Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

The combination of sweet and salty is a match made in heaven, and these Salted Caramel Cookies bring that perfect balance to every bite. Soft, chewy, and packed with the rich flavor of caramel, these cookies are elevated by a touch of sea salt that adds an irresistible contrast. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a treat, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and gooey pockets of caramel, they’re a delight for any cookie lover.

Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, this recipe is easy to make, but delivers big flavor. The sweet caramel flavor paired with the slight saltiness makes these cookies something you’ll crave again and again. Whether you want to surprise a loved one with a homemade treat or satisfy your own sweet tooth, these Salted Caramel Cookies will definitely become a favorite. They are perfect with a glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible cookies at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

The salted caramel combination is pure bliss. The smooth sweetness of caramel paired with the slight saltiness from the sea salt creates a mouthwatering contrast that you can’t resist.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies bake up soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crunch on the edges, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy with every bite.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and steps. You don’t have to be an expert baker to create these delicious cookies!

4. Great for All Occasions

Whether it’s a casual snack or a special event, these Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to cozy gatherings or simply when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

5. Customizable

You can easily adapt this recipe by adding other ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an added touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

• Butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Caramel candies
• Sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel Cookies: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a richer flavor combination of chocolate and caramel.
• Nutty Salted Caramel Cookies: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
• Caramel Swirl Cookies: Add extra caramel sauce to the dough for an even more gooey, decadent texture.
• Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without compromising on taste.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until combined.

Step 6: Add the Caramel Candies

Fold in the caramel candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough onto the Baking Sheet

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Lightly sprinkle each cookie dough ball with a pinch of sea salt before baking.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined for the perfect texture.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better and prevent spreading.
• Use Good-Quality Caramel: Choose high-quality caramel candies or caramel bits for the best flavor in your cookies.
• Keep an Eye on the Baking Time: Cookies can go from golden to overdone quickly, so check them as they bake to ensure they don’t get too crispy.

How to Serve

Serve these salted caramel cookies fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. They are perfect for sharing at a party or enjoyed solo for an afternoon treat. To elevate them even further, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain their chewy texture, consider placing a slice of bread in the container to absorb any excess moisture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully! After baking and cooling, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place cookies in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 10-15 seconds or until warm. For a slightly crispier edge, warm them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce, but be sure to refrigerate it to allow it to firm up slightly before mixing it into the dough.

2. What if I don’t have sea salt?

If you don’t have sea salt, regular table salt will work, but sea salt adds a more distinct flavor and texture that enhances the cookies.

3. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can use egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce for an egg-free version of these cookies.

4. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with caramel. Feel free to add them to the dough for an extra touch of sweetness.

5. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking, and be sure to use the correct amount of flour for the right consistency.

6. How long will these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies can stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container.

7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can, but be sure to adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe since salted butter will contribute additional salt.

9. Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cookies, so they may be a bit less soft and chewy without it.

10. What if I don’t like sea salt on my cookies?

If you’re not a fan of sea salt, feel free to skip this step. The cookies will still taste great without it.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Cookies are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. With their soft, chewy texture and gooey caramel centers, they are sure to satisfy any craving. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or saved for later, these cookies will become a staple in your baking repertoire. Try them out today and enjoy every irresistible bite!

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