Name: Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies for Sweet Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (For gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.); 1 teaspoon baking soda (Helps the cookies rise.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened; browning adds depth.); 0.75 cup granulated sugar (Adds crispness.); 0.75 cup brown sugar (Introduces moisture.); 2 large eggs (Room temperature.); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (Enhances flavor.); 1 cup caramel chips (Kraft caramel bits recommended.); 0.5 cup chocolate chips (Optional; use dark or milk chocolate.); 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (Sprinkle on top before baking.)

As I strolled through a quaint bakery, the warm aroma of freshly baked cookies enveloped me like a cozy hug. That’s when I stumbled upon the original inspiration for my Ultimate Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies. This recipe combines the enticing sweetness of gooey caramel with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up right in your kitchen, but they also bring the heartwarming touch of nostalgic bakery flavors to your home. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm mug of coffee, these cookies are bound to become your new favorite. Hopefully, you’re ready to embark on this delicious journey with me—what mix-ins will you choose to personalize your batch?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Sweet, Salty Delight: The combination of rich caramel and flaky sea salt creates an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Easy Preparation: With simple steps for browning butter and mixing ingredients, you’ll have bakery-quality cookies in no time!

Endless Customization: Add chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste and take these cookies to the next level.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging on a cozy night in—everyone loves a good cookie!

Memorable Texture: Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy edges and a chewy, gooey center that makes each cookie a delightful experience.

Level up your baking prowess with this recipe, and if you’re a fan of sweet treats, be sure to check out my Cinnamon Roll Cookies for another delicious adventure!

Salted Caramel Cookie Ingredients

• For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise for a tender texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Softened for a creamy texture; browning adds depth and richness.
Granulated Sugar – Adds crispness to the cookie.
Brown Sugar – Introduces moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Eggs – Use room temperature eggs for better emulsion.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• For the Caramel and Optional Add-ins:

Caramel Chips – Creates gooey pockets of caramel in the cookies; Kraft caramel bits work best for melting.
Chocolate Chips (optional) – Adds richness; try dark or milk chocolate for depth.

• For the Topping:

Flaky Sea Salt – Sprinkling this on top before baking creates a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast, enhancing the cookies’ flavor.

Let your creativity shine as you create these salted caramel cookies—each bite is a step towards sweet bliss!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring smooth cookie removal later. This preparation sets the stage for your delightful Salted Caramel Cookies, keeping them from sticking while helping them bake evenly.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, ensuring that your cookies rise beautifully and have a balanced flavor. Set this mixture aside while you focus on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The light color will let you know it’s ready! This creaming process builds the structure and sweetness in your Salted Caramel Cookies for that bakery-like texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add in 2 room-temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Then, add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step enriches the dough with flavor, setting a sweet foundation for your cookies packed with caramel goodness!

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring not to over-mix the dough. You’ll see a thick, slightly sticky consistency forming—this means your Salted Caramel Cookie dough is on the right track!

Step 6: Fold in Chips
Carefully fold in 1 cup of caramel chips and, if desired, ½ cup of chocolate chips using a spatula. This is where the magic happens as the gooey caramel and rich chocolate will create delightful pockets of flavor. Be gentle to keep the dough light and fluffy for the perfect chewy cookie texture.

Step 7: Scoop Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread while baking, ensuring even warmth and that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth consistency throughout your Salted Caramel Cookies.

Step 8: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
Before placing them in the oven, lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball. This final touch not only enhances the flavors but creates that delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that makes your cookies truly unforgettable.

Step 9: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them as the aroma fills your kitchen, signaling that your Salted Caramel Cookies are just about ready to come out!

Step 10: Cool
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to set perfectly. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, where they will firm up a bit while retaining their gooey centers, awaiting your indulgence!

What to Serve with Ultimate Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies

Imagine a cozy evening filled with laughter, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, inviting everyone to the table.

Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that balances sweetness, perfect for dunking those chewy cookies.
Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee complement the buttery caramel, creating a comforting evening ritual.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion alongside warm cookies for an indulgent dessert that melts in your mouth.
Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing zing to rich cookies.
Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a warm mug of hot cocoa; the chocolatey goodness enhances every delicious bite.
Cheese Board: Include creamy brie or sharp cheddar for a surprising contrast that elevates your cookie experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For cookie lovers, serve up another batch for variety—double the cookie happiness!
Nutty Chocolate Brownies: Serve a rich brownie alongside for a decadent dessert platter filled with sweet contrasts.
Fresh Mint Tea: The herbal notes of mint tea lighten the palate beautifully, complementing the rich cookie flavors.
Apple Crisp: Offer a warm fruit dessert with a hint of cinnamon, perfect for autumn-inspired gatherings.

Salted Caramel Cookie Variations

Feel free to explore these delicious twists to make your salted caramel cookies uniquely yours!

Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. These nuts perfectly complement the sweetness of the caramel.
Chocolate Lover’s Upgrade: Substitute half the caramel chips with chocolate chips. Rich, melty chocolate adds deep flavors that chocolate lovers adore!
Spicy Surprise: Incorporate ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. The subtle warmth will contrast beautifully with the sweetness.
Bourbon Vanilla: Swap regular vanilla extract for bourbon vanilla for a rich twist. The bourbon adds complexity and a hint of warmth to every cookie.
Caramel Swirls: Instead of mixing in caramel chips, create swirls by folding in ½ cup of caramel sauce into the dough. The gooey ribbons will provide surprises in every bite!
Pumpkin Spice Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a seasonal twist. This flavorful addition brings the essence of fall to your cookies.
Salted Caramel Bars: Press the cookie dough into a greased baking dish instead of scooping. Bake for 20-25 minutes for chewy salted caramel bars—perfect for sharing!
Fruity Addition: Fold in ½ cup of diced dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast with the caramel. These fruity bites not only add flavor but also color to your cookies.

Ready to elevate your baking game further? Dive into other sweet treats like my delectable Chocolate Chip Cookies or create something unique with Cauldron Cookie Cups. Feel free to experiment, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweet aromas!

Make Ahead Options

These Ultimate Bakery-Style Salted Caramel Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. If you’re looking to extend the time even further, it can be frozen for up to 2 months—simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Additionally, you can pre-measure your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) and store them in an airtight container to streamline the process. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and bake as directed for cookies that are just as delicious and freshly baked!

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Cookies

Browning Butter: Monitor carefully while melting; overcooking can lead to burnt butter instead of the desired nutty flavor.
Mixing Accuracy: Avoid over-mixing the dough, as it can create tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for perfect texture.
Chilling Dough: For a thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before scooping; it helps achieve a chewy center.
Sea Salt Balance: Don’t skimp on the flaky sea salt; it truly elevates the flavor. Just a pinch can make a world of difference!
Universal Appeal: Make these cookies ahead for gatherings; their blend of sweet and salty is sure to delight everyone!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delicious chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, store cookies in the refrigerator for a fresher taste; they can last up to 2 weeks, but make sure they’re sealed well to prevent drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of flour should I use for these cookies?
I recommend using all-purpose flour for the best structure. If you need a gluten-free version, a gluten-free flour blend can work just as well!

How should I store my salted caramel cookies?
For optimal freshness, store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’d like a slightly fresher taste, you can keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze raw cookie dough?
Absolutely! To freeze raw cookie dough, scoop out the dough balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The dough can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have freshly baked cookies in no time!

What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely due to the butter being too soft or over-mixing the dough. To fix this next time, ensure your butter is at the right temperature—softened but not melted. Also, mix the dough just until combined to maintain a thicker texture.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can! However, if you use salted butter, reduce or eliminate added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming overly salty. This way, you maintain the sweet-and-salty flavor harmony of the salted caramel cookies.

Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes, they can be. Simply avoid any nut-based add-ins, as the base recipe itself is nut-free. However, always double-check any chocolate chips or other mix-ins you choose to ensure they are safe for those with allergies.