe and sound.
Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe - Perfectly Sweet & Salty Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until incorporated.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in caramel chips and optional chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the dough balls.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, the centers should look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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