Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just what you need! Soft and chewy with pockets of gooey caramel, these cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. Whether you’re tackling a busy weeknight or hosting a family gathering, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. They have that delightful bakery-quality taste that makes every bite feel special—trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

What I love most about these cookies is how easy they are to whip up. You don’t need to be a professional baker to make them; just a few simple steps and you’ll have warm cookies fresh out of the oven. Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to steal your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These salted caramel delights are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake them ahead of time and store them for later snacking—perfect for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The balance of sweet caramel and flaky sea salt creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious treats:

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

• 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)

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 recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ways you can mix it up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Swap the caramel chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder for an unexpected flavor kick.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and get those lovely golden edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, ensuring each cookie rises perfectly.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful chewy texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add in the vanilla extract. Mixing well ensures everything is well-combined and adds depth to the flavor profile of your cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; we want our cookies soft and tender!

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Chips

Gently fold in those luscious caramel chips along with chocolate chips if using. This step adds wonderful pockets of melted goodness throughout your cookies.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking without merging into one giant cookie.

Step 8: Add Flaky Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This small touch makes a big difference in balancing out all that sweetness!

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. The centers may look slightly underbaked—that’s perfect!

Step 10: Cool Before Enjoying

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly so they won’t crumble apart when you lift them off.

Enjoy making these delightful salted caramel cookies! You’ll see how warm flavors can fill your home with joy and happiness.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Making cookies is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps the ingredients blend smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie dough.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents gluten development, keeping your cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.

• Chill the dough: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking allows the flavors to meld and helps prevent spreading during baking.

• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies around the 10-minute mark; they should be golden at the edges but still slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun ways to serve them up!

Garnishes

• Drizzle with chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a beautiful touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkle with extra sea salt: A tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top before serving accentuates the sweet-salty contrast and makes each bite even more enticing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk: A refreshing glass of vanilla almond milk complements the sweetness of these cookies while adding a nutty flavor.
• Fruit platter: Serve alongside a colorful fruit platter filled with strawberries, blueberries, and apple slices for a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the cookies.
• Coffee or tea: The warm flavors of coffee or herbal tea enhance the enjoyment of these cookies, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your salted caramel cookie experience and impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different types of chips in this salted caramel cookie recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the caramel and chocolate chips with your favorites like butterscotch or peanut butter chips. Get creative!

How do I achieve the best texture with this salted caramel cookie recipe?

To get that soft and chewy texture, be sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Also, removing them from the oven while they still look slightly underbaked will help maintain that perfect chewiness.

How long do these salted caramel cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 3 months!

Can I make these salted caramel cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that you use a blend that includes xanthan gum or similar for structure.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful salted caramel cookies! They’re not just easy to whip up; they bring a warm sweetness into your home that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to add a sprinkle of happiness to your day. Happy baking!