Salted Caramel Cookies

Name: Salted Caramel Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Published: February 17, 2025

by Aria

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Cookies

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt creates an unforgettable taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a casual afternoon snack, these cookies fit perfectly into any event.
Great for Sharing: Bake up a batch and share them with friends and family—these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 cups of all-purpose flour as the base for your cookie dough; it gives structure and chewiness.
Baking Soda: Just one teaspoon is needed to help your cookies rise and achieve the perfect texture.
Salt: A pinch enhances the flavor of the cookie while balancing the sweetness from the caramel.
Unsalted Butter: Use one cup of softened butter; it provides richness and flavor to your dough.
Brown Sugar: One cup packed brown sugar adds moisture and deep flavor that complements the salted caramel perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Half a cup adds sweetness and helps achieve a beautiful golden color in your baked cookies.
Eggs: One large egg binds everything together while contributing to the cookie’s moist texture.
Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract enhances all other flavors in the cookie dough.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Use about half a cup of store-bought or homemade sauce to fill each cookie with its signature flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside while you prepare the wet mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel

Gently fold in half a cup of salted caramel sauce until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Allow cooling on wire racks before serving.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

- Chill Your Dough: For chewier cookies, chill your dough in the refrigerator for about an hour before baking.
- Add Extra Sea Salt: Sprinkling a little extra sea salt on top before baking enhances flavors beautifully.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.

Mistakes to avoid

- - Using the wrong type of sugar: When making salted caramel cookies, avoid using only granulated sugar. Instead, opt for a combination of brown and white sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor that complements the caramel perfectly. If you rely solely on granulated sugar, your cookies may turn out dry and less flavorful.
  - Overbaking the cookies: One common mistake is to bake the salted caramel cookies for too long. Cookies should be taken out when they are slightly underbaked, as they will continue cooking on the baking sheet once removed from the oven. Overbaking can lead to a hard texture that detracts from the chewy center you desire.
  - Not chilling the dough: Chilling your cookie dough is essential for achieving the right texture in salted caramel cookies. Skipping this step can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. A minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain their shape while baking.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Cookies

This Salted Caramel Cookies recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

- - Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness of the caramel complements the bitterness of coffee, creating a delightful balance.
  - Ice Cream: Serve your salted caramel cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a delicious treat that everyone loves.
  - Milk: A classic pairing. A glass of cold milk enhances the flavors of the cookies, making it a nostalgic snack for all ages.

FAQs

FAQs about Salted Caramel Cookies

What makes Salted Caramel Cookies unique?

Salted Caramel Cookies stand out because they combine the rich, buttery flavor of cookies with the decadent taste of salted caramel. This unique blend creates a perfect balance between sweet and salty, making them irresistible. The addition of sea salt enhances the flavor profile, providing an exciting contrast to the sweetness. Every bite offers a chewy texture, complemented by pockets of gooey caramel that melt in your mouth. This combination has become increasingly popular among cookie lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Can I make Salted Caramel Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Salted Caramel Cookies ahead of time. You can either bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze the cookie dough for later use. If you choose to freeze the dough, simply shape the cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store Salted Caramel Cookies?

To keep your Salted Caramel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from becoming stale. If you want to keep them for an extended period, consider freezing them instead. Arrange cooled cookies in layers between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Properly stored, they can last up to three months in the freezer.

Can I customize the recipe for Salted Caramel Cookies?

Absolutely. You can customize your Salted Caramel Cookies by adding ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits for added flavor and texture. For those who prefer less sweetness, consider reducing the amount of caramel used or using dark chocolate chunks instead of milk chocolate chips. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract can also enhance the overall flavor profile while keeping it unique to your taste preferences.

Conclusion for Salted Caramel Cookies

In summary, making Salted Caramel Cookies is both simple and rewarding. With their perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, these cookies are sure to please anyone who tries them. By following this easy recipe and using quality ingredients, you can create delightful treats that are ideal for any occasion. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with coffee or ice cream, these cookies offer a memorable experience every time you indulge. Don’t hesitate to customize your batch to suit personal tastes; after all, baking is all about creativity and enjoyment.