Salted Caramel Cookies
Salted Caramel Cookies are a delightful treat loved by many. These cookies combine sweetness with a touch of salt, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. They are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel bits, making them hard to resist. Whether you bake them for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, they are sure to lighten up your day and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Make This Recipe
You should definitely consider making Salted Caramel Cookies for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers. The combination of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a unique flavor that stands out from more traditional cookies. Moreover, these cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, which makes them quite addictive. They are also great for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or for indulging yourself on a cozy night in. Additionally, the ingredients are simple and accessible, which means you can whip up a batch whenever you crave something sweet.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cookies
Making Salted Caramel Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these steps to create your perfect batch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Sea salt for topping
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a spoon or an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until everything is well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
Fold in Caramel Bits: Gently fold in the caramel bits using a spatula. This will ensure that the caramel is evenly distributed without breaking it up too much.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a small amount of sea salt on top of each dough ball. This will enhance the flavor of the cookies and give them that perfect salty finish.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. The centers may look slightly undercooked; this is okay as they will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.
Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Cookies
Salted Caramel Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them warm, allowing the caramel bits to ooze slightly, which enhances their flavor and texture. Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect combination. They also make excellent gifts; simply stack them in a small tin or box with some decorative tissue paper for an inviting presentation. If you are hosting a party or gathering, consider serving them alongside other desserts for a delightful dessert platter.
How to Store Salted Caramel Cookies
To keep your Salted Caramel Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week, though they’ll taste best within the first couple of days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Cookies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This will help them mix more smoothly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be golden around the edges but soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to get creative by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even chocolate chips for extra richness.
Adjust Salt to Taste: If you prefer a stronger salty flavor, feel free to sprinkle more sea salt on top before baking. Just be careful not to add too much, as you don’t want to overpower the sweetness.
Chill the Dough: If you find your dough is too soft to work with, chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to scoop.
Variation
If you want to change it up a bit, try adding different flavors to your cookies. Here are a couple of ideas:
- Chocolate Dipped: After baking and cooling, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
- Nutty Version: Add chopped nuts to the dough, like toasted pecans or hazelnuts, for an added crunch and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel, but make sure it’s cut into small pieces to fit well into the cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is not too warm when mixing the dough, and consider chilling the dough before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape.
4. How do I know when my cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
5. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Enjoy baking and savoring your delicious Salted Caramel Cookies!
Print
Salted Caramel Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful salted caramel cookies that are soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel bits.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits
- Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the caramel bits.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of each dough ball.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers may look undercooked.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and don’t overbake. Feel free to experiment with add-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cookies, dessert, caramel, salted, sweets