Name: Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe – Your New Favorite Treat!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness.); 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1 large Eggs (Room temperature.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 cup Caramel Chips (Kraft caramel bits work best.); 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional.); 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (For topping.)

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The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through my kitchen, and I can hardly contain my excitement! Today, I’m sharing a comforting delight: my Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe. These cookies promise to transport you straight to a cozy bakery with their chewy texture and gooey caramel pockets, all topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Not only are they incredibly simple to whip up, but they also make for the perfect crowd-pleaser at any gathering, combining indulgent flavor with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or celebrating with friends, these cookies elevate any moment. Ready to dive into a deliciously sweet journey? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Indulgent Flavor: The rich salted caramel paired with buttery goodness creates a symphony of taste that will have you reaching for more.
Simple Steps: Whipping these cookies up is a breeze, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, making it easy to impress guests or satisfy cravings.
Versatile Options: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chunks or nuts for a personal twist, making every batch uniquely yours.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for gatherings; their bakery-style appeal will surely have friends and family raving. If you love cookies as much as I do, check out my delectable Chocolate Chip Cookies or the indulgent Cookies Cream Oreo.
Bake Ahead: Make a batch and freeze for delightful cookies ready to go whenever a craving strikes.

Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise for that ideal fluffy texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
Unsalted Butter – Softened for richness; use salted butter if you desire a touch more saltiness.
Granulated Sugar – Adds a crisp texture and sweetness to the cookie.
Brown Sugar – Introduces moisture and a delightful caramel flavor.
Eggs – Act as a binder and add moisture; using room temperature eggs makes for easier mixing.
Vanilla Extract – A splash enhances flavor, bringing warmth to the cookies.

For the Mix-Ins

Caramel Chips – Provide gooey pockets of caramel; Kraft caramel bits work best.
Chocolate Chips – Optional addition for a deeper flavor; they pair wonderfully with the caramel.

For the Finishing Touch

Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkled on top for that sweet-salty contrast that makes these salted caramel cookies utterly irresistible.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your salted caramel cookies from sticking. This preparation step ensures that your cookies have a smooth, easy release right after baking, letting the delightful aroma fill your kitchen as they cook.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This step not only helps to aerate the flour but also ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout your dry mixture, setting the stage for perfectly fluffy salted caramel cookies. Set this bowl aside while you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it has a pale color and a whipped texture. This crucial step adds richness and creates that delightful cookie structure for your salted caramel cookies.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Follow this by pouring in the vanilla extract, blending until everything is combined. The addition of room temperature eggs helps create a smooth batter, ensuring your salted caramel cookie dough is luscious and silky, perfect for binding the ingredients together.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Ensure not to over-mix; you want your cookie dough to be slightly sticky but not too wet. This step is essential to achieve the tender chewiness characteristic of a great salted caramel cookie, so it’s vital to mix gently.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel and Optional Ingredients
Gently fold in the caramel chips, and if you opt for a little extra indulgence, toss in chocolate chips for that rich layer of flavor. Use a spatula to make sure that your caramel is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Visualize those beautiful pockets of gooey caramel in each salted caramel cookie, making every bite a treat.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. This spacing gives your salted caramel cookies room to spread as they bake, ensuring they develop that delightful shape and texture that you love in bakery-style cookies.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before sliding the baking sheets into the oven, sprinkle each mounded dough ball generously with flaky sea salt. This finishing touch enhances the flavor balance between sweet and salty, making your salted caramel cookies stand out. The sea salt will slightly melt and mingle with the cookies as they bake, creating a deliciously inviting effect.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear slightly underbaked. Keep an eye on them; they’ll continue to cook as they cool. This careful timing is key to achieving that perfectly soft and chewy center with crisp edges.

Step 10: Cool and Transfer
After baking, allow the salted caramel cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This rest time lets them firm up just enough before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Enjoy the delicious smell that fills your kitchen as you eagerly await your sweet, warm treats!

What to Serve with Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies

Indulge your senses with a delightful meal that perfectly complements the heavenly sweetness of these cookies.

Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing that balances sweetness, refreshing every bite with creamy coolness.
Rich Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the caramel flavor while providing a cozy contrast to the sweet cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, the ice cream adds a luscious touch, melting slightly onto the warm cookies for a divine dessert experience.
Chocolate Milkshake: For a fun twist, serve these cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake that satisfies all sweet cravings in one delicious sip.
Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate enhances the cookie experience, making it perfect for cold weather indulgence.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tart raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing contrast, cutting through the sweetness and adding a pop of color and flavor.
Nuts: A handful of lightly salted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, offer a crunchy contrast, balancing the gooey texture of the cookies.
Decadent Brownies: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve a piece of fudgy brownie alongside these cookies for an ultimate dessert platter.

Salted Caramel Cookie Variations

Get ready to elevate your salted caramel cookies with some delightful twist options that will tantalize your taste buds!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and added flavor that complements the sweetness.
Oatmeal Twist: Substitute one cup of flour with oats for a hearty, chewy cookie that offers a different delightful bite.
Double the Caramel: Drizzle melted caramel on top before serving for an extra gooey goodness that can’t be resisted.
Chocolate Indulgence: Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips along with caramel for a decadent flavor explosion in every bite.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising but delightful warm spice that contrasts with the sweet caramel.
Seasonal Flavors: Mix in dried cranberries or pumpkin spice for a festive fall twist that pairs beautifully with the rich caramel.
Bourbon Infusion: A splash of bourbon in the dough creates a warm, sophisticated flavor profile for adults to enjoy.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies: Try my scrumptious Cookie Dough Cheesecake variation for a creamy, indulgent twist on this classic treat.

Your homemade cookies are about to become legendary with these variations! Enjoy exploring flavors while keeping the heart of the recipe intact.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring maximum flavor and freshness. Simply mix all the ingredients as directed, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies with that irresistible caramel goodness, ready in no time!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them chewy and fresh!

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying to restore their delightful softness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: To enjoy again, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds or let them sit out for a short time to defrost. Enjoy that fabulous salted caramel cookie recipe once more!

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Brown the Butter: This step adds a wonderful nutty flavor. Heat the butter until it’s golden brown before creaming with the sugars for richer cookies.
Mix Gently: Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep your salted caramel cookie recipe tender and chewy.
Correct Spacing: Be sure to leave at least 2 inches between dough balls on the baking sheet. This prevents your cookies from spreading too much and merging.
Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring. This helps them maintain their shape and moisture.
Add Variations: Don’t hesitate to play with mix-ins! Explore using nuts or more caramel to make your salted caramel cookies a unique creation.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best ingredients for salted caramel cookies?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for high-quality ingredients. Use fresh, unsalted butter for a rich flavor, and choose brown sugar that feels moist. As for eggs, room temperature works best in creating a smooth batter. When selecting caramel chips, I recommend Kraft caramel bits as they melt beautifully and give you those gooey pockets of caramel.

How should I store my salted caramel cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them chewy and delicious. I often use a tin lined with parchment paper for easy access. If you’re looking to store them for a longer period, consider refrigerating them; just remember to let them come back to room temperature before you enjoy them!

Can I freeze salted caramel cookies?
Yes, you can easily freeze your cookies! To freeze, first place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them defrost on the counter for a delightful treat!

What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very! Sometimes cookies can spread too much due to various factors, such as warm dough or not enough flour. If you encounter this, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking—chill it for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Also, double-check your measurements and avoid over-mixing the dough; a light touch is key for that perfect texture!

Are salted caramel cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s important to keep these cookies away from pets. Ingredients like chocolate and sugar can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly treat, consider baking a separate batch using dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin or peanut butter.

What if I’m allergic to certain ingredients?
If you or someone you’re baking for has allergies, substitutions are possible! Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, or replace butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil. Be cautious with mix-ins; avoid nuts or chocolate chips if allergies are a concern, and consider using allergen-friendly options!