Salted Caramel Cookies: 10 Amazing Treats

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Salted Caramel Cookies have become my absolute go-to for any gathering, and honestly, just for a Tuesday afternoon treat. I remember the first time I tried making them from scratch – I was aiming for those perfectly chewy cookies I’d bought at a local bakery, and the aroma of the brown sugar and caramel filling my kitchen was pure magic. The balance of sweet caramel against that sprinkle of sea salt is just divine, creating a truly addictive, sweet and salty cookie experience that everyone raves about. Let’s get baking these delightful homemade salted caramel cookies!

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these incredible cookies! Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Incredibly chewy texture that’s utterly satisfying.
Perfect balance of sweet caramel and savory sea salt.
They’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
The aroma while baking is simply irresistible.
These homemade salted caramel cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
You can easily customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips.
They make a gourmet-looking treat with minimal effort.
These sweet and salty cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Cookies

Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect batch of homemade salted caramel cookies:

1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie structure
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps them spread and rise
1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – crucial for that tender, chewy texture
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed – adds moisture and that classic caramel depth
1/4 cup granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and aids in crisping the edges
1 large egg – binds everything together
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting flavor
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) – for that gooey, irresistible salted caramel center
Flaky sea salt, for topping – the perfect finishing touch to make these truly sweet and salty cookies

How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies

Creating these delightful homemade salted caramel cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for bakery-worthy results right in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is beautifully creamy and light in color.
Step 4: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat again until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Step 6: Gently fold in 1/2 cup caramel sauce. You want ribbons of caramel throughout the dough, not fully incorporated. This will give you that signature gooey center.
Step 7: Scoop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. They will spread as they bake.
Step 8: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough mound. This is key for that delicious sweet and salty contrast that makes these cookies so special.
Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
Step 10: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your amazing Salted Caramel Cookies!

Pro Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These little tricks will ensure your homemade salted caramel cookies are absolutely perfect every time. They’re simple but make a huge difference!

For extra chewy cookies, slightly underbake them. They’ll continue to cook and set on the hot baking sheet.
Using softened, not melted, butter is key for the right cookie texture.
Don’t skip the flaky sea salt on top! It’s what makes these truly irresistible sweet and salty cookies.
Ensure your caramel sauce is thick enough; a thinner sauce might spread too much.

What’s the secret to perfect Salted Caramel Cookies?

The secret lies in the balance! Properly creaming the butter and sugars, using good quality caramel sauce, and that final sprinkle of sea salt are crucial for these gourmet salted caramel cookies. For more baking tips, check out our recipes section.

Can I make Salted Caramel Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the salted caramel cookie dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Salted Caramel Cookies?

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; too hot and they’ll burn before the caramel sets, too cool and they might spread too much, becoming flat. For more on oven accuracy, you can consult NIST guidelines.

Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies

These delightful cookies are fantastic on their own, but serving them thoughtfully can make them even more special. For a truly decadent treat, try pairing your warm Salted Caramel Cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is heavenly. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. For a more elevated dessert experience, consider crumbling them over a bowl of butterscotch pudding or incorporating them into a trifle for an extra layer of sweet and salty goodness. Learn more about our baking philosophy.

Nutrition Facts for Salted Caramel Cookies

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for these delicious homemade salted caramel cookies, per serving (which is about one cookie):

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on dietary guidelines, you can visit the MyPlate website.

How to Store and Reheat Salted Caramel Cookies

Once your delicious homemade salted caramel cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to maintaining their delightful chewy texture. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Stored this way at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh and chewy for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep a batch longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Wrap them securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To enjoy them again, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, gooey caramel center. These cookies are perfect for making ahead for any occasion! You can find more storage tips on our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Cookies

What makes these Salted Caramel Cookies so chewy?

The secret to these wonderfully chewy homemade salted caramel cookies lies in the combination of brown sugar and slightly underbaking them. Brown sugar adds moisture, and pulling them from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers are still soft ensures that delightful chewiness.

Can I use a different type of caramel for these cookies?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a thick caramel sauce, you can also use homemade caramel or even caramel bits. If your caramel sauce is very thin, it might spread too much, so aim for a thicker consistency for the best results in your gourmet salted caramel cookies.

Why are my Salted Caramel Cookies flat?

If your cookies are spreading too much and turning flat, it could be due to a few things. Make sure your butter was softened, not melted. Also, ensure you’re not overmixing the dough after adding the flour. Finally, check that your oven temperature is accurate; an oven that’s too cool can cause excessive spreading.

Are these considered sweet and salty cookies?

Definitely! These are the epitome of sweet and salty cookies. The rich, buttery cookie base is complemented by the gooey caramel center, and the sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top provides that perfect counterpoint, creating a truly addictive flavor profile.

Variations of Salted Caramel Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative with these delicious variations of homemade salted caramel cookies! For a richer, nuttier flavor profile, try making brown butter salted caramel cookies by browning your butter before creaming it with the sugars. If you’re a chocolate lover, folding in some chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top turns these into amazing chocolate salted caramel cookies. You can also experiment with adding a touch of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder to the dough for a different flavor dimension. For those looking for a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend to create delightful gluten-free salted caramel cookies! Explore more baking ideas on our homepage.