If you are a fan of that magical blend of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors, then these Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies are about to become your new obsession. They perfectly balance the rich creaminess of white chocolate with the irresistible pop of salted caramel chips, all nestled in a tender, chewy cookie that’s just begging to be devoured. Every bite melts with luscious caramel goodness and a hint of sea salt that elevates the cookie from ordinary to utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers an indulgent, comforting experience that feels like a warm hug in cookie form.

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies come together with simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s giving texture, flavor, or that perfect cookie structure that holds all the delicious mix-ins together. You’ll love how straightforward these pantry staples transform into something spectacular!

1 cup unsalted butter (straight from fridge or room temperature): Using cold or room temperature butter ensures the dough has the perfect consistency, preventing spread and keeping the cookies thick and chewy.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses flavor and moisture, contributing to the cookie’s softness.
1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the richness with sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla: Boosts all the other flavors — don’t skip it!
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly while creating a tender texture.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for a soft, airy bite.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all layered flavors.
10 oz. HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips: The star ingredient delivering bursts of gooey caramel with just the right sprinkle of salt.
1 cup white chocolate chips: Sweet and creamy, melting into the dough for luscious pockets of flavor.
Optional: 1 ½ cups soft caramel bits: For an extra caramel punch and chewy texture, add these delightful bits.

How to Make Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it reaches the perfect baking temperature right when your cookies are ready to hit the oven. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat to prevent sticking and to help your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter straight from the fridge (or room temperature), brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beating this mixture until fluffy is crucial because it creates air pockets that give the cookies their wonderful light texture. Once fluffy, add the eggs and vanilla and continue beating until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, ensuring your cookies bake consistently without spots of uneven texture or flavor.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Over-mixing here can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle and stop as soon as you see a uniform dough.

Step 5: Adding the Star Mix-ins

Now it’s time for the magic: fold in the sea salt caramel chips, white chocolate chips, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, the soft caramel bits. These ingredients bring delightful bursts of sweetness and salt that make these cookies impossible to resist.

Step 6: Scooping and Baking

Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop them in the oven for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft.

Step 7: Cooling

After removing from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to set so they don’t break apart when you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven amps the salted caramel flavor beautifully. For a festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies or press a few extra caramel bits gently into the warm tops before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy vanilla latte to complement the sweet and salty layers. They also go wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a dessert that’s both comforting and special.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack several cookies tied together with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a dollop of salted caramel ice cream in between for a spectacular ice cream sandwich that will wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every bite.

Freezing

If you want to stash these sweet treats for later, you can freeze the cookie dough balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from frozen onto your baking sheet and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, heat your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a warm oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, gooey delight that makes these cookies so special.

FAQs

Can I substitute salted caramel chips if I can’t find them?

Absolutely! If salted caramel chips are hard to find, try mixing regular caramel bits with a light sprinkle of sea salt so you still get that perfect sweet-and-salty combo.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

In this recipe, chilling isn’t necessary unless your butter was too warm and the dough feels soft or sticky. Chilling can prevent excessive spreading but isn’t required for these cookies.

Can I use softened butter instead of cold or room temperature?

It’s best to follow the recipe’s guidance and avoid softened butter since it changes the dough’s texture and how cookies spread during baking. Using cold or room temperature butter gives you that perfectly chewy result.

How large should I make each cookie?

The recipe suggests using about a ¼ cup of dough per cookie. This size ensures a generous treat with a chewy center and slightly crisp edges.

Can I add nuts for extra crunch?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add delightful texture and a toasty flavor that complements the salted caramel and white chocolate beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies enough for anyone who loves a blend of gooey caramel, sweet white chocolate, and a hint of salt all rolled into one brilliant cookie. They’re simple to make, utterly addictive, and perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love one delicious bite at a time!

Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: About 24 large cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Salted Caramel White Chocolate Cookies offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with rich white chocolate, sea salt caramel chips, and an optional addition of soft caramel bits, baked to golden perfection for a chewy, indulgent treat.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat mat and set it aside to prepare for baking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars (brown and granulated) until well combined and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in the HERSHEY’S Kitchens Sea Salt Caramel Chips, white chocolate chips, and if using, the soft caramel bits. Mix until the chips and caramel bits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or a ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Do not use softened or warm butter; use chilled or room temperature to achieve the proper cookie texture.
Optional caramel bits enhance the chewy caramel flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet will prevent them from merging as they bake.
No need to chill the dough unless it feels warm or too soft for easy scooping.
For best results, use parchment paper or a silpat mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 60g)
Calories: 260
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 130mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: salted caramel cookies, white chocolate cookies, caramel white chocolate chip cookies, chewy caramel cookies, Hershey’s sea salt caramel, holiday cookies, baking, dessert recipe