Genius Salted Caramel Cookies You Can’t Resist

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that brings together the best flavors of sweet and salty, look no further than these delicious Genius Salted Caramel Cookies. These cookies are a true indulgence—golden, chewy centers surrounded by crispy edges, melty chocolate chunks, and gooey pools of caramel, all topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They are irresistibly delightful and have quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a quick late-night snack, or simply wanting to impress friends and family with a homemade treat.

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their sophisticated flavor profile but also in their ease of preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re straightforward to whip up, making them the perfect recipe for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Just imagine the smiles on the faces of your loved ones as they take their first bite of these sweet, salty, and gooey delights! Making them is not only rewarding, but it’s also a wonderful way to elevate your baking game. So let’s dive into the enticing world of salted caramel cookies that you’re sure to keep baking over and over again.

Why You’ll Love This Genius Salted Caramel Dessert

• Indulgent flavor combination of sweet, salty, and chocolate.
• Easy to make and perfect for all skill levels in baking.
• Perfect for gifting, potlucks, or just a satisfying treat at home.
• A crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress.
• Versatile enough for any occasion, from holiday baking to late-night cravings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before embarking on your cookie-making adventure, it’s important to prepare both your kitchen and your tools. Start by ensuring your work surface is clean and free from clutter. Gather all your ingredients so they’re within reach so you won’t have to scramble through your pantry mid-baking. For this recipe, you’ll need basic baking supplies like measuring cups, a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula.

Additionally, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing to ensure it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. A cookie scoop is handy for portioning out dough, but if you don’t have one, a tablespoon will work just fine. Ensure you have a wire rack ready for cooling your cookies after baking as well.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups chocolate chunks
• 16 soft caramels, chopped
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

Start by taking a large mixing bowl and adding the room temperature unsalted butter along with both the brown and granulated sugars. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for achieving that soft texture in your cookies.

Step 2: Incorporating the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack in one egg at a time, making sure to mix thoroughly between each addition to integrate them well. Following the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a beautiful depth of flavor to your dough.

Step 3: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all of the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. After that, gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Folding in Chocolate and Caramel

Now comes the fun part—folding in the chocolate chunks and chopped caramels! Use a spatula to gently ensure the chocolate and caramel pieces are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chilling the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is vital as it helps the flavors develop and leads to a more chewy texture once baked.

Step 6: Preparing to Bake

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for your cookie dough. This will allow for easy removal and ensure that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 7: Forming the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and place them on the prepared sheets, ensuring to leave enough space between them to expand. Then, take the remaining caramel pieces and gently press them into the tops of each ball of dough to create those gooey pockets of sweetness.

Step 8: Baking the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown while ensuring that the centers remain soft. This is key to achieving that perfect chewy cookie.

Step 9: Adding Sea Salt

As soon as you take the cookies out of the oven, sprinkle them immediately with flaky sea salt. This step is essential for enhancing the sweetness of the caramel while adding that necessary salty contrast.

Step 10: Cooling

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling. This will help them firm up and make them easier to handle.

Variations

• Protein: For a protein boost, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, which also add a lovely crunch.
• Vegetables: Incorporate some shredded zucchini for added moisture and a unique taste.
• Spices: Spice things up by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and depth.

Cooking Notes

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• Chilling the dough helps to achieve the perfect texture, so don’t skip this step!
• For best results, use high-quality chocolate chunks for an indulgent chocolate flavor.
• These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Tips

• Experiment with different types of chocolate—milk, dark, or even white chocolate can bring a new twist.
• If you don’t have caramel candies, you can use homemade caramel sauce as a drizzle topping after baking.
• Adjust the amount of sea salt to your preference; you might like it slightly saltier or not at all.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
• Protein: 2 grams
• Sodium: 150 milligrams

FAQs

How long can I store these cookies?

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze them for longer storage.

Can I make these cookies without the chocolate chunks?

Yes, if you prefer a caramel-only cookie, feel free to leave out the chocolate chunks!

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is 100% vegetarian-friendly.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky after chilling, try adding a little more flour until you reach a manageable consistency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Genius Salted Caramel Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a sweet and salty combo. Not only are they easy to prepare, but their incredible flavor and gooey texture make them a surefire hit at any event. Whether you’re sharing them with others or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), they are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire. We encourage you to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make this recipe your own and share your results by leaving comments below. Happy baking!