There’s something magical about caramel cookies that makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with gooey caramel goodness. The combination of rich butter, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla creates a cookie that is not only delicious but also comforting. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or sharing them with friends at a gathering, caramel cookies are sure to bring joy to your taste buds.
Why We Love This Caramel Cookies Recipe
This caramel cookies recipe stands out for several reasons. First, its simplicity allows even novice bakers to achieve great results. You don’t need an elaborate setup or fancy equipment — just a few basic kitchen tools and ingredients. Second, the cookies are incredibly versatile. You can add sea salt on top to enhance the flavor or customize them with nuts or chocolate chips if you desire. Lastly, the caramel bits provide a burst of sweetness that perfectly complements the buttery cookie dough, making each bite a delightful experience. You will find yourself baking this recipe again and again.
Ingredients about Caramel Cookies
To make these irresistible caramel cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Caramel Cookies Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make these delicious caramel cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and at the right temperature.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easier cleanup afterward.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookies a light texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. This adds moisture and flavor to your cookie dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it ensures that your leavening agent (baking soda) is evenly distributed throughout the flour, leading to consistent cookie texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so mix until all the flour is incorporated.
- Fold in Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
- Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to turn a light golden brown while the centers may look slightly underbaked. Don’t worry; they will continue to set as they cool.
- Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After they have set slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Optional Sea Salt: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie while they are still warm. This provides a perfect balance to the sweetness.
How to Serve Caramel Cookies
These caramel cookies are perfect for various occasions. They can be presented on a dessert platter at a party or enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious sundae. You might also consider gifting them in a decorative tin, making them a delightful homemade present. Decorative packaging not only elevates the gift but also shows your thoughtful effort in crafting something special.
Expert Tips: Caramel Cookies
- Softening Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. For a quicker method, you can cut the butter into smaller cubes and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes.
- Measuring Flour: Be careful when measuring flour; spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping it directly from the bag or container. This prevents your cookies from becoming too dense.
- Use Good Quality Caramel: The type of caramel bits you use can significantly affect the flavor of your cookies. opt for high-quality caramel for a richer taste.
- Perfect Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them from the oven while they are slightly underdone ensures they stay soft and chewy.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
How to Store Caramel Cookies
To keep your caramel cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired number and let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Variation of Caramel Cookies
This caramel cookies recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations you might explore to mix things up:
- Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookies: Add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough along with the caramel bits for a delightful chocolate-caramel combination.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor. This adds a great texture contrast to the chewy caramel.
- Spiced Version: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that compliments the caramel beautifully.
- Caramel Swirl: Instead of mixing in caramel bits, create a swirl effect using a caramel sauce. Drop spoonfuls of sauce into the cookie dough, then swirl gently with a knife before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
FAQ
What are caramel cookies?
Caramel cookies are delicious treats made with a base of buttery cookie dough mixed with caramel bits or soft caramel pieces, baked until golden, and often finished with sea salt.
What makes caramel cookies chewy?
The combination of butter, brown sugar, and proper baking time contributes to the chewiness of caramel cookies. Allowing them to cool slightly on the baking sheet helps maintain their soft and chewy centers.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can substitute homemade caramel for the bits, but ensure it is soft and gooey for the best results in your cookies.
How long do caramel cookies last?
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, caramel cookies can last about a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Can I add chocolate chips to the caramel cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a great way to enhance the flavor of the cookies and create a fantastic chocolate-caramel combination.
Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
- 1 cup brown sugar Lightly packed for best results.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon into your measuring cup and level it off.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure even distribution in the flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy Opt for high-quality caramel.
- Sea salt for sprinkling Optional, for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in the caramel bits until evenly spread throughout the dough.
Baking
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are light golden brown and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of each cookie while warm, if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!