The sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house can instantly bring back memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons. That’s exactly what these Salted Caramel Cookies offer—a delightful escape into nostalgia with a modern twist! This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich, buttery goodness of traditional cookies with the unexpected zing of flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply treat yourself during a quiet night in, these cookies are a foolproof option that guarantees smiles all around. With the option to customize them with chocolate or nuts, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Ready to start baking up something special? Let’s dive into the delicious world of salted caramel cookies!
Why Are Salted Caramel Cookies So Irresistible?
Sweet, Salty Delight: These salted caramel cookies masterfully blend sweet and salty flavors for a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Bakery-Quality at Home: Experience the thrill of baking gourmet cookies in your own kitchen, without any fuss!
Customizable Fun: Mix in chocolate chips or add nuts for a personal touch; the possibilities are endless!
Time-Saving Treat: Ready in just over 20 minutes, they’re the perfect last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or cozy nights.
Nostalgic Aroma: Every batch fills your home with a warm, sweet scent that evokes blissful memories.
Get ready to indulge by pairing your freshly baked cookies with a glass of milk or coffee, just like with Mocha Cookie Crumble!
Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients
For the Batter
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise and become fluffy; no substitute recommended.
- Salt – Balances sweetness; use sea salt for a fresher taste.
- Unsalted Butter – Softened to create a rich base; use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds crisp texture; light brown sugar can be used for more moisture.
- Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a caramel flavor; can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- Eggs – Provide moisture and bind ingredients; aquafaba or flax eggs are suitable substitutes for vegan needs.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla for best results.
For the Caramel
- Caramel Chips – Creates gooey caramel pockets; try homemade caramel or chocolate chips as alternatives.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional) – Adds richness; substitute with chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different twist.
For the Topping
- Flaky Sea Salt – For sweet-salty contrast; regular salt can be used but won’t have the same texture.
Now that you have the essential salted caramel cookie ingredients, you’re all set to create these indulgent treats that everyone will adore!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread the sheets out on a flat surface, ready to catch your delicious salted caramel cookie dough later. The warm oven will create the perfect environment for baking those cookies to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This blend provides the structure for your salted caramel cookies. Make sure there are no lumps, and once combined, set the bowl aside. Keep your dry ingredients close; you’ll add them to the wet mixture shortly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Take a large mixing bowl and cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. The sugars should dissolve, creating a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 1 large egg followed by an additional egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and blend again until combined. This step enriches your salted caramel cookie batter, enhancing the warm flavors of cookie goodness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your creamy batter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this will keep your salted caramel cookies soft and chewy. Once the flour disappears, that means your dough is ready for the exciting addition of the caramel chips!
Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Optional Mix-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for an extra flavor boost. Use a spatula to ensure the chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating those gooey pockets of melted caramel in each salted caramel cookie.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial as the cookies will spread while baking, allowing for that delightful chewy texture. Make sure each scoop is generously packed for the best results!
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touch
Before sliding the baking sheets into the oven, sprinkle each mound of cookie dough with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt. This touch will amplify the contrast of flavors, making each salted caramel cookie even more irresistible as they bake and develop golden edges.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the trays in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely for when the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly puffy. As soon as they look perfect, remove them from the oven to prevent over-baking.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the salted caramel cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time ensures they set properly, leading to that perfect chewy texture. Once cooled, you’re ready to enjoy one (or several) of these delightful cookies!
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cookies
The perfect pairing elevates the delightful experience of enjoying these warm, gooey treats.
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Velvety Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm cookies.
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Rich Coffee: The robust flavor of a freshly brewed cup of coffee beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies, adding an adult touch to your treat time.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Enjoy cocoa-swirled decadence that complements the cookies’ buttery richness—perfect for cozy nights!
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Fresh Berries: A handful of ripe strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness of each bite.
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Chilled Milk: Classic and comforting, a tall glass of cold milk is the ultimate partner for those chewy cookies, making every bite feel nostalgic.
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Nutty Granola: For a crunchy twist, add a sprinkle of granola on top of your cookies or serve it alongside for delightful texture.
