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

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Topping: Sprinkle each dough ball lightly with ½ tsp flaky sea salt to create a delicious sweet and salty contrast once baked.
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.
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