Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you have a serious soft spot for cookies that hug your taste buds with gooey caramel goodness and just the right pinch of salt, then I can’t wait for you to try this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe. It’s one of those irresistibly luscious treats where the sweet and salty dance together perfectly, creating pockets of caramel that burst with every bite. Imagine freshly baked cookies with golden edges and a tender center loaded with melty caramel chips, all enhanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Honestly, these cookies are pure joy, whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends over afternoon tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the simple list of ingredients here — each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe. From the structure-giving flour to the rich caramel chips, every component adds a unique layer that brings these cookies to life.

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure that holds your cookie together with a tender bite.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft without spreading too thin.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors throughout.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Contributes to a delightful crispness on the cookie edges.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor that complements the chips.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything perfectly, adding softness to the dough.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
• 1 cup caramel chips: Create those irresistible pockets of gooey caramel throughout the cookie.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): For a richer, nuanced flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to provide the signature sweet-salty contrast everyone loves.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step not only prevents sticking but also helps your cookies bake evenly with a perfect golden bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, setting the stage for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a mixer, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process traps air, creating those wonderfully light, chewy cookies you’re craving.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This step adds moisture and deepens the overall flavor profile wonderfully.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add in the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips into the dough. This is where the magic happens — those sweet, melty pockets that make the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe so unforgettable.

Step 7: Shape and Top

Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Before popping them into the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a little flaky sea salt for that classic contrast that keeps you coming back.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown while the centers remain soft. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

While the flaky sea salt alone does wonders, feel free to sprinkle extra on right before serving for an eye-catching finish and an extra punch of flavor. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each cookie adds a gorgeous touch for special occasions.

Side Dishes

These cookies love company! Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy mug of coffee or hot cocoa. The creamy drinks balance the sweet-salty flavor beautifully and elevate the entire indulgence experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange these cookies on a decorative platter with little bowls of extra caramel sauce and sea salt on the side, inviting guests to customize their perfect bite. You can even sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for an elevated dessert experience that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh and soft for up to a week. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain moisture — a neat little trick to keep your cookies just perfect.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by placing them on a sheet and then transferring to a freezer bag once solid. When ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For that warm-out-of-the-oven feeling, pop cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. It revives their softness and brings out that gooey caramel charm perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but be cautious with additional salt — since the recipe already includes sea salt, using salted butter might make the cookies too salty. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the dry ingredients.

Are caramel chips necessary, or can I substitute something else?

Caramel chips are key to achieving the signature gooey pockets in this recipe, but you can experiment with butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips for a different, yet delicious twist.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges with centers that look slightly underbaked; the cookies will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after coming out of the oven, resulting in a soft, chewy center.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) to replace each egg. Look for vegan caramel and chocolate chips to keep this deliciously sweet-salty balance intact.

Why do I need to use flaky sea salt instead of regular table salt?

Flaky sea salt adds a delicate crunch and bursts of salty flavor that enhance the caramel beautifully without overpowering the cookie. Regular table salt doesn’t provide the same texture or balanced finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s packed with personality and flavor, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe is your new best friend. Its perfect harmony of sweet, salty, soft, and gooey makes every bite a little celebration. So, grab your ingredients, dive into the kitchen, and treat yourself to a batch of these heavenly cookies—you deserve it!

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