There’s something truly special about the combination of sweet and salty, and these Salted Caramel Cookies capture that magic perfectly. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm cookie, its edges crisp and golden, while the center is gooey and rich with pockets of decadent caramel. The delightful sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes this treat to heavenly heights, offering an indulgent balance that makes each bite a little moment of joy. I find myself making these during cozy evenings at home or when friends drop by unexpectedly—they’re a warm hug in cookie form!
These cookies come together surprisingly fast, making them a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. With just a bit of mixing and baking, you can create a batch that everyone will adore. Plus, they store well, so if you manage to have leftovers (which is a big if!), they’ll stay delicious for days.
WHY I LOVE SALTED CARAMEL COOKIE RECIPE
These Salted Caramel Cookies are a true winner at my table—hitting that sweet spot where comfort meets elegance. They’re incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, which means you can whip them up whenever the craving strikes. The mix of textures—the crispy edges, chewy center, and burst of gooey caramel—offers a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Honestly, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
SALTED CARAMEL COOKIE RECIPE INGREDIENTS
The magic of this Salted Caramel Cookie recipe truly lies in the harmonious blend of each ingredient. They work together to create a cookie that is not only scrumptious but also satisfying. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 2 ¼ CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Provides structure to our delightful cookies.
- 1 TSP BAKING SODA: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect texture.
- 1 TSP SALT: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER: Softened, adding rich creaminess and a tender crumb.
- ¾ CUP GRANULATED SUGAR: Adds crisp texture to the cookies’ edges.
- ¾ CUP BROWN SUGAR: Brings moisture and a luscious caramel flavor.
- 2 LARGE EGGS: Room temperature, helping to bind everything together.
- 2 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT: Enhances all the flavors beautifully!
- 1 CUP CARAMEL CHIPS: These little gems pack a mighty punch with gooey caramel pockets.
- ½ CUP CHOCOLATE CHIPS (OPTIONAL): For a little extra richness, if you desire.
- ½ TSP FLAKY SEA SALT: For that perfect sweet-salty contrast on top.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Need a swap? If you find yourself missing an ingredient, here are a few alternatives that still bring delicious results:
- Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used in a pinch for a different but delightful flavor.
- Caramel Chips: If you can’t find these, you can chop up chewy caramel candies instead; just keep an eye on the melting point!
- Butter: In a pinch, you could substitute with margarine, though it won’t be quite as rich.
- Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg substitute, ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce works surprisingly well.
Practical Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this is key to getting that perfect texture.
- Always let your cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them; it helps them set beautifully.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Mixing bowls (one for wet, one for dry)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheets (2)
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Cookie scoop (optional, but makes uniform cookies)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL COOKIE RECIPE
Let’s dive into creating these utterly irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, so follow along, and you’ll have a delicious batch in no time. We’re aiming for warm, gooey perfection with every bite!
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this will ensure our cookies don’t stick and come out perfectly!
Whisk Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt, preparing the dry mixture for blending later.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together 1 cup unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the cookies, leading to that perfect texture!
Beat in the Eggs and Vanilla
Once fluffy, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 tsp vanilla extract. You want to make sure these are well combined; this will help lock in the flavors. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and you’ll know you’re in for something special!
Mix in Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually mix in your dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want tender cookies, not tough ones! The dough should start to look rich and cohesive.
Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips
Next, it’s time to add the star powers! Fold in 1 cup caramel chips and ½ cup chocolate chips (if using) with a rubber spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Knowing these pockets of gooey goodness await you will make it hard to resist eating the dough!
Scoop and Sprinkle
Using a cookie scoop, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For a touch of magic, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each scoop, inviting that beautiful sweet-salty flavor.
Bake for Perfection
Now, pop those sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. This is key! You want them to firm up as they cool for that delightful chewy texture.
Cool and Transfer
Finally, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This little pause allows them to set perfectly!
HOW TO STORE SALTED CARAMEL COOKIES
Leftovers, if there are any (which is always a delightful surprise), can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge, and they’ll hold their deliciousness for about 4 days. You can also freeze them for 2-3 months; just let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
- Don’t overbake! Keep an eye on the cookies; you want them soft and chewy.
- Use good-quality caramel chips for the best flavor.
- Let them cool slightly before diving in; they’ll be easier to handle!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
- Pair with a strong coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of additional flaky sea salt right before serving for that extra oomph.
- Great for dessert platters at gatherings, alongside fruits or cheese.
- Dress them up with festive sprinkles for special occasions or holiday cookie exchanges.
I can’t wait for you to create these salted caramel cookies and see the smiles they bring! They’re not just cookies—they’re a little bit of happiness baked into every batch. Enjoy!
