Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet treat that perfectly balances chewy, buttery goodness with rich caramel flavor, then this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just what you need. These cookies are a family favorite at my house and have a magical way of brightening any busy weeknight or special gathering. The combination of gooey caramel chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes each bite an irresistible delight, making these cookies suitable for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself!

I love how simple this recipe is. You can whip up a batch in no time, and they’re perfect for both seasoned bakers and those new to the kitchen. Trust me—once you try these salted caramel cookies, you’ll find them hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! They make the perfect snack or dessert for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for later baking.
• Deliciously satisfying: The balance of sweet caramel and salty flakes creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will come together to create these delightful salted caramel cookies. You’ll likely find most of these items already in your pantry!

For the Dough

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure)
• 1 tsp baking soda (Helps cookies rise)
• 1 tsp salt (Balances sweetness)
• 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)

For the Mix-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

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to switch things up according to your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Change the chips: Swap out caramel chips for butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist.
• Make it festive: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during mixing for a warm spice note.
• Decorate with toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your cookies once they’re baked and helps them maintain their shape.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air into the mixture, creating a tender cookie texture that’s soft on the inside.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add in the vanilla extract. These ingredients not only provide moisture but also enhance the overall flavor profile of your cookies!

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies from becoming tough.

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips if you’re using them. This is where all that gooey goodness comes into play!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows room for spreading as they bake.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This little touch elevates the flavors beautifully!

Step 9: Bake

Bake your cookies for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—soft centers are what we want!

Step 10: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them set up perfectly without falling apart.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious salted caramel cookies! Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself is entirely up to you!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking is both an art and a science, and with these tips, you’ll create salted caramel cookies that are simply irresistible!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature will help them incorporate better, leading to a smoother dough and fluffier cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten from developing too much, which keeps your cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.

• Chill the dough if necessary: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. You want them to be slightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add different types of chips (like butterscotch or peanut butter) or nuts for a unique twist on this classic recipe!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the sweet-salty contrast and adds a gourmet touch.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling a bit of melted caramel over the cooled cookies creates an eye-catching presentation and adds even more sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: This classic pairing brings cool creaminess that complements the warm, chewy cookies perfectly—ideal for dessert lovers!
• Coffee or espresso: The rich flavors of coffee balance out the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples offers a refreshing contrast to the rich caramel flavors while adding color to your serving tray.
• Milkshake: A thick milkshake can turn your cookie treat into an indulgent dessert experience that’s sure to impress guests!

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to bake up a storm! Enjoy sharing your delicious salted caramel cookies with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch and store them for later, making them an easy treat to enjoy anytime.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.
• For longer freshness, consider layering parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm and gooey again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different types of flour in the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different flours such as whole wheat or gluten-free blends. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

What makes this the best Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

This recipe combines soft, chewy dough with gooey caramel chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

How can I make my Salted Caramel Cookies chewier?

For chewier cookies, try using more brown sugar than granulated sugar. Additionally, chilling your dough before baking can help enhance chewiness.

Can I add nuts to my Salted Caramel Cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would complement the flavors beautifully. Just fold them in along with the caramel chips before baking.

How do I know when my Salted Caramel Cookies are done baking?

Look for golden edges while ensuring the centers remain slightly soft. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in that perfect chewy texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope this salted caramel cookie recipe brings joy to your kitchen! Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring them yourself, these cookies are sure to delight. Enjoy every gooey bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins or variations. Happy baking!