Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Soft and chewy, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe features a delightful balance of sweet caramel, buttery dough, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies bring a touch of bakery-style indulgence to your home kitchen. With gooey caramel pockets and optional chocolate chips, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet caramel and salty flakes creates a unique taste that satisfies all cravings.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these cookies as a dessert or snack for any gathering or celebration.
• Bakery-Quality Result: Achieve that warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste right at home without complex techniques.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add nuts or swap in different types of chocolate chips for variety.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect salted caramel cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture quickly.
• Baking sheets: Ensure even baking by providing a sturdy base for placing the cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless after baking.

Ingredients

To create these delicious cookies, you need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (Provides structure)
• 1 tsp baking soda (Helps cookies rise)
• 1 tsp salt (Balances sweetness)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (Adds crisp texture)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (Adds moisture and caramel flavor)
• 2 large eggs (Room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (Enhances flavor)

For the Mix-ins

• 1 cup caramel chips (For gooey caramel pockets)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (Optional for richness)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt (For sweet-salty contrast)

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. Softened butter
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture. Then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Chips

Gently fold in:
1. Caramel chips
2. Optional chocolate chips

Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a scoop or spoon, place rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt

Before baking, lightly sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt to enhance flavor contrasts.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked salted caramel cookies!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Serve these delightful salted caramel cookies warm or at room temperature for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with various beverages and can be presented in several creative ways.

With Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and texture.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange cookies on a platter with assorted fruits and nuts for an appealing dessert spread.

With Ice Cream

• Top a warm salted caramel cookie with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat.

For Coffee Lovers

• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness with rich flavors.

Gift Packaging

• Place cookies in a decorative tin or box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Achieving the perfect salted caramel cookie requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill Your Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes can improve flavor and prevent spreading during baking.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies; remove them when they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh flour, baking soda, and other ingredients contribute to better taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

These side dishes complement the sweet and salty flavors of your salted caramel cookies beautifully.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy contrast.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Sweet strawberries dipped in chocolate provide a rich flavor pairing.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit adds texture to your dessert table.
5. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda that balance sweet flavors with creamy textures.
6. Coffee Cake: Serve slices of moist coffee cake as an additional sweet option that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking salted caramel cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

• Incorrect oven temperature: Using an oven that is too hot or too cold can affect baking. Always preheat and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixed dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on a pan can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

• Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag with the date labeled.

Reheating Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the salted caramel cookie recipe that might help enhance your baking journey.

How do I make my salted caramel cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, ensure you do not overmix the dough and consider adding an extra egg yolk.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with dark, white, or even semi-sweet chocolate chips according to your taste preference.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

Ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. Additionally, chilling the dough before baking can help control spreading.

How long will these salted caramel cookies last?

In an airtight container, they will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week and can be frozen for three months.

Final Thoughts

This salted caramel cookie recipe delivers soft, chewy delights that offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. You can easily customize this recipe by adding nuts or adjusting the amount of chocolate chips. Enjoy baking these delicious treats!