Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you are craving a cookie that offers the perfect balance between sweet and salty, then this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is about to become your new obsession. The moment these golden treats come out of the oven, the rich, buttery aroma will wrap your kitchen in warmth. Each bite melts smoothly with bursts of luscious caramel chips contrasted by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a flavor experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be your go-to for every cookie craving or special occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in delivering softness, sweetness, and that irresistible caramel punch. The simplicity of the components is what makes these cookies so approachable yet spectacular.

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives cookies structure without being too dense.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise properly and achieve a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a delightfully chewy texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to browning the cookie edges.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients together for that perfect cookie structure.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
• 1 cup caramel chips: The star ingredient, delivering pockets of gooey caramel magic.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Adds a rich, complementary chocolate note to balance sweetness.
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top, it enhances the caramel’s flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This step guarantees even distribution of leavening and salt, giving you perfectly balanced cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender cookie texture packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, classic cookie aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the butter-sugar mixture. Remember to blend just until combined to avoid a tough cookie. Overmixing could lead to a less tender crumb.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and, if using, chocolate chips. This careful folding ensures each cookie gets melty pockets of caramel and chocolate throughout.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies room to spread without merging into one another.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle the tops of each cookie with flaky sea salt. This simple addition elevates the sweet caramel flavors with a subtle salty crunch that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers look set but still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack for full cooling.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

To add a special touch, try garnishing your cookies with an extra drizzle of melted caramel or a tiny sprinkle of coarse sea salt right before serving. This will delight your guests with a visually tempting and flavor-packed finish.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a steaming cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy or bitter notes complement the sweet, salty cookie perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two salted caramel cookies around a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. These cookie sandwiches make for a delightful party treat or an indulgent dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making it easy to savor them whenever a craving hits.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, scoop the portions onto parchment-lined trays, freeze until firm, then transfer to bags for future baking.

Reheating

Enjoy your chilled cookies warm by popping them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly warming them in a low-temperature oven. This revives the gooey caramel centers and fresh-baked cookie softness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter in this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe to control the overall saltiness. Using salted butter may make your cookies too salty, especially combined with the flaky sea salt topping.

What can I substitute for caramel chips?

If you can’t find caramel chips, you can chop soft caramel candies into small pieces or use toffee bits for a similar sweet, buttery note. Just keep an eye during baking to avoid burning.

Are the chocolate chips necessary?

Chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for a lovely contrast and extra depth of flavor. If you prefer purely caramel-focused cookies, feel free to skip them.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if needed. Also, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet helps maintain their shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To adapt this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that the baking soda and other mix-ins are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves the cozy feeling of homemade cookies with an exciting twist. The interplay between sweet caramel and sea salt creates a delightful sensory experience you won’t forget. I encourage you to bake a batch yourself and enjoy sharing these heavenly cookies with family or friends—your kitchen will thank you!

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