These Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. With their chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a mouthwatering experience, making these cookies a memorable delight for both you and your loved ones. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, they are an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this deliciously sweet and salty treat!
Why We Love This Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie and discovering the luscious layer of salted caramel within. This cookie recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of salt, creating a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The buttery dough coupled with the creamy, gooey caramel is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a joy to make. You can whip these cookies up in no time, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, the inviting aroma that wafts through your kitchen as these cookies bake is just an added bonus!
Ingredients about Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
To create these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- For the Cookies:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Directions
Making these Salted Caramel Cookies is a straightforward process that even beginner bakers can manage. Start by preparing the caramel sauce, as it will need time to cool down while you work on the cookies.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: Begin by melting ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in ⅓ cup of light brown sugar. Keep stirring until the mixture dissolves and starts to bubble. Carefully add in ½ cup of heavy cream while whisking continuously. Allow the mixture to cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Finally, stir in ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt and remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the sauce cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. In a separate large bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until it becomes fluffy and creamy. Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, continuing to mix on low speed. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Gently drizzle the cooled caramel sauce into the dough and fold it in, taking care not to overmix.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart adequately. Bake them for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. While they are still warm, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that perfect salted touch. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Serving your Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies can enhance their appeal and elevate your dessert experience. Here are a few fun ideas on how to present these cookies:
- Warm and Gooey: For the best flavor and texture, serve these cookies warm from the oven. The caramel will be extra gooey and delightful!
- With Ice Cream: Pair the cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream combination creates a scrumptious dessert that people will rave about.
- As a Gift: Place the cookies in a decorative tin or box and gift them to friends or family for special occasions, holidays, or simply as a thoughtful gesture.
- Coffee or Tea Pairing: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for the perfect afternoon treat.
Expert Tips: Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
To make sure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having your butter and egg at room temperature allows for a smoother batter and contributes to a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They should be golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of extra caramel on top of the cookies before serving for an extra special touch.
How to Store Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Storing your cookies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- Airtight Container: Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can last for up to a week at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: For optimal freshness, store them in the fridge. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them for an extended time, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
Variation of Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Feel free to get creative with this cookie recipe! Here are some variations you can explore:
- Nutty Delight: Add in chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture that complements the caramel.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies before serving for an added layer of richness and visual appeal.
- Flavored Caramel: Try using flavored salts, such as smoked sea salt or vanilla-flavored sea salt, to add an interesting twist to the caramel.
- Stuffed Cookies: Make an indulgent version by inserting a piece of chocolate or a caramel candy into the center of each cookie.
FAQ
What makes these Easy Salted Caramel Cookies irresistible?
The combination of chewy cookie dough and gooey caramel, paired with a touch of sea salt creates a perfect balance of flavors that is hard to resist.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter if you prefer. Just be mindful to adjust the added sea salt in the recipe to prevent them from being too salty.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help control the spread, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges will appear golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet.
Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies
Ingredients
For the Caramel Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt
For the Cookies
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt plus extra for topping
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Making the Caramel Sauce
- Melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in ⅓ cup of light brown sugar and keep stirring until it dissolves and starts to bubble.
- Carefully add in ½ cup of heavy cream while whisking continuously. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens and stir in ¼ teaspoon of flaky sea salt.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
Preparing the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened butter with ¾ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and creamy.
- Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing on low speed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms.
- Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce into the dough and fold it in, being careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for about 12-14 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top while they are still warm.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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