Irresistibly Gooey Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Sweet memories often spark when unexpected salt cuts through delectable caramel in these salted caramel cookies.

Crisp edges promise a delightful crunch that melts into rich, buttery goodness.

Warm kitchen aromas will draw people closer with each baking batch.

Chocolate chips peek through golden surfaces, adding unexpected texture to every bite.

Comfort meets sophistication in this simple yet elegant treat that connects generations.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental component that provides structure and texture to the cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Offers a rich, deep sweetness and helps create a soft cookie texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes to the cookie's tender crumb and delicate sweetness.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie base.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookie dough.
• Milk, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps keep the cookies moist and soft.

• Salt, Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar: Essential for balancing flavors and helping the cookies rise.
• Caramels, Milk: Create the signature salted caramel filling for the cookies.
• Flaked Sea Salt: Provides a final flavor contrast and gourmet touch to the sweet caramel.

Easy Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Cream of tartar

Stir these ingredients until they’re best friends and completely combined.

Step 3: Create Creamy Wet Base

• Softened butter
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• Powdered sugar

Whip these until they’re smooth and dreamy.

Crack in an egg, splash some milk, and add vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks harmonious.

Step 4: Bring Dough to Life

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until a soft, beautiful dough forms.

Don’t overmix – just make sure everything is happy together.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Spheres

Roll the dough into balls about the size of a golf ball.

Place them on your prepared baking sheets, giving each cookie some breathing room.

Step 6: Create Caramel Pockets

Using a butter-coated measuring cup, gently press a small dimple into the center of each cookie.

This is where the magic will happen!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookies into the oven for 8-10 minutes.

They should look barely golden – we want them soft and tender. Let them chill on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Craft Luxurious Caramel

• Caramels
• Milk

Zap in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Sprinkle in some salt for that extra wow factor.

Step 9: Add Caramel Finishing Touch

Carefully drizzle the warm caramel into each cookie’s center. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a flavor explosion.

Let the caramel set completely.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy

Once the caramel has hardened, store these beauties in an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week – if they last that long!

Expert Tips for Baking Salted Caramel Cookies

• Measure ingredients precisely for consistent cookie texture and perfect caramel consistency.
• Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smooth dough blending and even baking.
• Press cookie centers gently to create deep indentations without cracking the dough.
• Microwave caramels carefully, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve silky smooth texture.
• Sprinkle sea salt immediately after adding caramel for best flavor absorption and visual appeal.

Delicious Variations of Salted Caramel Cookies to Try

• Gluten-Free Caramel Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same measurements for a celiac-friendly version.
• Chocolate Caramel Fusion: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the caramel for a rich chocolate experience.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Mix 1/2 cup chopped pecans or almonds into the dough before shaping, providing an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Caramel Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with a flax egg, and use dairy-free caramel made from coconut milk and maple syrup for a plant-based option.

Pairing Ideas to Elevate Salted Caramel Cookies

• Moscato d'Asti or late harvest Riesling complement the salted caramel's rich sweetness, creating a delightful dessert wine experience.
• Dark roast espresso or smooth cappuccino balance the cookie's sugary profile, cutting through the caramel's intense richness with robust coffee notes.
• Vanilla bean milkshake or smooth almond milk provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, salty-sweet cookie texture, elevating the overall taste sensation.
• Smooth bourbon or caramel-infused whiskey echo the cookie's complex flavor profile, offering a sophisticated adult pairing that intensifies the dessert's depth.

How to Store Salted Caramel Cookies for Maximum Freshness

• Seal cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Maintain freshness for up to 5 days by keeping them in the refrigerator's cool environment.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen cookies for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
• Store cookies in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep at room temperature for optimal taste, consuming within 3-4 days for maximum freshness.

FAQs

• What ingredients give these cookies their unique flavor?

The combination of brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salted caramel creates a rich, complex taste profile that balances sweet and salty notes perfectly.

• How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking and ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This can actually enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

What Makes Salted Caramel Cookies So Irresistible

• Craft Delightful Treats: Bake these salted caramel cookies that bring restaurant-quality desserts right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Master Quick Baking: Create impressive cookies in under an hour, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests without complicated techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust salt levels and caramel consistency to match personal preferences, making these cookies adaptable for different taste buds and occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a sophisticated yet simple cookie that balances sweet caramel and savory sea salt, guaranteeing smiles around the table.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Salted caramel cookies deliver rich butterscotch notes with a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Crisp edges and gooey centers make these treats irresistible for anyone craving comfort in a single bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 packages (10.5 oz each) Werther’s Chewy Caramels (unwrapped)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup confectioners powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps milk
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and cream of tartar in a medium bowl until uniformly combined.
3. In a larger bowl, cream butter, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
4. Add egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly until well integrated.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.
6. Roll dough into golf ball-sized spheres, spacing them evenly on prepared baking sheets.
7. Use a buttered measuring cup to create gentle indentations in the center of each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, maintaining a light golden color. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Melt caramels and milk in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth.
10. Stir salt into the melted caramel mixture.
11. Carefully pour caramel into cookie indentations, immediately sprinkling with flaked sea salt.
12. Allow caramel to set completely before storing in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

• Customize the dough texture by adjusting butter temperature, ensuring softened butter creates a smoother, more consistent cookie base.
• Experiment with different salt types like Himalayan or smoked sea salt to add unique flavor dimensions to the caramel topping.
• Prevent cookie spreading by chilling the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking, which helps maintain a more compact and uniform shape.
• Transform these cookies into gluten-free options by substituting all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour for a nutty, alternative texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 172
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 106 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg