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Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe
Salted caramel cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who craves that perfect combination of sweet and salty. These cookies in particular have become a favorite in my household because they’re delightfully chewy on the inside and pleasantly crisp on the edges, making every bite an indulgent experience. Not only are they a fantastic choice for dessert after a weeknight dinner, but they also make a stellar addition to holiday gatherings, parties, or simply when you want to spoil yourself with something special. The gooey pockets of caramel blended with a hint of flaky sea salt truly elevate these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes these salted caramel cookies so irresistible? First and foremost, they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and savory notes, which is something everyone can appreciate. The addition of both granulated and brown sugar provides distinct textures and flavors, while the buttery richness rounds it all out. They’re simple to whip up, perfect for baking with kids, and even better to enjoy warm from the oven. Imagine the smiles on your family’s faces when you present them with a tray of these delicious treats!
“I made these salted caramel cookies for a birthday party, and they were the star of the dessert table! Everyone kept asking for the recipe.” – A happy home baker
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Baking these salted caramel cookies is a breeze, making them accessible even for novice bakers. The process involves classic techniques: whisking, creaming, and folding, which gives you a playful and rewarding culinary experience. The end result is a batch of cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make this scrumptious recipe, here’s what you’ll need:
- 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)
Feel free to substitute unsalted butter with margarine if you prefer, and use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version!
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Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Before baking, sprinkle each dough mound with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These salted caramel cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving game by offering them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, or serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You might even consider presenting them as a unique dessert option at your next gathering—a sweet surprise that guests will love!
Best Way to Store Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your salted caramel cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking, and they can last up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly baked feel!
Pro Chef Tips
Let’s face it, everyone wants the best cookies possible! Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature, which helps in creating that fluffy consistency when creaming.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients; mixing just until combined results in softer cookies.
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking, especially if you’re using multiple sheets at once.
Creative Twists
Looking for a unique spin on these cookies? Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy element. You can also switch up the caramel chips for butterscotch or even peanut butter chips if you’re feeling adventurous. For a seasonal twist, adding pumpkin spice or cinnamon can create a comforting fall flavor profile—perfect for autumn gatherings!
Helpful FAQs
How long do these cookies take to prepare?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 20 minutes preparing, followed by 10-12 minutes of baking time.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
Are there any substitutions for the ingredients?
Yes! If you need to avoid gluten, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. Also, feel free to swap the caramel chips with chopped chocolate or other candy of your choice.
With this delightful salted caramel cookie recipe, you’ll have a versatile treat at your fingertips—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself! Happy baking!
Print
Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These salted caramel cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, delightfully chewy on the inside with a pleasant crisp on the edges.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel chips
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Before baking, sprinkle each dough mound with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, salted caramel, dessert, sweet and salty, baking
