The crisp fall air wrapped around me as I baked my favorite treat: Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies. With their warm, gooey caramel centers and a touch of flaky sea salt, these cookies quickly became my go-to recipe for cozy gatherings and sweet evenings at home. What I love most is that this effortless recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it a delightful success every time. Plus, they’re flexible—switch up the caramel for chocolate chips or add some nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress! Who could resist that sweet-savory combination? Let’s dive in and make some magic in the kitchen together!
Why are these cookies irresistible?
Soft and Chewy: These Salted Caramel Cookies will melt in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of chewy texture and gooey caramel.
Flexible Variations: Feel free to swap caramel chips for chocolate or butterscotch to match your mood!
Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need basic pantry staples, making this an easy go-to recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: From family dinners to holiday gatherings, these cookies are a hit every time.
Quick Baking: In just 12 minutes, you can whip up a batch of warm, sweet goodness that will fill your home with a delightful aroma. Discover more about baking with easy recipes like Gooey Coffee Caramel or Brownie Mix Cookies.
Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients
For the Batter
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and body to the cookies.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring deliciously soft cookies.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; use flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.
• Unsalted Butter (softened) – Adds richness for that tender texture; you can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies, creating a crisp edge.
• Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and deeper flavor dimensions.
• Eggs – Binds the ingredients; for a vegan version, consider flax eggs or applesauce.
• Vanilla Extract – Provides a warm, aromatic flavor base.
For the Filling
• Caramel Chips – Create gooey pockets of caramel within the cookie, key to the Salted Caramel Cookie experience.
• Optional Chocolate Chips – For an extra flavor twist, consider adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.
For Topping
• Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkle on cookies before baking for that delightful sweet-salty contrast in every bite.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is essential for baking the Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies to perfection. While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. The baking soda works as a leavening agent to create a light texture in your cookies. Mixing these dry ingredients now ensures even distribution, which is key to achieving perfect Salted Caramel Cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. This creates a rich base for your cookies, contributing to their soft and chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. This step adds moisture and flavor to your Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies, making them irresistible.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it could lead to denser cookies. This step pulls together the dough, integrating all flavors and creating the perfect base for your cookies filled with caramel goodness.
Step 6: Fold in Caramel Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel chips, and if you like, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for an extra twist. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid breaking the chips. This is where your Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies start to shine, with gooey pockets of caramel ready to melt as they bake.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies room to spread as they bake, ensuring each Salted Caramel cookie has enough space to develop that desirable chewy texture.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before baking, lightly sprinkle the tops of each dough ball with flaky sea salt. This touch adds a delicious salty contrast to the sweet caramel. It’s this finishing touch that elevates your Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies to the next level, enhancing their flavor profile.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden while the centers look slightly underbaked. This ensures a soft and chewy texture. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for keeping your Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies deliciously soft.
What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies
Dive into the delicious world of flavors with these delightful pairings that complement the sweet-salty goodness of these cookies.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic choice! Milk’s creamy texture pairs perfectly with the rich caramel, enhancing each delightful bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent dessert, balancing the warm cookies’ chewiness with creamy coldness.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a tart contrast that brightens the sweetness of the cookies, creating a refreshing experience.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bitter notes of a strong espresso beautifully enhance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a comforting afternoon treat.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for a double dessert delight!
- Caramel Sauce: Squeeze extra caramel on top of the cookies for a ramped-up flavor experience that caramel lovers will adore.
- Nutty Banana Bread: To vary textures, serve alongside slices of nutty banana bread for a satisfying combination of chewy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
- Spiced Chai Latte: This warm spiced drink brings cozy flavors that complement the sweet and salty notes of the cookies perfectly.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: For a whimsical touch, how about pairing with hot, freshly made cinnamon sugar donuts for a delightful sweet spread?
- Chocolate Milkshake: For those craving a treat, a rich chocolate milkshake is a delightful option that pairs scrumptiously with the cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it, which helps the flavors meld beautifully. Alternatively, you can shape the cookie dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—simply place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake, pop the dough balls straight into the oven, allowing an additional minute or two in baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh cookies just as delicious as when they are made from scratch!
Salted Caramel Cookie Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful cookies with these fun twists!
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and flax eggs to make these cookies entirely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an enjoyable texture and extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into your batter for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor reminiscent of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.
- Flavor Swap: Substitute caramel chips with butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a sweet change-up that will surprise your taste buds!
- Nostalgic Twist: Incorporate a few crushed graham crackers into the dough for a s’mores-inspired cookie experience – delightful with a marshmallow fluff filling.
- Choco-Mint Delight: Add peppermint extract and chocolate chips to capture refreshing, festive vibes, perfect for the holiday season.
Feeling inspired? You can also elevate your baking game with other gooey recipes like Gooey Coffee Caramel or experiment with Brownie Mix Cookies to find your next favorite treat!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and fresh.
Freezer: Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, preserving their delicious flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that gooey caramel goodness, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Note: To maintain the best texture, ensure cookies are completely cool before storing them, especially if they contain caramel chips.
Expert Tips for Soft and Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies
- Watch the Bake Time: Remove the cookies when the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked; they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- Even Dough Scoops: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes which promotes even baking and a consistent chewy texture throughout your Salted Caramel Cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent dense, tough cookies.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; this helps control spreading and enhances flavors.
- Flaky Sea Salt Finish: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt on top—it provides that exquisite sweet-salty flair that elevates your cookies to a gourmet treat!
Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right caramel chips?
Absolutely! When selecting caramel chips, choose ones that are soft and have a creamy texture for the best melting results. Look for brands that specify “baking” or “melting” quality on the packaging. You may also consider testing out different flavors, like butterscotch chips, if you’re feeling adventurous!
What’s the best way to store Salted Caramel Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also place a slice of bread in the container; it helps retain moisture! If you’re not going to eat them within that time, absolutely freeze them for longer enjoyment.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. You can place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make your Salted Caramel Cookies vegan, you can substitute regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg) or unsweetened applesauce as an egg replacement. These substitutions maintain texture and flavor, keeping them just as delicious!
What if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your cookies become overly dry, it’s often due to overbaking! Bake them just until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly underbaked. If you find that your dough is crumbly before baking, try adding a teaspoon of milk or coconut milk to moisten the batter.
Can pets safely eat any of the ingredients?
It’s not recommended to share these cookies with pets, especially due to chocolate content and sugars which can be harmful to them. Always keep human treats away from your furry friends and stick to pet-safe snacks for them!
Irresistibly Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies You'll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and 1/2 cup of optional chocolate chips gently.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Lightly sprinkle the tops with flaky sea salt before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.