Name: Soft Salted Caramel Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1 teaspoon Salt (use sea salt for a gourmet finish); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 3/4 cup Brown Sugar (light or dark); 2 large Eggs (room temperature); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (pure preferred); 1 cup Chewy Caramels (cut into small pieces); 1 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (for sprinkling)

When I took my first bite of a salted caramel cookie, it was as if I had unearthed a hidden gem that mixed sweet nostalgia with a hint of daring. The combination of soft, chewy texture and that irresistible sweet-salty balance fills the kitchen with a warmth that draws everyone in, and trust me, these Salted Caramel Cookies are bound to be your new go-to recipe. Best of all, they’re a breeze to whip up, making them a perfect choice for any occasion when you need a crowd-pleaser without spending hours in the kitchen. So, are you ready to indulge in a delicious baking adventure that will leave you (and your loved ones) craving more?

Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try?

Indulgent Flavor: Each bite bursts with a perfect mix of chewy cookie goodness and luscious, gooey caramel. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a casual get-together, these cookies are sure to impress. Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade treats ready in no time. Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy evenings to festive celebrations, they fit every scenario. Plus, if you’re looking for more delightful baking, check out my Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars for another crowd favorite!

Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

All-Purpose Flour – Essential for forming the structure of your cookies.
Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps your cookies rise and stay soft.
Salt – Enhances flavors; use sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Unsalted Butter – Provides moisture and richness, remember to soften for easy creaming.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to a crisp cookie surface.
Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a deeper flavor; feel free to use light or dark for variety.
Eggs – Acts as a binding agent; using room temperature eggs yields better mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Intensifies flavors; pure vanilla is preferred for optimal taste.

For the Caramel Filling

Chewy Caramels – These sweet little pockets will melt into gooey goodness in your cookies.

For the Topping

Flaky Sea Salt – Perfect for sprinkling on top just before baking, it balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

These irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also incredibly easy to make, ensuring they can be a regular feature at your family gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Setting the stage with this simple step creates the perfect baking environment for your delightful Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which play crucial roles in the cookie’s texture and flavor. Set your mixture aside, ready to become part of the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, add the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the mixture on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This vital step incorporates air, giving your Salted Caramel Cookies that desirable soft texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until thoroughly incorporated. This blend creates a luscious batter that bridges the flavors of your Salted Caramel Cookies, enhancing their inherent sweetness.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be gentle to maintain the cookie’s tender consistency. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears, and let the delicious flavor profile develop.

Step 6: Fold in Caramel Pieces
Carefully fold in the chewy caramel pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step adds those irresistible pockets of gooey sweetness that make your Salted Caramel Cookies truly special. Feel free to catch a whiff of that delightful aroma as you combine them!

Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave enough space between each scoop, about 2 inches, to allow for spreading while baking. Watching these little mounds come together is the first glimpse of the wonderful cookies that await you.

Step 8: Add Flaky Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on each cookie dough mound. This ensures a delightful contrast between the sweet and salty flavors, enhancing the deliciousness of your Salted Caramel Cookies. The salt will provide a tantalizing finish as they bake to golden perfection.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on your cookies, as the perfect bake time will give you that desirable soft and chewy texture with a slightly crisp outside, making them utterly irresistible.

Step 10: Cooling Time
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Your Salted Caramel Cookies are on the verge of being ready to enjoy!

Salted Caramel Cookie Variations

Feel free to put your own twist on the Salted Caramel Cookies with these fun and creative swaps!

Chocolate Chip: Substitute half of the caramel pieces with chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor. The gooey chocolate merges perfectly with the salty, sweet notes.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch. These nuts provide an earthy flavor that complements the sweet, soft cookie beautifully.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This simple switch ensures everyone can enjoy these heavenly cookies without worry.
Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warming spice twist. This warming flavor elevates the cookies, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Oatmeal Delight: Mix in a cup of rolled oats for a chewy texture and additional heartiness. These cookies become filling, making them a great snack for on-the-go!
Dulce de Leche Variation: Replace caramel with dulce de leche for a decadent change! The creamy sweetness of dulce de leche adds a luxurious touch to your cookies.
Coconut Lovers: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flair. Not only does it enhance the flavor, but it also adds a fun textural element that’s surprisingly satisfying.

If you’re on the lookout for more cookie ideas, you might want to try my Monster Cookie Fudgy Brownies or even some spooky Cauldron Cookies for a fun twist!

Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them soft and fresh for everyday snacking.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To revive the softness of your salted caramel cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating makes the caramel gooey again and enhances the overall flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients (excluding the caramel and flaky sea salt) and refrigerating it in an airtight container. Just remember that chilling the dough helps them maintain that soft and chewy texture when baked. You can also scoop the dough onto baking sheets and freeze them for up to 3 months; simply cover them well. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough directly into the preheated oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, and you’ll still enjoy delightful, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Salted Caramel Cookies

Treat yourself to a full baking experience that’s sure to delight every gathering!

Tall Glass of Milk: The classic pairing is perfect for dunking, cutting through the sweetness of the cookies with its creamy goodness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop some on the side for a dreamy dessert that perfectly offsets the warm, chewy cookies and adds a delightful chill.
Rich Hot Chocolate: The warm, chocolatey beverage enriches the cookie’s flavors while providing a cozy touch to dessert time.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Additional caramel sauce transforms your cookies into an indulgent treat, enhancing that sweet and salty flavor with more gooeyness.
Coffee or Espresso: A cup of strong coffee beautifully balances the sweetness with its rich flavors, perfect for a late-night treat.
Nutty Trail Mix: Add a crunch with a side of nutty trail mix; the contrasting textures complement the softness of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a burst of brightness, making your dessert feel lighter and adding a pop of color to the table.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The elegance of chocolate-covered strawberries not only elevates your dessert spread but also pairs wonderfully with caramel flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: A surprising twist, a small piece of sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast that heightens the sweet-salty dance in the cookies.

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Butter Consistency: Use softened butter for creaminess, avoiding cold or melted butter which can lead to dense cookies.
Gentle Mixing: Mix the dry ingredients until just incorporated to prevent toughness; overmixing can ruin the delightful texture.
Caramel Care: Cut chewy caramels into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough and prevent them from pooling while baking.
Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment to ensure effortless cookie removal and to minimize cleanup.
Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly to maintain shape, then transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling for best results.

Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for the cookies?
It’s best to use all-purpose flour for your Salted Caramel Cookies, as it provides the perfect structure. If you want a gluten-free option, you can opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which mimics the texture of regular flour without sacrificing flavor.

How should I store my salted caramel cookies?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. If keeping them longer, consider refrigerating them in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks to maintain their freshness.

Can I freeze salted caramel cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to firm up for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying and pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey caramel texture!

What should I do if my cookies come out too hard?
If your cookies turned out hard, it could be due to overmixing the dough or baking them for too long. Always mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients to keep the cookies light and tender. If they’ve already baked too hard, you can try placing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread for a day or two to help them soften and retain moisture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! After mixing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before scooping and baking. This way, you can always have cookie dough on hand for any occasion!

Are salted caramel cookies suitable for those with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like butter, eggs, and flour, making them unsuitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use dairy-free butter and a gluten-free flour blend; however, ensure that your caramel is also free from allergens. Always check ingredient labels to accommodate specific dietary needs!