Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These salted caramel cookies combine soft, buttery dough with gooey caramel chips and a hint of chocolate for extra richness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top creates the perfect sweet-savory balance that makes every bite irresistible.

The image shows several round cookies laid out on a white marbled surface, each cookie with a golden-brown base layer that looks soft and chewy. On top, there are uneven dark chocolate chunks embedded into the dough, creating glossy, melted patches. There are smooth, light brown caramel dollops scattered over the surface of the cookies, some slightly melted and spreading across the chocolate and dough. A light dusting of coarse white salt flakes is visible on the cookies, adding texture and shine. One cookie in the upper right corner is partially eaten, revealing the soft inside layers with melted chocolate and caramel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup caramel chips
  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • ½ tsp 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 dry mixture aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips if using.
  7. Step 7: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle the top of each cookie with flaky sea salt for that signature sweet and salty contrast.
  9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
  10. Step 10: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra gooey caramel pockets, chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
  • Swap caramel chips for chopped soft caramel candies if you prefer chunkier caramel bits.
  • Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
  • Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate to balance the sweetness.

Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore softness and melty caramel.

How to Serve

The image shows several round cookies on a white marbled surface, each with a light golden-brown base layer that looks soft and slightly chewy. Embedded in the dough are thick, dark brown chocolate chunks that are partially melted and glossy. On top of some cookies, there are shiny caramel dollops that appear smooth and slightly gooey, adding a rich, sticky texture. Small white flakes of sea salt are sprinkled across the surface, creating a contrast with the darker caramel and chocolate. One cookie at the side is broken, revealing the soft inside and showing the melted chocolate and caramel melting together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.

What if I don’t have caramel chips?

You can chop soft caramel candies into small pieces as a great substitute, or omit them for a classic chocolate chip cookie with a salty twist.

Print
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Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe


  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Cookies. Soft and chewy, these cookies are packed with gooey caramel chips and a touch of chocolate, all sprinkled with flaky sea salt to enhance their rich flavor. Ideal for caramel lovers looking for a delightful homemade treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

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

Wet Ingredients

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

Mix-ins and Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside this mixture for later.
  3. Creaming: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Wet Mix: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, ensuring each egg is incorporated fully before adding the next. Then add 2 tsp vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
  5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
  6. Mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup caramel chips and ½ cup chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for sweet, gooey pockets.
  7. Shaping: Scoop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, spacing the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
  8. Topping: Sprinkle each dough ball lightly with ½ tsp flaky sea salt to create a delicious sweet and salty contrast once baked.
  9. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
  10. Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly and develop the best texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature eggs and softened butter to ensure smooth mixing and proper texture.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute some butter with browned butter before creaming.
  • Chocolate chips are optional but add a lovely depth to the caramel flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Do not overbake; slightly underbaked cookies remain soft and chewy once cooled.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: salted caramel cookies, caramel chip cookies, chewy cookies, sweet and salty cookies, homemade cookies

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