As I sank my teeth into one of those bakery-style salted caramel cookies, the warm, gooey caramel burst within a sea of sweet, buttery goodness, and I knew I’d struck gold. These cookies are not just any treat; they’re a masterpiece of contrast, balancing a touch of flaky sea salt with indulgent sweetness. The best part? They come together with surprisingly simple steps, proving that baking doesn’t have to be an all-day affair. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, these cookies are a customizable delight that elevate any moment. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have a sweet surprise on hand for those late-night cravings. Have you ever wondered how something so delicious could be so easy?
Why are Salted Caramel Cookies so Irresistible?
Indulgent Flavor: Each cookie is a delightful mix of sweet, buttery caramel and a hint of flaky sea salt, bringing an irresistible contrast that will tantalize your tastebuds.
Easy to Make: You won't need fancy techniques or hours of effort. This straightforward recipe ensures you can whip up bakery-style cookies in no time!
Customizable Options: Want to jazz it up? Try adding chopped nuts or even dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. You can easily put your own spin on this classic!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in, a gathering with friends, or a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress and satisfy.
Freezable Goodness: Make a batch, freeze the dough, and you'll have fresh, warm cookies ready to bake at a moment's notice. They’re the ideal solution for spontaneous cravings!
Don't forget to check out our Pineapple Cookies Tropical for another delicious treat!
Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise and creates a light texture; avoid replacing with too much baking powder.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness of the cookies; kosher salt can replace table salt if desired.
• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich and buttery flavor; use if you prefer precise control over salt content.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds a crisp texture; for a chewier result, brown sugar is a delicious alternative.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and enhances the caramel flavor; light and dark can be used interchangeably.
• Large Eggs – Provides moisture and acts as a binder; for a vegan alternative, consider flax eggs.
• Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor of the cookies; using vanilla bean paste offers a more intense essence.
For the Sweet Add-ins
• Caramel Chips – Adds gooey caramel pockets; swap with butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Chips – Optional if you're looking for added richness; dark chocolate makes a delightful swap or you can omit for pure salted caramel goodness.
For Topping
• Flaky Sea Salt – Gives a fabulous sweet-salty contrast on top; coarse sea salt can also be used if flaky is unavailable.
With these simple, accessible ingredients, you're just steps away from indulging in warm, mouthwatering salted caramel cookies!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring an easy release for the cookies. This setup is essential for achieving those perfectly golden edges of your salted caramel cookies, creating the right environment for the best baking outcome.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mixture helps incorporate air, resulting in a light and fluffy texture for your cookies. Set it aside to ensure it’s ready for the next step, while you enjoy the comforting aroma of flour and baking soda mingling together.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s creamy and pale in color. This step is crucial for achieving the rich, buttery flavor that your salted caramel cookies will boast.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Follow this with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. The batter will become silky smooth, with the sweet and fragrant vanilla enhancing your salted caramel cookies’ deliciousness.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You’re aiming for a dough that holds together but is rich and moist, perfect for those gooey caramel pockets.
Step 6: Fold in Sweet Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and ½ cup of chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. The chips will melt beautifully during baking, adding delightful bursts of flavor to each salted caramel cookie. This step brings an extra layer of indulgence to your creation.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each dough ball, enhancing the sweet and salty contrast that defines these cookies. This sprinkling is a key touch that takes your salted caramel cookies over the top.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them, as cookie baking times can vary. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period will ensure that they set nicely and are easier to handle.
Salted Caramel Cookie Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this recipe to match your taste buds!
-
Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a satisfying crunch and nutty richness that pairs perfectly with caramel.
-
Delightful Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by drizzling caramel between two cookies for an extraordinary treat that’s sure to impress friends and family.
-
Spicy Twist: Introduce a teaspoon of cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne for a warm flavor twist that balances beautifully with the sweetness.
-
Toffee Crunch: Swap caramel chips for toffee bits for a delightful crunch that provides a new layer of sweetness in every bite.
-
Chocolate Lovers: Indulge in chocolate by replacing the caramel chips with dark chocolate chunks or adding both for a double treat.
-
Coconut Bliss: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the flavors of caramel delightfully.
-
Vegan Option: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and switch to dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly alternative that still delivers on flavor.
For even more delicious inspirations, don't miss our Banana Pecan Caramel or Oatmeal Cookies Chewy recipes!
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 72 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the dough fresh while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can scoop the dough into individual balls and freeze them for up to 3 months; just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for gooey, fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes. To maintain quality, ensure the dough is well-wrapped, and when ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before popping them in the oven for a delightful treat that's just as delicious as if you made them the same day!
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cookies
Indulge your senses by creating a delightful meal around these sweet and chewy cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring alone.
-
Glass of Milk: The classic pairing enhances the cookie's sweetness while balancing its richness. Nothing beats the comfort of cookies and milk!
-
Rich Coffee: A cup of dark roast coffee offers a robust contrast to the cookies' sweet flavors, making each bite even more satisfying.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with extra caramel sauce adds a luscious touch, creating a decadent dessert experience.
-
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a juicy burst of flavor that contrasts the cookies' sweetness beautifully.
-
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm chocolate sauce brings an extra layer of indulgence to your salted caramel cookies.
-
Nutty Trail Mix: Combine some crunchy nutty trail mix with your cookies for added texture and a delightful sweet-salty balance.
Enjoy these pairings to elevate your treat to a true gourmet experience!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer to keep them a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to a week. Make sure they're sealed properly to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough in individual portions. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy fresh cookies anytime, bake frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can satisfy your sweet cravings with freshly baked salted caramel cookies!
Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies
-
Perfect Butter Consistency: Use softened butter that's at room temperature for the best creaminess, helping your cookies achieve that signature chewy texture.
-
Avoid Overmixing: To keep your salted caramel cookies soft and tender, mix the dough just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
-
Even Dough Portions: Consistent cookie sizes ensure even baking. Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough perfectly every time!
-
Watch the Baking Time: Check your cookies at the lower end of the baking time range. Remove them when edges are golden but centers look slightly underbaked—this will give you that gooey caramel effect.
-
Freezing Dough for Convenience: Make and freeze the dough in advance. Scoop and freeze individual dough balls; bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for instant warm treats!
Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour is best for salted caramel cookies?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is best for achieving the right texture in your salted caramel cookies. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to choose one that's designed for baking to ensure your cookies turn out great!
How should I store my salted caramel cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This way, they'll maintain their delightful chewiness. If you have extra cookies, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but ensure they're sealed well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the cookie dough? How do I do it?
Certainly! Freezing the cookie dough is a great way to have your salted caramel cookies at the ready. First, scoop the dough into individual balls. Then, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, wrap the dough balls in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months! When you're ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are some common issues and troubleshooting tips for this recipe?
Every baker has their off days! If your cookies spread too much, check to ensure your butter isn’t too warm when mixing. If the dough seems too dry, try adding a touch more butter or water to bind it better. Also, remember not to overmix the dough; this can lead to hardened cookies. For the best results, stick to the recommended mixing times!
Can I use substitutes for eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a vegan alternative or need an egg substitute, flax eggs are a fantastic option. To make one flax egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your mixture as you would a regular egg. It works beautifully in these salted caramel cookies!
Sweet and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe to Indulge
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and ½ cup of chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Leave a Reply