Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, featuring gooey caramel pockets and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Crisp edges and soft centers make them an irresistible treat for any cookie lover.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel chips
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—avoid overmixing.
6. Step 6: Fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips, if using, evenly throughout the dough.
7. Step 7: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
8. Step 8: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt over each cookie dough portion to enhance the sweet and salty flavor.
9. Step 9: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
10. Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, swap out chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate varieties, or omit entirely for a pure caramel experience.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother dough and better texture.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and achieve thicker cookies.
• For extra gooey caramel, add a few small caramel squares inside each cookie before baking.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them softer, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a microwave for a warm, melty treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute caramel chips with regular caramel candies?

Yes, you can chop regular caramel candies into small pieces and fold them into the dough, but they may melt more during baking, creating gooier pockets.

What is the purpose of sprinkling flaky sea salt on top?

The flaky sea salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and sugars, enhancing the overall flavor by adding a pleasant salty contrast and a subtle crunch.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews

This Salted Caramel Cookie recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with gooey caramel pockets and optional chocolate chips for added richness. These cookies are soft in the middle with crispy edges, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1 cup caramel chips
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use to provide structure and leavening for the cookies.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create the perfect texture for your cookies.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract to enhance the cookie’s flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
6. Fold in Chips: Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips (if using) to evenly distribute the gooey caramel and chocolate throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle the tops of each cookie dough mound with flaky sea salt to provide the signature sweet and salty contrast.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.

Notes

• Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary based on ingredients used.
• For extra gooey caramel bites, use high-quality caramel chips.
• If you prefer a richer flavor, add the optional chocolate chips or substitute with dark chocolate chips.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
• For a softer cookie, slightly underbake and let cool on the baking sheet before transferring.

Keywords: salted caramel cookies, caramel chip cookies, sweet and salty cookies, homemade cookies, dessert recipes, fall cookies, caramel dessert