Name: Salted Caramel Cookie Bliss: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible!
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 (Use fresh for best results.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher salt can be used.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Can substitute with margarine for dairy-free.); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar can be used.); 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugars work.); 2 large Eggs (Can be replaced with flaxseed meal or applesauce for vegan.); 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (Imitation vanilla can be used.); 1 cup Caramel Chips (Homemade caramel is a great alternative.); 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional for an indulgent touch.); 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (Kosher salt can work.)

The delightful aroma of cookies baking in the oven can transport us to moments filled with warmth and happiness—think of the beauty of homemade indulgence. These irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies blend buttery dough with gooey caramel pockets and a sprinkle of sea salt, creating that perfect sweet-salty harmony. Best of all, this easy-to-make recipe allows you to whip up bakery-style treats right in your own kitchen, making it a go-to for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you choose to add chocolate chips for an extra rich experience or enjoy them as they are, these cookies promise to satisfy your cravings and create a memorable moment. Are you ready to fill your home with that inviting, nostalgic scent? Let’s dive in!

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of buttery dough and gooey caramel creates a truly irresistible cookie that you won’t be able to resist.

Versatile Options: You can easily customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts, letting you tailor them to your taste.

Quick and Easy: This recipe is designed to be shortcut-ready, making it not just quick but also accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly get-together, they are sure to please everyone, serving as a delightful treat for all palates.

Memorable Moments: Baking these cookies will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of home, sparking nostalgic feelings and sweet memories with every bite.

Why not complement your cookie experience with a glass of milk or even some homemade Sea Salt Caramel to take it to the next level?

Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients

• Get ready to gather everything you need for these mouthwatering morsels!

For the Cookie Batter

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise; ensure it is fresh for best results.
Salt – Balances sweetness; use kosher salt if you prefer a coarser texture.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; replace with margarine for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Contributes a crisp texture; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and caramel flavor; both light and dark brown sugars work well.
Eggs – Binds ingredients and provides moisture; can be replaced with flaxseed meal or applesauce for a vegan choice.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; consider imitation vanilla if preferred.

For the Sweetness

Caramel Chips – Ensures gooey caramel pockets; homemade caramel is a great alternative.
Chocolate Chips – Optional for an indulgent touch; dark chocolate intensifies the rich flavor.

For the Finishing Touch

Flaky Sea Salt – Provides that perfect sweet-salty contrast; kosher salt can work in a pinch.

Get ready to bake these delicious Salted Caramel Cookies—your taste buds will thank you!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This first step sets the stage for baking your delightful Salted Caramel Cookies to perfection.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This vital step helps incorporate air into the mixture, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients, allowing the flavors to harmonize.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This process is essential as it creates the base for your Salted Caramel Cookies, adding richness to the dough that makes them irresistibly delicious.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition for a smooth consistency. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and blend until fully incorporated. This will enhance the flavor and contribute to the lovely texture of your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should look slightly crumbly, indicating it’s ready for the next step in creating your Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Chips and Options
Gently fold in the caramel chips, and if desired, toss in chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture. Use a spatula to ensure even distribution throughout the dough, which will provide those gooey pockets of caramel in each delicious bite of your finished cookies.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each scoop. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop each mound of dough. This step not only enhances flavor but also adds a visually appealing touch to your Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as the perfect balance of doneness is key to achieving that chewy texture you desire.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time lets the cookies set, ensuring each Salted Caramel Cookie maintains that soft and chewy center, finished with a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors.

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Brown the Butter: Adding a step to brown the butter enhances flavor, giving your cookies a deeper, richer caramel note that’s simply irresistible.
Chill the Dough: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This ensures a thick, chewy texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft, delectable Salted Caramel Cookies you desire.
Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to portion your dough for evenly sized cookies. This promotes even baking and ensures a delightful texture in every bite.
Proper Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies, as baking them until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft is key to achieving that perfect chewy consistency.
Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite nuts or chocolate chips. These variations can elevate your Salted Caramel Cookies and make them uniquely yours.

Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store baked salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: You can refrigerate cookies for slightly extended freshness, but this may alter the chewy texture; enjoy within 10 days for best results.

Freezer: Freeze cookie dough balls in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, enhancing that gooey caramel experience with each bite.

What to Serve with Irresistible Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies

Delight your senses as you prepare a full meal to accompany these warm, gooey treasures, perfect for any occasion.

Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and balances its rich flavors, making every bite even more satisfying.
Coffee Delight: The bold flavors of coffee contrast beautifully with the sweet, salty cookies, providing a comforting adult twist to your treat experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside for a creamy, cool sensation that perfectly complements the warm, soft cookies and their gooey caramel pockets.
Chocolate Almond Milk: Consider this indulgent drink to infuse a nutty richness that harmonizes beautifully with the cookie’s caramel notes.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and a light, bright contrast to the decadent cookies.
Nutty Biscotti: The crunchiness of biscotti provides a delightful textural contrast to the chewy cookie while enhancing your sweet treat experience.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Elevate your cookies by serving them drizzled in warm caramel sauce, enhancing the already luscious caramel flavor within each bite.
Sparkling Cider: This bubbly beverage provides a fun, festive flair while the effervescence cuts through the richness of the cookies, making it a perfect pairing for celebrations.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it to keep the flavors fresh and the dough firm. If you’d like to go even further, you can scoop the dough into balls, freeze them for up to 3 months, and bake straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the frozen dough on a lined baking sheet. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies ready whenever cravings strike, with that delicious home-baked aroma filling your kitchen!

Salted Caramel Cookie Variations

Feel free to explore your creativity and make these cookies uniquely yours with flavor twists and substitutions!

Nuts: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. Their nutty richness beautifully contrasts with the soft cookie base.
Chocolate Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chips along with the caramel for an indulgent twist. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite!
Vegan Version: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use margarine instead of butter for a delicious vegan alternative. You won’t miss the eggs in these luscious cookies!
Candy Bar Surprise: Substitute caramel chips with chopped Snickers bars for an unexpected burst of flavor. This variation is perfect for candy lovers and brings a fun twist.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for warmth and depth. This subtle spice enhances the cookie’s comforting flavor profile.
Dipped in Chocolate: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let it harden. This adds an elegant touch and elevates the entire dessert experience!
Sea Salt Caramel Drizzle: Finish your cookies with a drizzle of homemade Sea Salt Caramel on top. This extra step provides a luxurious finish that customers will rhapsodize about.
Ice Cream Sandwich: Use two cookies to create a delightful ice cream sandwich, filling it with your favorite ice cream flavor. It’s a perfect treat for warm days!

These delightful variations allow you to personalize each batch of cookies! Don’t hesitate to embrace your imagination and experiment. Why not try out some delicious Soft Pumpkin Cookies next time as well?

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right caramel chips?
Absolutely! When selecting caramel chips, look for high-quality brands that list real ingredients. Avoid chips with additives or artificial flavors if you want that delectable gooey center. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel can provide a richer flavor profile and a luxurious texture.

What is the best way to store leftover salted caramel cookies?
For optimal freshness, store your baked salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re looking to keep them longer, refrigerating can work, but aim to enjoy them within 10 days to maintain that perfect chewy texture.

Can I freeze salted caramel cookie dough?
Absolutely! Freezing cookie dough balls is a fantastic way to have fresh cookies on hand. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake the frozen dough for 11-13 minutes, adding a minute or two to ensure they bake perfectly.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread too much while baking, it could be due to warm dough or insufficient chilling time. To troubleshoot, make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. If cookies still spread, try using a bit more flour next time. Also, using a cookie scoop ensures uniform size, which helps maintain a consistent texture.

Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, you can make these salted caramel cookies nut-free! Simply skip any nuts or nut-based ingredients. Be sure to check the labels on your caramel chips and other add-ins, as they may contain traces of nuts. Always take precautions if anyone has severe allergies.

Can I substitute the eggs in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Allow the flaxseed mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This alternative will help bind the ingredients and maintain moisture in your salted caramel cookies.