Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love that incredible combination of sweet and salty, this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe will become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with pockets of gooey caramel chips and a subtle hit of flaky sea salt that makes every bite a perfect balance of rich, buttery sweetness and a touch of savory magic. These cookies are easy to make but deliver an impressive, gourmet-worthy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds — or the entire batch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role — from the structure provided by flour to the delightful pockets of caramel that melt with every bite.

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure that holds your cookies together perfectly.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps your cookies rise just enough for a tender, chewy texture.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances all the sweetness and highlights the caramel flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a tender crumb to every bite.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Contributes to a crisp texture and light sweetness.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Helps bind the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and warmth of the cookie.
• 1 cup caramel chips: Creates those special gooey caramel pockets that make the cookie truly unique.
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional): Adds a touch of rich chocolate that complements the salty caramel perfectly.
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect sweet-salty contrast that makes flavors pop.

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, which is key for consistent flavor and texture throughout your bake.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step traps air, ensuring your cookies have the perfect tender lift and a beautiful golden color once baked.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds moisture and deepens the flavor, forming the creamy base of your cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your creamed butter and sugar, mixing just until combined. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle for that tender bite.

Step 5: Fold in Caramel and Chocolate Chips

Now, the best part: folding in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips. These little gems bring hit-after-hit of sweetness and gooey texture that defines this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing each cookie about two inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers look just set. Don’t forget to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top immediately after baking for that luscious finish.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt over warm cookies can heighten the flavor contrasts. If you want to get playful, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top for added decadence.

Side Dishes

A cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee pairs beautifully with these cookies, balancing richness and enhancing the indulgent flavors. For a grown-up twist, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

These cookies also make charming gifts! Layer them in a pretty box with parchment paper separating each layer, or stack them tied with a rustic ribbon. You can sandwich them with caramel cream or chocolate ganache to turn the Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe into an irresistible dessert sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve softness and texture.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance, these cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, gooey charm, pop cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for five minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. The caramel chips will soften, and the cookie will regain its fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter because you control the salt with the added 1 teaspoon in the recipe and the flaky sea salt topping. Using salted butter may make the cookies too salty.

Are caramel chips necessary for this recipe?

While the caramel chips are a star ingredient in this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe, you can substitute with chopped soft caramels if needed, though chips melt more evenly and offer that signature gooey texture.

What makes these cookies chewy rather than crunchy?

The combination of brown sugar, butter, and careful baking time ensures chewy edges and tender centers. Removing the cookies just as the centers set keeps that perfect balance of chewiness.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just be sure to mix thoroughly for even distribution, and bake on multiple sheet trays if needed, taking care to rotate for uniform baking.

Why sprinkle flaky sea salt instead of regular salt?

Flaky sea salt adds texture and bursts of salty flavor without dissolving completely. It highlights the sweetness and enhances the caramel, creating the perfect sweet-salty harmony.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy treat that feels special and impresses everyone. With its perfect balance of chewy texture, rich caramel pockets, and that irresistible touch of sea salt, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and watch them disappear fast — trust me, you’ll want to keep these in your go-to recipe box forever!

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