Best Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Salted Caramel Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for anyone who loves the combination of rich, buttery caramel and a touch of savory sea salt. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with caramel flavor in every bite. The contrast of sweet and salty creates a delightful balance, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a holiday, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe will not disappoint. Read on for the step-by-step guide to making these delicious cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup caramel bits (or chopped caramel squares)
• 1/4 cup sea salt (for sprinkling on top)
• 1/2 cup chopped chocolate or chocolate chips (optional for extra indulgence)

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies ?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Caramel and Chocolate

Once the dough is fully mixed, fold in the caramel bits (or chopped caramel squares) and chocolate chips, if using. Stir gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly press the top of each dough ball with the back of a spoon, then sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations:

• Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chunks or chocolate chips to the dough for a rich chocolate-caramel flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted caramel sauce on top of the cooled cookies.

Cooking Note:

• Make sure your butter is softened but not melted before creaming it with the sugars. This will help create the ideal texture for the cookies.
• Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these Salted Caramel Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• These cookies are also great for gift-giving—wrap them in a cute box or bag for the perfect homemade treat.

Helpful Tips:

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Even Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure your cookies are uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months.

Related Recipes:

• Delicious Fall Cookie Recipe
• Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
• The Ultimate Chocolate Birthday Cake Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but be sure to reduce the amount of other liquids in the recipe to maintain the right consistency.

2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use dairy-free caramel bits or chopped dairy-free caramels.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Cookies are an irresistibly delicious treat that combines sweet, buttery caramel with a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of flavors. With their soft, chewy texture and rich taste, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Happy baking!

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