Buttery Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe: Sweet & Salty Magic

Crisp autumn afternoons call for delightful salted caramel cookies that surprise your taste buds with unexpected richness.

Sweet and salty dance together in every delectable bite.

Buttery dough promises pure comfort wrapped in golden-brown perfection.

Soft centers melt against crunchy edges, creating a symphony of textures.

caramel threads weave through each cookie like delicate golden ribbons.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an irresistible treat that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Prepare to experience a cookie that breaks all traditional flavor boundaries and leaves you craving just one more sweet moment.

Why Salted Caramel Cookies Are So Popular

• Savor Sweet Simplicity: These salted caramel cookies offer an uncomplicated baking experience perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Treats: The irresistible combination of sweet caramel and subtle salt makes these cookies a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can quickly adjust the caramel intensity by adding more or less sauce, making these cookies adaptable to individual taste preferences and fun to experiment with.
• Enjoy Minimal Cleanup: Using just two mixing bowls and simple ingredients means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying delicious homemade cookies with loved ones.

Ingredients Needed for Salted Caramel Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their golden color and chewy consistency.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cookie dough.
• Flour: Serves as the primary structure and base for the cookie recipe.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread during baking.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall cookie flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Provides a luxurious sweet and salty twist to the classic cookie.

• Baking Sheet Lining: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.

Step-by-Step Salted Caramel Cookies Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for these delectable cookies.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth and creamy foundation.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Goodness

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and continue mixing until the ingredients are completely combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

Gently whisk these dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 6: Swirl in Caramel Magic

Gently fold half of the salted caramel sauce into the cookie dough, creating beautiful caramel ribbons throughout.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto lined baking sheets. Space the cookies evenly to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges as a sign of doneness.

Step 9: Final Caramel Flourish

Once cooled slightly, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top of the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.

Tips for Baking Salted Caramel Cookies

• Gently fold caramel sauce into cookie dough to maintain a smooth, even texture without breaking the mixture.
• Adjust the amount of caramel sauce based on personal preference, ensuring balanced flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
• Watch cookies closely during baking, removing them when edges turn light golden to prevent over-browning and maintain soft centers.
• Use high-quality salted caramel sauce for richer, more intense taste that complements the cookie's buttery base.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Flavor Variations for Salted Caramel Cookies

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking soda and ensure caramel sauce is gluten-free.
• Vegan Salted Caramel Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based caramel sauce. Choose vegan-friendly sugar options.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with margarine or plant-based butter alternatives. Use dairy-free caramel sauce made from coconut milk or alternative sweeteners.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Cut granulated and brown sugar by half. Add mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness and moisture. Use sugar-free caramel sauce for lower-calorie version.

Best Pairings for Salted Caramel Cookies

Rich caramel cookies pair beautifully with beverages and complementary treats.

Creamy chai latte or smooth espresso will enhance the cookie’s complex caramel notes and balance its sweetness.

Vanilla bean ice cream creates a decadent contrast, melting luxuriously alongside the warm, chewy cookie texture.

Sprinkle sea salt flakes over whipped mascarpone cream to mirror the salted caramel’s sophisticated flavor profile.

Storing Salted Caramel Cookies Safely

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

• What is the secret to getting soft, chewy cookies?

The key is not to overbake. Remove cookies from the oven when edges are golden but centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet and set perfectly as they cool.

• Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds incredible depth of flavor. You’ll need sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt. Just be careful when cooking caramel, as it can burn quickly.

• How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter isn’t too soft when creaming.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Salted caramel cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweet and salty in each delightful bite. Gooey caramel centers and crisp edges make these treats irresistible for anyone craving a luxurious dessert experience you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 14 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (165 grams) brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)

Flavor Enhancer:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a baking surface with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Whip butter and both sugars in a mixing bowl until light and aerated, creating a smooth cream-like texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
4. Sift together dry ingredients in a separate vessel, then carefully integrate into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain cookie tenderness.
5. Gently swirl half of the salted caramel sauce through the cookie dough, creating delicate marbled ribbons throughout.
6. Portion dough onto prepared baking sheets using a rounded tablespoon, spacing cookies to allow spreading during baking.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges that indicate perfect doneness and crisp exterior.
8. Once removed from oven, allow cookies to rest briefly on baking sheet before transferring to cooling rack.
9. Finish by artfully drizzling remaining caramel sauce across cookie surfaces, creating an elegant and indulgent presentation.

Notes

• Experiment with chilled dough to prevent excessive spreading during baking, ensuring a thicker, more compact cookie texture.
• Replace regular caramel with dairy-free or vegan caramel alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and create even baking surfaces, guaranteeing perfectly golden edges.
• Consider reducing sugar content slightly and adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the caramel’s depth and balance the overall sweetness of the cookies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 222 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 166 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 28 mg