# Irresistibly Chewy Salted Caramel Cookies: Your New Go-To Recipe
## Introduction
Let me take you back to a sun-drenched kitchen, filled with laughter and the mouthwatering aroma of baked goods. It was a Saturday afternoon tradition in my house—gathering around the kitchen table with my family, flipping through recipes that promised sweetness and joy. One day, my grandmother pulled out her infamous Salted Caramel Cookies recipe, and with a sparkle in her eye, she knew this would be the crown jewel of our baking spree.
These cookies aren't your average treats. They boast a perfect balance of rich caramel sweetness complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt that takes your taste buds on a journey. It’s this unique combination that makes these cookies unforgettable, a recipe I'll cherish and share with you all. Many recipes fall flat, but let me assure you—this is not just another cookie; it’s a magical moment captured in a sweet bite. In this post, I’ll guide you through crafting your very own Salted Caramel Cookies—your family will be begging for more and your friends will think you’ve opened a bakery. Get ready for gooey deliciousness!
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## What Are Salted Caramel Cookies?
Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful marriage of traditional cookie ingredients and luscious caramel, all sprinkled with a hint of sea salt. Originating from the beloved profusion of desserts that celebrate sweet and salty pairings, these cookies offer a comforting experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.
Biting into one is pure bliss; the outer edges are slightly crisp, while the center is impossibly chewy—almost like a cookie-dough hug! Each cookie bursts with rich flavors, leaving a pleasing sweetness that is superbly counterbalanced by that pinprick of salt. These cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a birthday celebration, or just a relaxing Sunday afternoon treat.
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## Why You'll Love This Recipe
1. **Homemade Goodness**: Unlike store-bought versions, these homemade Salted Caramel Cookies are fresh from your oven. You can taste the love in each bite—there’s just something special about homemade treats.
2. **Cost-Effective**: Making these cookies at home is often more economical than purchasing gourmet cookies from bakeries. You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, allowing you to whip up a delightful treat without breaking the bank.
3. **Total Customization**: Feel free to get creative! Swap half the caramel bits with chocolate chips for a double-delight or incorporate nuts for a crunchy texture. You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste buds perfectly.
4. **Simplicity**: This easy recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and trust me, you don’t need to be a professional to achieve phenomenal results. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies within the hour!
5. **Quick to Make**: With a total prep and bake time of around 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for when cravings strike suddenly or when you need a last-minute treat for unexpected guests.
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## Ingredients
To make these heavenly Salted Caramel Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- **1 cup unsalted butter, softened**: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; brands like Kerrygold are fantastic choices. Be sure to let the butter come to room temperature for optimal creaminess.
- **3/4 cup brown sugar**: Light or dark, this sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- **1/4 cup granulated sugar**: For that signature sweetness and slight crispiness.
- **1 egg**: Room temperature is best—this helps bind the ingredients together evenly.
- **2 teaspoons vanilla extract**: The key to elevating the flavors; pure vanilla extract is highly recommended.
- **2 cups all-purpose flour**: Use a spoon to aerate it before measuring for accurate results.
- **1 teaspoon baking soda**: This will provide lift and softness.
- **1/2 teaspoon salt**: Enhances all the flavor; just a touch!
- **1 cup caramel bits**: These melt perfectly, bringing gooey goodness to each bite. If you can find them, I love using Kraft Caramel Bits.
- **1/2 teaspoon sea salt for topping**: For that final sprinkle of magic!
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## Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to become pale and airy!
3. **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. You'll see a smooth, homogeneous mix.
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
5. **Combine Mixtures**: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as there are no dry bits remaining.
6. **Fold in Caramel Bits**: Gently fold in the caramel bits, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Scoop and Prepare for Baking**: Drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
8. **Sprinkle with Sea Salt**: Before baking, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie. This elevates the flavor and highlights that sweet-salty contrast!
9. **Bake**: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until you see golden edges forming. The centers may look slightly underbaked; this is perfect for achieving a chewy texture.
10. **Cool**: Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
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## Expert Tips & Tricks
1. **Quality Ingredients Matter**: Invest in good quality butter and chocolate or caramel products; they can significantly impact flavor.
2. **Chill the Dough**: If you have time, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps develop an even deeper flavor and prevent spreading.
3. **Storage Recommendations**: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them!
4. **Make-Ahead Instructions**: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it in rounds, then bake directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.
5. **Troubleshooting**: If your cookies spread too much, next time try adding a little extra flour or chilling the dough before baking.
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## Serving Suggestions
Pair these luscious Salted Caramel Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. Alternatively, serve them with a piping hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk—comfort food at its best! For occasions like cookie exchanges or holiday gatherings, I suggest stacking them on a lovely platter, garnishing with some extra caramel drizzle or chocolate sauce for that extra flair!
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## Variations & Substitutions
- **Flavor Combinations**: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You could even toss in some chocolate chips to make a caramel-chocolate dream!
- **Dietary Adaptations**: For a gluten-free option, substitute an all-purpose gluten-free blend. If you're vegan, try using a plant-based butter substitute and a flax egg instead of the egg.
- **Seasonal Variations**: During the fall, add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice twist, or during the holidays, replace some caramel bits with crushed peppermint for a festive flair!
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## Nutrition & Storage Info
- **Prep Time**: 15 minutes
- **Cook Time**: 12 minutes
- **Total Time**: 27 minutes
- **Yield**: 24 cookies
- **Estimated Calories**: 150 calories per cookie (varies based on ingredient specifics)
**Storage**:
- **Room Temperature**: Festive in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- **Refrigerator**: Can last up to a week.
- **Freezer**: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
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## FAQ Section
1. **Can I use regular caramels instead of bits?**
Yes! Just chop them into small pieces.
2. **What should I do if my cookies are too flat?**
Check if the butter was too softened or if there was too little flour; chilling the dough may also help.
3. **Can I double this recipe?**
Absolutely! Just ensure you have enough mixing space to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. **Are these cookies good for gifting?**
Definitely! A cute packaging can make them a wonderful gift for friends and family.
5. **How can I make them chewy?**
Don’t overbake them! The center should look a little underbaked for the best chewy texture.
6. **Can I add chocolate chips?**
Yes! Half chocolate chips and half caramel bits make for an incredible combination.
7. **What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?**
In an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.
8. **Can I make these cookies gluten-free?**
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to substitute regular flour.
9. **How do I know when the cookies are done?**
The edges should be lightly browned, and centers should appear set but not dry.
10. **What’s the best way to reheat them?**
A few seconds in the microwave will revive their gooey goodness!
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## Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience that encapsulates warmth, love, and nostalgia. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and create your own cherished memories in the kitchen! Your friends and family will delight in every bite, and I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Be sure to check out my other delightful dessert recipes on the blog—we have many more sweet adventures ahead!
Salted Caramel Cookies
Delightfully chewy cookies infused with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use high-quality butter for the best flavor; brands like Kerrygold are fantastic choices.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar Light or dark, this sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar For that signature sweetness and slight crispiness.
- 1 piece egg Room temperature is best—this helps bind the ingredients together evenly.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract is highly recommended.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use a spoon to aerate it before measuring for accurate results.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda This will provide lift and softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavor; just a touch!
- 1 cup caramel bits These melt perfectly, bringing gooey goodness to each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for topping For that final sprinkle of magic.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
- Gently fold in the caramel bits, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Before baking, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each cookie.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until you see golden edges forming. The centers may look slightly underbaked.
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for deeper flavor.