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