Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that brings joy with every bite, you’ve come to the right place! This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is one of those delightful treats that never fails to impress. The combination of sweet caramel and buttery dough, topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up a batch of these chewy, decadent cookies. You don’t need to be a baking expert to enjoy bakery-quality results right in your kitchen. Trust me; once you try these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Just mix, scoop, and bake! This recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweet caramel and sea salt creates a flavor explosion that everyone adores.
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults – perfect for any gathering!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with add-ins or variations based on your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delicious salted caramel cookies!

For the Cookies

• 2 ⅓ 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

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to suit your preferences.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Try different chips: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a unique twist.
• Use different sugars: Replace half of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Make it festive: Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg during the fall holidays.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step combines the dry ingredients thoroughly and helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

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, which helps create those soft edges we all love in cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract. The eggs not only provide moisture but also help bind everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in your dry ingredient mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are still some streaks of flour visible! This will keep your cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold In Caramel Chips

Gently fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips. This step adds those delightful gooey pockets of caramel that will melt beautifully while baking.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them room to spread as they bake.

Step 8: Sprinkle Flaky Sea Salt

Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle each cookie dough ball with flaky sea salt. This little touch enhances their sweetness and creates that irresistible salty-sweet contrast.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows them to set properly so they maintain their chewy texture while still being warm enough to enjoy right away!

Now you’re ready to indulge in these scrumptious salted caramel cookies! Enjoy sharing them with friends or keeping them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Baking can be a delightful experience, and with these 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 create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, leading to fluffy cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough – Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture.
• Chill the dough – If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes will help the flavors meld together and prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
• Adjust baking time for chewy cookies – For softer, chewier cookies, take them out of the oven when they are slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Experiment with add-ins – Feel free to mix in nuts or swap chocolate chips for other types like white chocolate or butterscotch. This adds variety and personal flair to your cookies!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Serving your salted caramel cookies is all about presentation and complementary flavors that enhance their deliciousness!

Garnishes

• Drizzle of caramel sauce – A light drizzle of caramel sauce on top of each cookie adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes them look irresistible.
• Sprinkle of sea salt flakes – Adding a few extra flakes of sea salt right before serving enhances the sweet-salty contrast that makes these cookies so special.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture and cool temperature of vanilla ice cream make it a perfect pairing with warm salted caramel cookies, creating a delightful contrast.
• Coffee or espresso – A cup of coffee or espresso provides a rich, bold flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the indulgence of the cookies. Choose seasonal fruits for added freshness and flavor.
• Milk or dairy-free alternatives – Serve alongside a glass of milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a comforting classic pairing that everyone loves.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your homemade salted caramel cookies will shine as stars at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

What is the best way to store my salted caramel cookie recipe?

The best way to store your salted caramel cookies is in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 5 days!

Can I freeze the salted caramel cookie recipe?

Yes! This salted caramel cookie recipe freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool the cookies completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to 3 months.

How do I know when my salted caramel cookies are done baking?

Your salted caramel cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. They will continue to firm up while cooling, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft when you take them out!

Can I substitute ingredients in this salted caramel cookie recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute dairy-free butter for a vegan option or use alternative sweeteners if preferred. Just keep an eye on texture and sweetness levels!

Final Thoughts

I hope you have as much fun making these delightful salted caramel cookies as I did! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Don’t forget to sprinkle that flaky sea salt for that magical sweet-salty contrast. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!