Caramel cookies are the perfect blend of sweetness and chewiness, creating an irresistible treat that anyone can enjoy. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie that oozes delightful pockets of gooey caramel. These cookies are not just dessert; they’re a warm hug in baked form, ready to make any day feel special. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with friends and family, caramel cookies promise to deliver a delicious experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Why We Love This Caramel Cookies Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting about homemade cookies, and when you add caramel to the mix, they go from comforting to downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this caramel cookie recipe stands out because of its simplicity and the joy it brings. Not only are these cookies easy to make, but the combination of brown sugar and caramel creates a rich flavor profile that is hard to resist. The chewy centers, coupled with the option of sprinkling a little sea salt on top, elevate this treat to something truly special. If you love cookies that are soft, chewy, and filled with gooey caramel, this recipe is definitely for you.
Ingredients about Caramel Cookies
To make these delicious caramel cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Caramel Cookies Directions
Let’s dive into how you can whip up these scrumptious caramel cookies in your kitchen. Follow these simple steps to get started:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when you put your cookies in, they bake evenly and perfectly.
- Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This important step ensures that your cookies will have a nice texture.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into your butter and sugar mix. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Doing this helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramel candy. This is where the magic happens, as each cookie will have bursts of gooey caramel.
- Now, using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are ready when the edges turn golden brown, but the centers should still look slightly underbaked for the perfect chewy texture.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them to set up nicely.
- While the cookies are still warm, you might want to sprinkle a little sea salt on top. This step adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Caramel Cookies
Serving caramel cookies can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like. You can enjoy them warm right out of the oven with a glass of cold milk, which is always a classic pairing. If you’re feeling a bit more creative, consider stacking a few cookies and serving them as dessert at a dinner party. Place them on a decorative plate and add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat. You can also package them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon for a delightful gift for friends or family. Caramel cookies can be a comforting treat during a cozy movie night or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are sure to impress.
Expert Tips: Caramel Cookies
To ensure that your caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature before mixing. This helps all the ingredients blend together smoothly.
- Don’t skip the chilling step: If you find that your dough is too sticky to handle, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape.
- Choose the right caramel: For mess-free cookies, opt for caramel bits instead of soft caramel candy. They are formulated specifically for baking and will melt perfectly without becoming runny.
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the minimum baking time. This way, you can ensure they don’t overbake.
- Experiment with mix-ins: While caramel is the star of the show, consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Caramel Cookies
Your caramel cookies deserve proper storage to maintain their freshness. To store them, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, though they may not last that long because they are so delicious! If you need to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Flash freeze the cookies on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up!
Variation of Caramel Cookies
One of the best things about caramel cookies is their versatility. Here are some fun variations you can try to switch things up:
- Chocolate Caramel Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough or mix in chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Caramel Cookies: Fold in chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy caramel.
- Oatmeal Caramel Cookies: Substitute a portion of the flour with oats to create a heartier cookie that is still soft and chewy.
- Stuffed Caramel Cookies: Take two small balls of dough and enclose a caramel candy in the center. This creates a deliciously gooey surprise when you bite into the cookie.
- Spiced Caramel Cookies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel.
FAQ
What makes caramel cookies different from regular cookies?
Caramel cookies stand out due to the addition of caramel bits or pieces, which provide a gooey, sweet contrast to the buttery, soft cookie dough. This unique ingredient elevates the overall flavor and texture compared to traditional cookies.
Can I substitute the caramel bits with another ingredient?
Yes! If you don’t have caramel bits, you can use chopped soft caramel candies. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces to help them melt evenly while baking.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
These caramel cookies are designed to be soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges, thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sugars in the recipe.
How long do these caramel cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these caramel cookies can last up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Salted butter can enhance the overall taste, especially if you plan to sprinkle sea salt on top.
Is there a gluten-free option for these cookies?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend you use is suitable for baking.
Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 cup brown sugar Packed for best results.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg At room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candy For best melting properties.
- to taste Sea salt for sprinkling (optional) Adds contrast to sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramel candy.
Baking
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on top while still warm, if desired.
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