Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect treat to brighten your day, you’ve come to the right place! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is a cherished favorite of mine. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with gooey caramel goodness. They strike an irresistible balance between sweet and salty, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a special family gathering.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up a batch of bakery-quality cookies right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite, these salted caramel cookies will quickly become a go-to in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the combination of caramel and sea salt.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake fresh cookies whenever you want.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with mix-ins to make them your own!
• Bakery-Style Texture: Enjoy that delightful soft and chewy texture that rivals any cookie shop.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these salted caramel cookies is a breeze thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Let’s gather what we need:

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 Gooey Goodness

• 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use Different Chips: Try swapping out caramel chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips.
• Make It Chewy: Reduce baking time slightly for even chewier cookies.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so they don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important as it helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create that delightful texture we all love!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in each egg one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding eggs at room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, resulting in smoother dough.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that tender texture!

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips—and if you’re feeling adventurous—the chocolate chips too! The more gooey pockets of caramel you have, the better!

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheets

Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Give them room to spread while baking; nobody likes overcrowded cookies!

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This step adds that irresistible sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies truly special.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; ovens can vary!

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This waiting period allows them to set up nicely while still being warm and gooey inside.

And there you have it—a delightful batch of salted caramel cookies ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, I hope they bring you as much joy as they do me!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these simple 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 them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a softer texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, while gentle folding keeps them tender and chewy.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Experiment with baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. For chewier cookies, take them out when the edges are just golden; for crisper cookies, let them bake a minute longer.
• Add extra flaky sea salt: Sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt on top right before serving enhances the sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies irresistible.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Present them in fun and creative ways to impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes your presentation pop.
• Sprinkle of cocoa powder: A dusting of cocoa powder gives a beautiful contrast to the golden cookies while adding a hint of chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm salted caramel cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: The freshness of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Milk or dairy-free alternative: Serve your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a non-dairy alternative for a classic combination that everyone loves.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the cookies nicely, making it perfect for an afternoon treat or after dinner.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade salted caramel cookie recipe! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious cookies anytime! You can make the dough in advance and store it for later baking, or bake a batch and save some for later. Here’s how to keep those cookies fresh and tasty!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge; they’ll last about a week.
• Always let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze cookie dough, scoop individual cookie portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container.
• Label the bag with the date; frozen dough can last up to 3 months.
• To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• For frozen baked cookies, remove from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that melty caramel goodness!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

What makes this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe so special?

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe combines soft, chewy dough with gooey caramel pockets and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make yet feels indulgent!

Can I customize this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch or substitute caramel chips with butterscotch chips for a different flavor twist. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!

How do I ensure my salted caramel cookies stay chewy?

To keep your salted caramel cookies chewy, be sure not to overbake them! Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe as much as I do! There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm cookie packed with gooey caramel and sprinkled with salt. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!