Pairing your cookies with one of these delicious options will create a heartwarming experience that everyone will love.
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies
• Brown the Butter: Taking the extra step to brown your unsalted butter enhances the cookies’ flavor. Just let it cool before mixing!
• Measure Carefully: Avoid the common mistake of adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
• Chill the Dough: For even better flavor and texture, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; removing them from the oven when the edges are golden and centers are soft ensures the perfect chewy salted caramel cookie.
• Experiment with Mix-ins: Don’t be afraid to customize! Throw in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for a unique twist to your salted caramel cookies.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy your indulgence for up to a week!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring their delightful chewy texture remains intact.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying again.
Freezer: Freeze cookie dough for up to 3 months. Form the cookie balls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: To enjoy warm salted caramel cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until just warm.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their delicious quality, refrigerating the dough helps develop the flavors and keeps them tender. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months—just scoop the dough into balls and freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time for irresistibly warm, fresh Salted Caramel Cookies!
Salted Caramel Cookie Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and personalize your salted caramel cookies to fit your taste preferences!
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Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor. Nuts add a wonderful texture that complements the soft caramel beautifully.
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Fruity Twist: Stir in dried cranberries or cherries to introduce a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel. The contrast of flavors creates a delightful layer of taste that’s sure to impress.
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Chocolate Lovers: Replace half of the caramel chips with dark chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey experience. If you’re a fan of chocolate, this variation will undoubtedly become your new favorite.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these cookies. Just be sure to check the ingredients in your blend to maintain that chewy texture.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, and substitute the eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs for a vegan version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Your non-vegan friends will never know the difference!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the batter for a surprising warmth. This subtle heat adds complexity to the flavor, elevating your cookies to the next level.
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Caramel Swirl: Instead of using caramel chips, make a homemade caramel sauce to swirl into your cookie dough for an extra gooey experience. Just be cautious not to over mix!
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Holiday Flair: During the festive season, try adding a teaspoon of peppermint extract or crushed peppermint candies for a seasonal touch. The minty flavor pairs wonderfully with chocolate and caramel!
These variations are not only fun to experiment with, but they can also bring joy to your family gatherings or cozy nights in. For including these delightful cookies in a wider dessert spread, you might consider pairing them with a serving of Starbucks Sugar Cookie or treating yourself to the rich flavors of Millies Cookies alongside your caramel wonders!
Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ripeness for my ingredients?
Absolutely! When it comes to your salted caramel cookies, using fresh ingredients is key. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming and that your eggs are fresh. If you’re adding nuts or dried fruits, choose options that are not past their expiration date. The caramel chips should be soft and not overly hard, as this indicates freshness.
How should I store my salted caramel cookies?
You can keep your cooled salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re storing them in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just be sure to allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying to get that delicious, chewy texture back!
Can I freeze cookie dough for salted caramel cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough! Once you’ve scooped the dough onto parchment paper, wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to enjoy warm cookies on a whim! They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, simply transfer the frozen dough directly to a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too crispy?
Very! If your salted caramel cookies turn out too crispy, it usually means they were overbaked or there was too much flour in the dough. To avoid this, measure your ingredients carefully, ideally using a kitchen scale. If you’re aiming for that chewy texture, take them out of the oven while they’re still soft in the center and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes—this ensures they will finish setting without becoming overly baked.
Are salted caramel cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For those with gluten sensitivities, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re vegan, replace the eggs with aquafaba or flax eggs, and use plant-based butter. Also, make sure your caramel chips are dairy-free! Always check labels for allergens to ensure a safe treat for everyone.
Can I include additional mix-ins in my salted caramel cookie recipe?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit like cranberries or cherries can elevate your salted caramel cookies to a whole new level. Just remember, if you add more ingredients, keep an eye on the dough consistency and adjust baking times as needed. Happy baking!
Salted Caramel Cookie Bliss: Irresistibly Gooey & Chewy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in caramel chips and chocolate chips or nuts.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle each mound of dough with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are soft.
- Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
