Description

Delight in these Salted Caramel Cookies featuring a perfect balance of sweet caramel chips and a touch of flaky sea salt. With a crisp edge and chewy center, these cookies offer a rich caramel flavor accented by optional chocolate chips for added depth. Easy to prepare and baked to perfection, they’re an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins and Topping

1 cup caramel chips
½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
½ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Dry Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour for consistent rising and flavor.
Creaming: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps create a tender texture.
Wet Mix: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tough cookies.
Mix-ins: Fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for gooey caramel pockets and optional chocolate richness.
Shaping: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or spoon, spacing each mound approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Topping: Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough mound to create the signature sweet and salty contrast.
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
Cooling: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set perfectly.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming results.
Room temperature eggs help the ingredients combine more smoothly.
Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
For extra gooey caramel in the center, consider pressing an additional caramel chip onto the top before baking.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
These cookies freeze well; freeze baked cookies or dough balls for up to 2 months.

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

Keywords: Salted caramel cookies, caramel chip cookies, sweet and salty cookies, homemade cookies, chocolate chip cookies variation