Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfectly sweet with a hint of savory saltiness. If you love the irresistible combination of caramel and flaky sea salt, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Easy Salted Caramel Cookies. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you’re craving something decadent.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Cookies
These cookies are the ultimate balance of flavors and textures. The soft, buttery dough melts in your mouth, the caramel bits add gooey richness, and the sprinkle of sea salt takes them over the top. They’re simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while baking!
Ingredients for Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious cookies:
Ingredient | Amount |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
Large eggs | 2 |
Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Caramel bits or soft caramels (chopped) | 1 cup |
Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in the Caramel: Gently stir in the caramel bits or chopped caramels, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into balls, about 1.5 tablespoons each.
- Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
4. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, while the centers may look slightly underbaked.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle each one with a pinch of flaky sea salt. The heat from the cookies will help the salt stick.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm for gooey caramel goodness, or store for later—if they last that long!
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Cookies

1. Use Softened Butter
Softened butter ensures a smooth and creamy dough. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugars.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional)
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
3. Choose the Right Caramel
Caramel bits are ideal because they hold their shape during baking. If using soft caramels, chop them into small pieces for even distribution.
4. Don’t Overbake
Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures a soft, chewy texture. They’ll continue to set as they cool.
5. Add Sea Salt Immediately
Sprinkle the flaky sea salt as soon as the cookies come out of the oven. This ensures the salt adheres to the warm cookies.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (makes 24 cookies):
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 2g |
Fat | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 24g |
Sugars | 16g |
Fiber | 1g |
Creative Variations
1. Chocolate-Caramel Cookies
Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
2. Nutty Caramel Cookies
Mix in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
3. Spiced Caramel Cookies
Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the cookies gluten-free.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing Dough: Portion the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty cookie.
2. What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
Regular sea salt or kosher salt can be used as a substitute. Just use a light hand when sprinkling.
3. Can I use dark brown sugar?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor that complements the caramel.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your butter might have been too soft, or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
5. How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
6. Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes! Use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time by 1–2 minutes.
Conclusion
These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover. With their perfect blend of sweet caramel and flaky sea salt, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers incredible results every time.
Print
Easy Salted Caramel Cookies: A Sweet and Savory Delight
- Total Time: 20–22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Bite into a soft, chewy cookie with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of savory saltiness. These Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are loaded with gooey caramel bits and sprinkled with flaky sea salt for that irresistible contrast. Whether for a cozy night or a holiday cookie swap, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels (chopped)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the caramel bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls.
- Place the dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Cool and Serve
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy warm for a gooey caramel experience or store for later.
Notes
- Use Softened Butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth dough that will mix properly with the sugars.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- Caramel Choice: Caramel bits hold their shape best, but if using soft caramels, chop them into small pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American