Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

My Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe, these cookies have the perfect blend of sweet caramel and a touch of saltiness that will melt in your mouth. If you’re a cookie lover like me, you’ll find these cookies absolutely irresistible.

What Makes These Cookies Special?

The magic of these cookies lies in their texture and flavor. Each bite is a balance of sweet and salty, creating a flavor profile that has you coming back for more. The caramel adds a gooey richness, while the sprinkling of salt brings out all the wonderful flavors.

Ingredients for Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

Here’s what you will need:

  • For the Cookies
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
    • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • For the Salted Caramel
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 6 tablespoons butter (cut into pieces)
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

How to Make Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies

Make the Salted Caramel

  1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, cook the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color.
  2. Add Butter: Once melted, quickly whisk in the butter. Continue to whisk until fully combined.
  3. Add Cream: Slowly pour the heavy cream into the mixture (it will bubble up), whisking continuously until smooth.
  4. Season: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool.
  1. Combine Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until just combined.
  4. Add Chocolate Chips: If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in gently.
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Form and Bake the Cookies

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
  3. Add Caramel: Use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the indentation with a teaspoon of the cooled salted caramel.
  4. Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
  5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Cookies

  • Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
  • Chill Your Dough: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can enhance the flavors and help the cookies hold their shape better.
  • Adjust Salt: You can tweak the amount of salt in the caramel based on your taste preference.

How to Serve Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but if you want to impress, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The caramel can drizzle beautifully over the ice cream, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist.

Storage Tips for Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh:

  • Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a bag once frozen.

Nutritional Benefits of Salted Caramel Cookies

While cookies are often viewed as treats, they can hold value if enjoyed in moderation. The butter used provides essential fats, and you can use less sugar if preferred. These cookies can also bring joy and comfort, which is an important part of balanced living.

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Variations of the Sweet and Tender Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe

  • Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for some crunch.
  • Sandy Texture: Replace some of the all-purpose flour with oat flour for a unique texture.
  • Chocolate Twist: Swirl in some melted chocolate for a richer flavor.

Can the Cookies Be Made Vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative, using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) instead of regular eggs, and opting for non-dairy cream for the caramel.