Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that perfectly balances rich caramel and a soft, chewy cookie, you’ve come to the right place! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. Not only does it deliver that delightful gooeyness in every bite, but it also fills your kitchen with the warmest, sweetest aroma that makes everyone feel at home.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a family gathering, treating your kids after school, or simply indulging during a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these salted caramel cookies, they’ll become your new go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, baking these cookies is a breeze!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cookies, and these sweet treats will surely please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it for whenever that cookie craving hits!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and gooey caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect Texture: Enjoy the soft chewiness complemented by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that sweet-salty contrast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to make these delightful salted caramel cookies!

Basic Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure)
• 1 tsp baking soda (Helps cookies rise)
• 1 tsp salt (Balances sweetness)
• 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)
• 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 things about this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins or toppings. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Use different chips: Swap out chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips if you want a different flavor twist.
• Incorporate spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Make them mini: Scoop smaller amounts of dough to create bite-sized cookies perfect for sharing.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden every time!

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy—because who wants to deal with scrubbing pans?

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside helps ensure they are well combined before mixing them into the wet mixture.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that lovely texture we all love!

Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, add in the vanilla extract. These ingredients not only contribute moisture but also enhance the overall flavor of your cookies.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay soft and chewy!

Step 7: Fold in Caramel Chips

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in those delicious caramel chips—and if you’re using them, toss in chocolate chips too. The more gooey pockets of goodness, the better!

Step 8: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading as they bake.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt. This little touch adds that perfect contrast to the sweetness!

Step 10: Bake and Cool

Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy watching them disappear!

With every bite of these salted caramel cookies, you’ll find yourself savoring both their sweetness and comforting texture. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them cream together smoothly, resulting in a lighter texture for your cookies.

• Don’t overmix the dough: Once you incorporate the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and chewy ones we’re aiming for!

• Chill the dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking helps develop flavors and prevent spreading, making for thicker cookies.

• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They might look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips can personalize these cookies to your taste.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These salted caramel cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Presenting them with a few simple touches can elevate their charm!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of melted chocolate: A light drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate adds an elegant touch and enhances the flavor.
• Additional flaky sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving can intensify that sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies so irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm salted caramel cookies, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or sliced apples provides a bright, tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Hot cocoa or coffee: Enjoying your cookies with a warm beverage like cocoa or coffee creates a cozy experience that’s perfect for any gathering.
• Milkshake: A thick milkshake is another fun pairing that complements the flavors beautifully—consider a salted caramel milkshake for an indulgent twist!

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your homemade salted caramel cookie creation! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These salted caramel cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness throughout the week. With just a few simple steps, you can keep your cookies soft and delicious for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place frozen or refrigerated cookies on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

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

What is the best way to make my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe chewy?

To ensure your salted caramel cookies are wonderfully chewy, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Also, slightly underbaking them will keep that gooey texture intact.

Can I substitute the caramel chips in my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Absolutely! If you can’t find caramel chips, you can use butterscotch chips or even chocolate chips for a different flavor twist. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile of your cookies.

How do I get that perfect flaky sea salt topping on my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

For that irresistible salty contrast, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the cookie dough just before baking. This will allow it to meld beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I make this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these salted caramel cookies as much as I do! The combination of sweet and salty creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!