Name: Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490035H1M4S
Total time: PT-490035H1M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup caramel chips or caramel bits; 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional); Flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Introduction

There’s something downright irresistible about salted caramel cookies—the perfect blend of sweet, buttery caramel and a subtle hint of sea salt that makes every bite unforgettable. This easy recipe delivers chewy, golden-brown cookies with gooey caramel pockets and crispy edges. Whether for special occasions or a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress and disappear fast!

A close-up view of six soft, round cookies with a golden-brown texture, each cookie has two to three large dark chocolate chunks embedded within. On top of some cookies, there are dollops of smooth, light caramel spread unevenly, slightly melting into the cookie surface. Flecks of flaky salt are sprinkled over the cookies, adding a touch of white contrast. One cookie in the right center has a bite taken out, showing the chewy interior with melted chocolate visible. The cookies are on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup caramel chips or caramel bits

½ cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips (optional)

Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Beat the softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. This step ensures the perfect cookie texture.

Step 3: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Gently fold in the caramel chips and chocolate, if using. Reserve a few caramel chips to press onto the tops of the cookies before baking for extra caramel goodness.

Step 6: Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.

Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers look slightly underdone.

Step 8: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to continue cooking, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm for gooey centers or cooled for chewy texture.

Tips & Variations

Chill cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to control spreading and enhance flavor.

Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent cookies from browning too quickly on the bottom.

Press extra caramel chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.

For gluten-free cookies, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Replace butter with plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.

Try white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter cookie.

Add ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Replace ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for dark chocolate salted caramel cookies.

Storage

Once cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft and chewy, place a small slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. You can refrigerate cookie dough for up to 3 days before baking; let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping for best results.

FAQs

Can I use cold butter instead of softened butter?

Softened butter is best because it creams properly with sugar, creating light, chewy cookies. Using cold butter can result in dense cookies, so it’s recommended to let butter soften at room temperature before mixing.

Why do I need to add salt if these are salted caramel cookies?

Salt in the dough balances the sweetness and enhances the caramel flavor. Even though you sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, a touch of salt in the dough is essential for the perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.