Description

This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with gooey caramel chips and optional chocolate chips for extra richness. Soft and chewy with a crisp edge, these cookies are topped with flaky sea salt to enhance their decadent taste, making them 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

Mix-ins & Toppings

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare Dry Mix: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later addition to the wet ingredients.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create the perfect cookie texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then add the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, keeping the cookies tender.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the caramel chips and optional chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough for those gooey caramel pockets and rich chocolatey bursts.
Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Add Topping: Sprinkle each dough ball with flaky sea salt to create a delightful sweet and salty contrast once baked.
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn golden while the centers remain soft.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and maintain their shape.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure a smooth batter.
You can substitute caramel chips with chopped soft caramel candies if unavailable.
Adjust the amount of flaky sea salt to taste depending on your preference for saltiness.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
These cookies can be frozen before baking; scoop and freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted caramel cookies, caramel chip cookies, sweet and salty cookies, chewy caramel cookies, dessert cookies, homemade cookies