Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that brings a little joy to your day, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft and chewy, with gooey caramel pockets that melt in your mouth. The perfect balance of sweet and salty makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

I love how simple this recipe is. You don’t need any fancy techniques or ingredients—just wholesome staples that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the delightful aroma of baking cookies fills your home with warmth and comfort. Get ready to impress everyone with these bakery-style salted caramel cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly—perfect for busy days.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! This recipe is sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready for fresh cookies.
• Deliciously addictive: The combination of caramel and sea salt creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our delightful salted caramel cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is flexible, allowing for fun adaptations based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Here are some tasty variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Use different chips: Experiment with butterscotch or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.
• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a lovely warmth to the cookie flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures even baking, giving those edges the perfect golden-brown color we all love.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent and balances the flavors.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which helps create a soft texture in your cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor to your dough.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want tender cookies rather than tough ones!

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips if using. This step adds gooey pockets of sweetness throughout each cookie.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

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

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. It enhances that sweet-salty contrast we love so much!

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake—no one wants dry cookies!

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This waiting time helps them set up perfectly while still warm.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these incredible salted caramel cookies! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking is all about precision and a little bit of love, so here are some tips to ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream smoothly with the sugars, creating a light and airy dough that results in soft cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to tougher cookies.

• Chill the dough if possible: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes can enhance flavors and prevent spreading during baking.

• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary, so using an oven thermometer ensures yours is baking at the right temperature for perfectly baked cookies.

• Add extra sea salt on top: For those who love that sweet-salty contrast, sprinkling a little more flaky sea salt on the cookies right after baking creates a beautiful finish and enhances flavor.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Serving your salted caramel cookies can be just as delightful as baking them! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Drizzle with melted chocolate: A simple drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate adds a beautiful touch and extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle with crushed nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts bring a lovely crunch and complement the caramel flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs perfectly with these cookies, balancing out their sweetness while enhancing your dessert experience.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of fresh berries or sliced apples provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
• Milk: A classic pairing, serving these cookies with cold milk not only quenches thirst but also makes each bite even more enjoyable!

Now, get ready to enjoy these scrumptious salted caramel cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in during a cozy night in. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Shape the cookie dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen; add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious cookies, you’re in the right place!

What makes this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe so special?

This recipe combines buttery dough with gooey caramel chips and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s an easy way to enjoy bakery-quality cookies at home!

Can I use different types of chocolate in my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. The combination with caramel will still be delightful!

How do I ensure my salted caramel cookies stay chewy?

Make sure not to overbake your cookies! Keep an eye on them as they bake and remove them when the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I add nuts to my salted caramel cookies?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and flavor. Just fold them in along with the caramel chips!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this salted caramel cookie recipe as much as I do! These cookies are not just treats; they bring warmth and happiness anytime you indulge in one. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and enjoy every bite of these delightful creations. Happy baking!