Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. The combination of gooey caramel chips and flaky sea salt creates a delightful treat that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab some everyday items from your pantry, and you’ll be on your way to baking up a batch of bakery-style cookies in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have warm cookies ready to enjoy!
• Family-approved: These cookies are perfect for kids and adults alike. Everyone loves that sweet and salty flavor!
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Gather the following items, and let’s get started on creating some delicious salted caramel cookies.

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

One of the best parts about this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch.
• Use different chips: Try butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Incorporate spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the flavor profile.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting this aside allows the baking soda to distribute evenly throughout the flour, ensuring that every cookie rises perfectly.

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, creating a tender texture in your cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Each egg adds moisture while helping bind everything together, making sure your cookies have a rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies soft and chewy rather than dense!

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in those delicious caramel chips and optional chocolate chips. This is where those gooey pockets of goodness come from—trust me; you’ll want every bite loaded with them!

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Sheets

Scoop dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Give them room to spread out while they bake!

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This extra touch enhances that wonderful sweet-salty flavor that you’re going to love.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—this is where magic happens!

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Once baked, let them cool on the tray for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set properly without falling apart.

Enjoy these delightful salted caramel cookies with friends or family! They make every occasion feel special.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

To ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture in your cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to chewy rather than soft cookies.
• Chill the dough if possible: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavor and give you thicker cookies. It allows the flour to hydrate and the fats to solidify, reducing spread.
• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at around 9 minutes. You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add different types of chips, like butterscotch or peanut butter, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. This keeps each batch exciting!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are delightful on their own, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate your presentation and make them even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Extra flaky sea salt: Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving enhances that sweet-salty contrast and makes each cookie extra tempting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with warm cookies, creating a classic dessert experience that’s hard to resist.
• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies. Try using berries or citrus fruits for a refreshing bite.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can complement their flavors beautifully and creates a cozy atmosphere.
• Milk: A classic pairing! A tall glass of cold milk is perfect for dunking and brings back childhood memories while enhancing the sweet caramel goodness.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress family and friends with your delicious salted caramel cookies! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and store them to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for about 5 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they can last up to 10 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookies cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual cookies for about 15-20 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

What makes this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe special?

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of gooey caramel chips and buttery dough, topped with flaky sea salt. It captures that delightful sweet-salty contrast that makes every bite irresistible!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Feel free to replace caramel chips with butterscotch chips or dark chocolate chips for different flavor profiles!

How do I get my cookies to be extra chewy?

To achieve extra chewy cookies, be sure not to overmix your dough once you add the dry ingredients. Also, slightly underbaking them will help maintain their soft texture.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While unsalted butter is recommended for its rich flavor, you can use margarine as an alternative. Just ensure it’s a stick variety for best results in baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these salted caramel cookies! This recipe brings together sweet and salty flavors that create a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll be a hit. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!