Salted caramel cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, combining the rich taste of buttery dough with the sweet, chewy goodness of caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. These cookies evoke comfort and warmth, making them perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or just when you’re craving something sweet. The balance of flavors between sweet and salty makes each bite an indulgent experience that’s hard to resist.
Why We Love This Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe
There’s something truly magical about salted caramel cookies that makes them stand out. The combination of creamy caramel bits, the melty texture when warm, and the slight crunch from the sea salt creates a perfect harmony of flavors. You’ll find these cookies are not just for satisfying a sweet tooth; they evoke memories of childhood baking sessions, cozy kitchens, and the joy of sharing delicious treats with loved ones. Plus, they are really straightforward to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients about Salted Caramel Cookies
To make these irresistible salted caramel cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies
- Sea salt for sprinkling
These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s chewy, buttery, and packed with the rich flavor of caramel. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies Directions
Making salted caramel cookies is simple, and you can have them ready to enjoy in just a little while. Follow these steps:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This process adds air into the dough, giving your cookies a light texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. These ingredients enrich the flavor and help to bind everything together.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to ensure that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the caramel bits or soft caramel candies with a spatula. This distributes the caramel evenly throughout the dough, ensuring a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Your home will be filled with a delightful aroma during this time!
- Add Sea Salt: Once you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle them lightly with sea salt. This enhances the flavor profile and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Cool and Transfer: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Following these steps will ensure you have a batch of salted caramel cookies that are both perfectly baked and full of flavor.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies
Serving your salted caramel cookies is part of the joy of baking! Here are some suggestions for the perfect presentation:
- Warm from the Oven: There’s nothing like enjoying a cookie fresh from the oven. While they are still warm, the caramel is ooey-gooey, making them an irresistible treat.
- With a Glass of Milk: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk beautifully complements the sweet and salty flavors.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative plate or platter as part of a dessert spread. You could add other baked goods like brownies or bars to create variety during gatherings.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. As the ice cream melts, it creates a deliciously creamy contrast with the warm cookie.
- Gift Them: Package your cookies in a beautiful tin or box to share with friends or family. Homemade cookies make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just because!
Expert Tips: Salted Caramel Cookies
Creating perfect salted caramel cookies is easy with these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature. This helps in creating a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until fully incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie.
- Chill Your Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, consider chilling your dough for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This helps solidify the fat, preventing excessive spreading.
- Experiment with Caramel: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of caramel — whether homemade or store-bought — to see which flavor profile you prefer.
- Rotate Baking Sheets: If you’re baking multiple sheets at once, rotate them halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your salted caramel cookies fresh and delicious, store them properly:
- Room Temperature: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to a week.
- Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, place the cookies in the refrigerator. Make sure to use a container that prevents moisture to maintain their texture.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first and then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag. They can be kept for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.
Variation of Salted Caramel Cookies
You might want to try some fun variations with your salted caramel cookies:
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for an added crunch that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- Chocolate Chips: For those who love chocolate, mix in semisweet or dark chocolate chips along with the caramel.
- Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Stuffed Cookies: For an unexpected surprise, stuff the dough with a piece of chocolate or another caramel for extra gooeyness.
- Different Extracts: Experiment with almond or hazelnut extract instead of vanilla to impart a unique flavor twist.
FAQ
What are Salted Caramel Cookies?
Salted Caramel Cookies are a delicious treat combining buttery cookie dough with chewy caramel bits and a sprinkle of sea salt on top. They are loved for their sweet and salty flavor balance.
How do I get chewy Salted Caramel Cookies?
To achieve chewy cookies, do not overmix the dough and avoid baking them too long. Taking them out while they’re slightly underbaked ensures a soft center.
Can I use regular caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can use regular soft caramel candies. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
How can I make my Salted Caramel Cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free salted caramel cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like the regular all-purpose flour.
What can I do if my dough seems too soft?
If your dough feels too soft to scoop, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Enjoy your baking adventures with these salted caramel cookies!
Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar Packed tightly in the cup.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg At room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies Chopped, if using candies.
- Sea salt for sprinkling To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits using a spatula.
- Scoop portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with sea salt immediately after removing from the oven.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!