## Why Make This Recipe
Baking is an art that brings joy to many people. When it comes to cookies, nothing beats the delightful taste of salted caramel. Salted Caramel Cookies combine the best of both worlds: the sweetness of caramel and the salty flavor that balances it out perfectly. They not only please your taste buds but also make your kitchen smell wonderful as they bake. These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey pockets of caramel that melt in your mouth.
Whether you want to impress your guests, bring a sweet treat to a gathering, or enjoy a cozy night at home with a warm cookie and a glass of milk, this recipe is perfect. The combination of brown sugar and caramel chips makes each bite a little piece of heaven.
What’s more, these Salted Caramel Cookies are easy to make. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you will have a batch of delicious cookies ready in no time. Once you taste them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
## How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies
Making Salted Caramel Cookies is a fun process that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Here is a complete guide to creating these tasty treats.
### Ingredients
- **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)
- **1 cup caramel chips** (for gooey caramel pockets)
- **½ cup chocolate chips** (optional for richness)
- **½ tsp flaky sea salt** (for sweet-salty contrast)
### Directions
1. **Preheat the oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step prepares your oven for baking, making sure your cookies bake evenly and perfectly.
2. **Prepare the baking sheets**: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents your cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
3. **Mix dry ingredients**: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
4. **Cream the butter and sugars**: In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a nice texture.
5. **Add the eggs and vanilla**: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully integrated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well. This step adds flavor and richness to your dough.
6. **Combine the mixtures**: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make your cookies tough.
7. **Fold in the chips**: Gently fold in the caramel chips. If you choose to use chocolate chips, fold those in too. This is where the gooey goodness comes from!
8. **Scoop the dough**: Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.
9. **Sprinkle salt**: Just before baking, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This adds a delicious salty kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
10. **Bake**: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft.
11. **Cool the cookies**: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
## How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies
Serving Salted Caramel Cookies is a delightful experience. You can serve them warm right out of the oven for that gooey texture. Pair them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a perfect snack or dessert.
These cookies are great for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. You can also stack them in a clear container or on a beautiful plate for an attractive presentation. Adding a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt on top before serving can enhance their appeal.
If you want to impress your guests even more, consider serving these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create a fantastic dessert experience.
## How to Store Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your Salted Caramel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft, chewy texture for up to one week. You can also place a piece of bread in the container. The moisture from the bread will help keep the cookies soft.
If you want to store them for a longer time, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature. For an extra treat, you can warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
## Tips to Make Salted Caramel Cookies
1. **Use room temperature ingredients**: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in mixing and leads to a better dough.
2. **Don’t skip the flaky sea salt**: The sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking is key to achieving the sweet and salty balance that makes these cookies special.
3. **Don’t overmix**: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
4. **Experiment with add-ins**: Feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Dark chocolate chips can be a great alternative to regular chocolate chips.
5. **Watch baking time**: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent overbaking. It's better to take them out a minute early than too late.
## Variation
If you want to change things up, consider adding butterscotch chips or white chocolate chips instead of caramel chips. For a fruity twist, try incorporating dried cranberries or cherries. Each variation can give your cookies a unique flavor profile while still keeping that delicious, chewy texture. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or coconut, to enhance the flavor even more.
## FAQs
**Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?**
A1: Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to about ½ tsp to avoid making the cookies too salty.
**Q2: How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?**
A2: Look for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers. They will continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
**Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?**
A3: Yes, you can prepare the dough, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake when you’re ready.
Enjoy baking these delicious Salted Caramel Cookies! You will love how simple and satisfying they are to make.
Salted Caramel Cookies
Delightful salted caramel cookies that are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey pockets of caramel, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel chips and chocolate chips, if using.
Baking
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer for up to three months.