Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines chewy texture with a sweet and salty punch, then this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re whipping them up for a cozy family gathering or treating yourself after a long day, they are sure to bring smiles all around.

The best part? This recipe is super simple and requires ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, they make the perfect snack for busy weeknights or a sweet addition to lunchboxes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these deliciously gooey cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have warm cookies ready to enjoy!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are fun to make together. The combination of caramel and chocolate chips will leave everyone asking for seconds.
• Make Ahead: These cookies store well in an airtight container. Bake them ahead of time for parties or bake sales!
• Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet caramel with flaky sea salt creates an irresistible flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to gather these simple, wholesome ingredients for your Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe. Let’s dive into what you 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add crunch and flavor.
• Go fruity: Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries for a tart twist.
• Swap the chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular ones for an extra creamy taste.
• Change the caramel: Try using butterscotch chips if you want a different flavor profile.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and helps prevent sticking—no one wants their delicious cookies stuck to the pan!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important as it evenly distributes the leavening agent 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 incorporates air into the mixture, creating tender cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture—don’t skip this step!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so keep it gentle!

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Carefully fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips using a spatula. This will create those delicious gooey pockets of sweetness throughout each cookie.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different!

Step 10: Cool Down

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set up perfectly while keeping that chewy center.

Now you’ve got yourself a batch of chewy salted caramel cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking should be fun and rewarding, so here are some handy tips to ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfect every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs and butter to room temperature helps create a smooth batter, ensuring your cookies are soft and evenly baked.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the chewy texture we desire.

• Chill the Dough (if time allows): Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can enhance flavors and prevent spreading, giving you thicker, bakery-style cookies.

• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

• Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to harden, a slice of bread placed in the container will help maintain moisture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Serving these delightful salted caramel cookies is all about presentation and pairing! Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie experience.

Garnishes

• Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce over your cookies adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes for a beautiful presentation.

• Sprinkle with Additional Flaky Sea Salt: Just before serving, add a pinch more flaky sea salt on top for an eye-catching finish and a flavor boost that heightens the sweet-salty contrast.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Berries: A bowl of mixed berries offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies. Their tartness balances out the sweetness beautifully.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing that melts in your mouth.

• Coffee or Tea: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors of salted caramel perfectly. The warmth enhances the cookie’s gooey texture while providing a cozy vibe.

• Nutty Granola: For a crunchy side option, serve these cookies with nutty granola. It adds texture and pairs nicely with both the sweet and salty elements of your dessert.

Enjoy indulging in these delicious salted caramel cookies, whether as an after-dinner treat or as part of a cozy afternoon snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily bake a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or freeze them for later. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

• After baking, let cookies cool completely.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Enjoy them warm for that freshly baked texture!

FAQs

You might have a few questions about this delightful recipe, so let’s clear them up!

Can I make this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), which will still yield soft and chewy cookies.

What makes this the best Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

The combination of brown sugar and caramel chips creates a rich, gooey center, while the flaky sea salt adds the perfect touch of contrast, making these cookies not only delicious but also irresistible.

How long do these salted caramel cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these salted caramel cookies can last up to a week. If you freeze them, they can remain fresh for up to three months!

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

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out caramel chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips. You can also omit chocolate chips entirely if you prefer a pure salted caramel experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this salted caramel cookie recipe as much as I did! The blend of sweet and salty flavors is simply irresistible and sure to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are bound to impress. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own twist on this classic treat!