Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Salted caramel cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a soft, chewy texture and rich caramel flavor. These cookies are easy to make and feature gooey caramel centers sprinkled with just the right amount of sea salt. They’re great for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon snacks.
Expect buttery cookies with a rich caramel flavor and a delightful hint of salt that balances the sweetness. These cookies are soft, chewy, and feature pockets of melted caramel in every bite. They’re easy to whip up and will quickly become a household favorite.
Tools to Use
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, chopped
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramels.
2. Shape the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Here’s a simple caramel drizzle recipe for you to try:
Ingredients
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Heat the Sugar
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar.
• Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula as the sugar melts and turns into a golden amber color. Be patient; this can take 5-8 minutes.
2. Add Butter
• Carefully add the butter to the melted sugar. The mixture will bubble up rapidly, so stir quickly until the butter is fully melted and combined.
3. Pour in Cream
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The caramel will bubble vigorously again, but keep stirring until it’s smooth and well combined.
4. Add Flavor
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract (if using) and a pinch of salt for added flavor.
5. Cool Down
• Let the caramel cool slightly before using as a drizzle. It will thicken as it cools.
Storage
Store leftover caramel in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before using.
Enjoy your caramel drizzle on pancakes, cakes, ice cream, or any dessert!
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Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels chopped
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramels.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop dough into balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Cooking
- Use Soft Caramels: Soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels work best as they melt beautifully in the cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 20–30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For a gooey caramel center, reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Salted caramel cookies are a delightful treat for anyone who loves the balance of sweet and salty flavors. They’re easy to make, visually appealing, and have a luxurious caramel flavor that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for cookie exchanges, parties, or indulging in at home.
Give these easy salted caramel cookies a try for a sweet treat that’s sure to impress. Their soft texture, rich caramel flavor, and touch of sea salt make them a standout dessert. Bake a batch and watch them disappear—one delicious bite at a time!
