The kitchen was filled with the rich, sweet aroma of caramel bubbling away on the stove. With every stir, I felt a rush of excitement knowing I was just moments away from creating my new favorite treat: Easy Salted Caramel Cookies. These delightful cookies are not only incredibly soft and chewy but also a perfect blend of sweet and salty that appeals to everyone, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast. The best part? You can prepare them in under forty minutes and even customize them to fit gluten-free or vegan diets. Whether you're planning an after-school snack or an elegant holiday dessert, these cookies will impress and satisfy. Curious how to get started on this sweet adventure? Let’s dive in!
Why are Salted Caramel Cookies a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavors: The sweet, buttery cookies are elevated by the luxurious salted caramel, making every bite a sheer delight.
Quick and Simple: You can whip up these treats in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for those last-minute cravings.
Customizable Options: Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, this recipe includes easy modifications so everyone can enjoy. Try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert! If you like unique recipes, check out our Pineapple Cookies Tropical for another burst of flavor.
Crowd Pleaser: They are a hit at parties, casual gatherings, or family nights, ensuring smiles all around.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Goodness: With a chewy texture and a pinch of sea salt, these cookies offer a delightful contrast that just can’t be beaten!
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose Flour – 2 ¼ cups; provides structure for the cookies, or substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons; keeps cookies tender and helps prevent excess spreading.
- Baking Soda – ½ teaspoon; helps cookies rise and achieve a delightful texture.
- Fine Sea Salt – ¼ teaspoon + extra for topping; enhances overall flavor while balancing sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – ¾ cup, softened; creates a rich, buttery flavor; can be replaced with coconut oil for a vegan option.
- Light Brown Sugar – ¾ cup, packed; adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can be swapped for a deeper taste.
- Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup; sweetens the cookies, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Large Egg – 1, room temperature; binds ingredients together for the perfect texture; substitute a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon; adds depth and warmth to the cookie dough.
For the Caramel Sauce
- Heavy Cream – ½ cup; essential for creating a silky caramel sauce.
- Unsalted Butter – ¼ cup; used in the caramel sauce for a creamy richness.
- Light Brown Sugar – ⅓ cup; forms the base for the luscious caramel sauce.
- Flaky Sea Salt – ¼ teaspoon for caramel & extra for garnish; amplifies flavor and adds an irresistible finishing touch.
These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat that will leave everyone craving more!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar and allow it to bubble gently. After about 1-2 minutes, whisk in ½ cup of heavy cream, continuing to stir for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat, stir in ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt, and let cool slightly before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Add in one room temperature large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated. This step ensures your Easy Salted Caramel Cookies will be soft and delicious.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; this will help your cookies maintain a delightful chewy texture when baked.
Step 4: Add Caramel
Once the dough is mixed, gently fold in the slightly cooled caramel sauce into the cookie dough until evenly distributed. Make sure to scrape up any caramel that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl; this will ensure that the sweet caramel flavor is present in every bite of your Easy Salted Caramel Cookies.
Step 5: Scoop & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. For that extra touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt right as they come out of the oven.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Allow the Easy Salted Caramel Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added drizzle, you can warm some of the remaining caramel sauce and drizzle it over the cookies before serving, elevating your delicious treats to restaurant-quality perfection.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer them with parchment paper to maintain their shape and softness.
Fridge: These delicious cookies can be refrigerated for freshness. Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days, enjoying them chilled or warmed.
Freezer: Freeze Easy Salted Caramel Cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: To revive the chewy texture, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5-10 minutes, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness.
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its quality and prevent drying out. If you're feeling ambitious, you can also make the caramel sauce 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, simply allow the dough to soften slightly at room temperature, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and pop it into a preheated oven. You’ll enjoy fresh-baked cookies that taste just as delicious as if you had made them that day!
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Variations
Customize your Easy Salted Caramel Cookies for a delightful twist on a classic treat!
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and coconut cream to keep them deliciously dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend. Add a touch more cornstarch for extra tenderness!
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent and beautiful finish!
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the caramel for an extra flavor dimension.
- Salted Caramel Swirls: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before baking for pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.
- Coconut Flavors: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with caramel.
- Matcha Cookies: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to the dry ingredients for a unique flavor boost and vibrant color.
For another delightful cookie option, try our Pineapple Cookies New or Oatmeal Cookies Chewy for variety!
What to Serve with Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet, salty, and warm flavors to create a memorable meal experience.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy texture perfectly contrasts the chewy cookies, enhancing the caramel flavor in every bite.
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Fresh Berries: Bright, tart berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness, creating a delightful contrast.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the cookies adds an extra layer of indulgence, tempting chocolate lovers with every taste.
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Coffee: The warm, robust flavors of coffee pair wonderfully with the sweet and salty notes, making it a delightful afternoon treat.
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Chilled Milk: There's a timeless comfort in enjoying cookies with a cold glass of milk; it brings out the flavors while softening each bite.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For those who can’t get enough sweetness, serving with extra warm caramel sauce for dipping creates a decadent dessert experience worth savoring!
When serving these tempting cookies at gatherings, consider providing an assortment of these pairings to please every palate!
Expert Tips for Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Use softened butter for optimal creaming. If it's too cold, your cookies won't have that airy texture.
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Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix just until combined once you add the flour. Over-mixing can lead to tough, dense Easy Salted Caramel Cookies.
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Cool the Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool slightly before folding it into the dough. This prevents it from melting the butter, resulting in the perfect texture.
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Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
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Storage Tip: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in a single layer in an airtight container. They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my caramel is ready?
Absolutely! You’ll know your caramel is ready when it reaches a beautiful amber color and starts to bubble. After whisking in the cream, cook it for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook, which can cause it to turn bitter.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
The more the merrier! Store your Easy Salted Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their softness, use parchment paper to layer between the cookies—this helps preserve their chewy texture.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Easy Salted Caramel Cookies for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. If you’re freezing them before baking, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet to flash freeze them for about 1 hour before transferring them to a bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge and bake as directed!
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm butter or an overly wet dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If the problem persists, consider adding a couple of tablespoons of flour to the mix to help stabilize your dough!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Of course! To make Easy Salted Caramel Cookies vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) and use plant-based butter and coconut cream for the caramel. This way, everyone can enjoy these treats!
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Stir in ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar and allow to bubble gently. Whisk in ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt and let cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Add in 1 room temperature large egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the slightly cooled caramel sauce into the cookie dough until evenly distributed, scraping up any caramel settled at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cookies before serving.
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