Ah, salted caramel cookies! Just saying the name gets me all giddy inside. I vividly remember the first time I had a salted caramel treat—they were served fresh and warm from the oven at a local bakery. The sweet, buttery aroma wrapped around me like a warm hug, and as I took that first bite, the perfect balance of sweetness and savory saltiness danced on my palate. Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magical experience at home, and trust me, after trying this easy salted caramel cookie recipe, you’ll want to whip up a batch every chance you get!
What I love most about these cookies is how they bring a little bit of fancy to the humble cookie world. They are simple to make, yet they feel like a special treat you’d find in a gourmet café. Plus, I always get tons of compliments when I bring these to gatherings! So, grab your apron, and let’s make some cookies that are bound to impress your friends and family.
What’s in Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookies! I use good ol’ all-purpose flour for the perfect chewy texture. You can also substitute it with gluten-free flour if you’re looking for a GF option.
Baking Soda: Just a pinch of this helps the cookies rise ever so slightly and ensures they are fluffy on the inside.
Salt: Yes, you would think we’re adding enough salt from the caramel, but a little extra salt in the dough rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Butter: The star of the show! I always use unsalted butter because it gives me control over how salty the cookies will be. Plus, who doesn’t love that delightful buttery flavor?
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor to the cookies. The more brown sugar, the chewier the cookie!
Granulated Sugar: A touch of this balances the flavors and gives a nice crunch to the outer cookie.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness. I always go for room temperature eggs for better mixing.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this heavenly extract makes everything taste a little more special.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; either works! I adore drizzling on as much as I can for that gooey goodness.
Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top before baking adds the final touch of sophistication and enhances the caramel flavor.
Is Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s be honest—these cookies are definitely a treat! But they do come with some perks.
Butter: While it contributes to the richness, butter does contain healthy fats that can support heart health when consumed in moderation.
Brown Sugar: It’s a bit less processed than white sugar and retains some minerals, but remember, moderation is key!
I do advise enjoying these in moderation, especially if you’re trying to watch your sugar intake. Pairing a cookie with a glass of milk can create a great balance, and who doesn’t love a classic combo, right?
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Sea salt, for sprinkling
– Serves: About 24 cookies
How to Make Irresistible Easy Salted Caramel Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid over mixing for a tender cookie!
6. Fold in about 1/2 cup of the salted caramel sauce. You can leave some to drizzle later!
7. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Create a small indentation in the center of each with your thumb.
8. Spoon a small amount of the remaining salted caramel sauce into each indentation and sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look a little soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Sweet Tips for Salted Caramel Cookie Success!
– If you want to amp up the chocolate factor, feel free to mix in some chocolate chips! Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the caramel.
– You can seal the cookies in an airtight container for about a week (if they last that long!).
– For an even more gourmet twist, consider adding a few crushed nuts for that delightful crunch.
– Drizzle more caramel sauce on top or serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Pure bliss!
There you have it, my friends! These irresistible easy salted caramel cookies are great for sharing, or dare I say, keep them all to yourself (no judgments here!). I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Happy baking!
