The Best Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Salted caramel cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a chewy texture and a rich caramel flavor that melts in your mouth. These cookies offer a delightful combination of buttery dough, gooey caramel centers, and a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday treats, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe will become your go-to favorite.

Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredients

To make these delicious salted caramel cookies, you will need:

For the cookie dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel chips or soft caramel candies (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

How to Make Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Step-by-Step ?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Caramel Pieces

Gently fold in the caramel chips or chopped caramel candies. The dough should be thick and well-mixed.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.

Step 9: Add Sea Salt

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each one to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cookies for an extra indulgent treat.
• Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Stuffed Cookies: Wrap the dough around a soft caramel candy for a gooey caramel-filled center.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Note

• Ensure that the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency when mixing.
• If using soft caramel candies, slightly chill the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee.
• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet midday treat.

Helpful Tips

• Use high-quality caramel: For the best flavor, use good-quality caramel chips or fresh caramel candies.
• Don’t overbake: The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the centers are still soft.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps control spreading and enhances flavor.
• Measure ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for flour and sugars to maintain the right consistency.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cookies

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
• Even cookie size: Use a cookie scoop to keep all cookies uniform in size and ensure even baking.
• Sea salt quality: Use flaky sea salt instead of table salt for the best texture and taste contrast.

Similar recipes you may also like:

• Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies
• Starbucks Banana Bread Recipe
• Grilled Pizza Sandwich Recipe
• How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe ?

FAQs

Can I freeze salted caramel cookie dough?

Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Caramel sauce is not ideal for this recipe since it adds too much moisture to the dough. Instead, use caramel chips or soft caramel candies.

How do I make these cookies chewier?

For extra chewy cookies, use more brown sugar than granulated sugar, and do not overbake them.

What type of salt is best for topping?

Flaky sea salt works best as it provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water).

Conclusion

Salted caramel cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Their chewy texture, buttery flavor, and the perfect balance of sweet caramel and sea salt make them an irresistible dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake a batch of these delicious cookies at home. Try different variations, follow the helpful tips, and enjoy every bite of these mouthwatering cookies!

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