Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies to Try Now

Get ready to delight your taste buds with a batch of irresistibly soft and chewy Salted Caramel Cookies. This recipe combines rich, gooey caramel with a perfect salty twist, creating a cookie experience that balances sweetness and saltiness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these Salted Caramel Cookies offer a blend of buttery dough and luscious caramel surprises that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance: The delightful contrast between sweet caramel and a pinch of sea salt makes these cookies truly unforgettable.
• Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples that come together effortlessly for a homemade treat anyone can enjoy.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie boasts a perfectly tender crumb with gooey caramel pockets throughout.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for casual snacks, parties, or gifting to loved ones with minimal fuss.
• Quick Bake Time: Ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute plans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Salted Caramel Cookies lies in how simple ingredients work together to create a deep, satisfying flavor and rich texture. Every component plays a vital role—from the smooth caramel to the buttery dough, making this recipe accessible yet indulgent.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their shape perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb without overpowering saltiness.
• Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle molasses flavor for depth.
• Granulated Sugar: Ensures the perfect balance of sweetness and crisp edges.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for chewy softness.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise gently, creating a light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warm undertones.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Enhances the sweet caramel with a crunchy, salty pop.
• Caramel Candies or Sauce: The star ingredient that creates those gooey caramel pockets you’ll love.

Variations for Salted Caramel Cookies

Feel free to personalize your Salted Caramel Cookies by tweaking a few ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. This recipe is easy to adapt, making it a perfect canvas for creativity.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted dark or milk chocolate drizzled over the top for extra indulgence.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg substitute for a dairy-free treat.
• Spiced Caramel: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warming or spicy edge.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming softened unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt before gradually combining the dry ingredients into the wet until just blended.

Step 2: Incorporate the Caramel

Chop caramel candies into small pieces or prepare a thick caramel sauce. Gently fold the caramel bits into the dough, saving some to press on top of each cookie before baking for gooey caramel pockets.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Press a few extra caramel bits onto the tops, and sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until edges turn golden but centers remain soft.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps them set while keeping that irresistible chewy texture.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and smooth dough consistency for perfect texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Combine ingredients just until blended to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes if dough feels too soft; this helps cookies hold shape.
• Choose Quality Caramel: High-quality caramel candies or homemade sauce elevate flavor tremendously.
• Watch Baking Time: Slightly underbake for soft centers that become chewy as they cool.
• Add Sea Salt Last: Sprinkle flakes right before baking to preserve their crunch and salt burst.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies

Garnishes

Finish off with a light drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to add visual appeal and enhance flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels both comfortable and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange them on a rustic wooden board or gift them in decorated jars layered with parchment paper, making your Salted Caramel Cookies perfect for holiday treats or thoughtful gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Salted Caramel Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a sheet tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.

Reheating

Warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to revive that gooey caramel and soft texture as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Yes, you can carefully swirl caramel sauce into the dough or drop spoonfuls on top before baking, but candies create more distinct caramel pockets.

How do I prevent caramel from leaking out?

Chop caramel into small pieces and fold gently into dough rather than placing large chunks on top to reduce spreading during baking.

Is it necessary to use sea salt flakes?

Using flaky sea salt adds texture and bursts of saltiness; table salt works too but tends to dissolve completely without crunch.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer to keep it plant-based.

What’s the best way to achieve soft and chewy cookies?

Don’t overbake, use a mix of brown and granulated sugar, and consider chilling the dough for more controlled spreading and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cookie that’s buttery, soft, and loaded with luscious caramel complemented by a tasteful salty crunch, these Salted Caramel Cookies are your new go-to. They make baking fun and rewarding, delivering joy with every bite. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this deliciously warm, gooey, and salty-sweet delight today!

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