Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of baking with these Easy Salted Caramel Cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors, these cookies are a true delight for your taste buds. The gooey caramel pockets nestled within a soft and chewy cookie, sprinkled with a touch of flaky sea salt, create a symphony of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

As you mix together the simple pantry ingredients and watch the caramel bits or soft caramels melt into the dough, you’ll be eagerly anticipating the moment these cookies emerge from the oven. The warm aroma of buttery caramel and vanilla will fill your kitchen, signaling that a batch of irresistible treats is ready to be enjoyed. These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies strike the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them ideal for any occasion, from everyday indulgence to special gatherings or thoughtful gifts. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these delicious cookies that are easy to make but taste like a gourmet bakery creation.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
• Gooey caramel pockets in every bite
• Sophisticated flavor and visual appeal with sea salt
• Simple recipe suitable for beginners and impressive for gifting

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe Recipe

• The cookies have a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them incredibly addictive and satisfying.
• Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures with gooey caramel pockets and a tender, chewy cookie base.
• The sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top not only enhances the taste but also adds a sophisticated touch to the cookies.
• They are versatile and can be enjoyed for everyday indulgence or as a special treat for holiday platters or gift-giving.
• The recipe is simple to make, suitable for beginners, and offers consistent, fail-proof results every time.
• The cookies stay soft and chewy for days, ensuring you can enjoy them fresh and delicious over an extended period.
• The dough can be made ahead and frozen, allowing for easy preparation and baking at a later time.
• The tips provided, such as using room temperature ingredients and not overbaking, ensure that you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in every batch.

Ingredients for Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Filling & Topping

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
• 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels, chopped

Pro Tips for Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best texture and consistency, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing the cookie dough. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and affect the overall texture of the cookies.

Pro Tip 2: When baking the salted caramel cookies, remove them from the oven when they appear slightly underdone. This will allow them to set up perfectly as they cool, resulting in soft and chewy cookies with gooey caramel pockets in every bite.

Pro Tip 3: To enhance the presentation and flavor of the cookies, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while they are still warm. This not only adds a sophisticated touch but also provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that make these cookies truly addictive.

How to Make Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Step 02

In a large bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 3: Step 03

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Step 04

In a different bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Step 05

Carefully incorporate caramel bits or chopped caramels into the dough until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Step 06

Using a 1.5 tablespoon scoop, place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers are slightly underbaked.

Step 7: Step 07

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips

To store the finished salted caramel cookies, it is best to place them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. The airtight container helps maintain the cookies’ freshness and prevents them from becoming stale. These cookies can be stored at room temperature for several days, but they are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal texture and flavor.

For longer storage, you can also freeze the salted caramel cookies. To freeze them, arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with layers of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or reheat them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to revive their chewy texture and gooey centers. Proper storage ensures that these delicious cookies remain fresh and enjoyable for an extended period.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative that has a high fat content for a similar texture and flavor. Make sure it is softened to room temperature before using. Additionally, if you prefer a richer caramel flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. Dark brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes to the cookies.

If you don’t have caramel bits or soft caramels on hand, you can make a quick homemade caramel sauce by melting sugar in a saucepan until it turns amber in color, then stirring in some cream and butter until smooth. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cookie dough before baking to achieve a similar gooey caramel center. Remember to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-salty balance and visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try sandwiching a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream between two warm salted caramel cookies for a decadent ice cream sandwich. The contrast of temperatures and textures, with the gooey caramel and cold ice cream, creates a delicious and indulgent dessert experience that will impress any guest.

Another fun idea is to crumble the salted caramel cookies and use them as a topping for a bowl of rich and creamy vanilla or caramel-flavored pudding. The cookies will add a delightful crunch and an extra burst of caramel flavor to the dessert, elevating a simple pudding into a gourmet treat that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

FAQs for Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the salt content. This way, you can add the amount of salt specified in the recipe for the perfect balance of flavors.

Can I substitute caramel sauce for the caramel bits in this recipe?

Caramel sauce is not a suitable substitute for caramel bits or soft caramels in this recipe. The caramel sauce will change the texture and consistency of the cookies, so it’s best to stick to using caramel bits or chopped soft caramels.

How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?

Remove the cookies from the oven when they look slightly underdone. They will continue to set up as they cool, resulting in perfectly chewy cookies with golden edges and gooey caramel centers.

Can I freeze the cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Their simple yet indulgent nature makes them perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to thoughtful gifts. The sweet-salty balance, gooey caramel pockets, and chewy texture make each bite a truly satisfying experience. Remember to follow the tips and tricks shared here to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure with these delightful Easy Salted Caramel Cookies. Let the aroma of freshly baked treats fill your kitchen and bring joy to those around you. Happy baking and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts with these irresistible cookies!