There’s something downright irresistible about a salted caramel cookie recipe—that first bite hits you with the perfect blend of sweet, buttery caramel and a subtle kick of sea salt that makes every chew unforgettable. If you're searching for the ultimate dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this salted caramel cookie recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers bakery-quality flavor without the hassle, making it perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Trust me, once you bake a batch of these chewy, golden-brown cookies, they won’t last long! So, are you ready to bring that sweet-and-salty magic to your kitchen? Let’s get started with the best salted caramel cookie recipe you’ll ever try.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe
These aren’t just any cookies—they’re next-level indulgence. Imagine biting into a warm, golden-brown salted caramel cookie, where rich, buttery caramel melts into every crevice, balanced perfectly by a touch of flaky sea salt. It’s that sweet-and-salty contrast that keeps you reaching for just one more. The edges bake up crisp and golden, while the center remains irresistibly soft, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel pockets. No matter how many times you make this salted caramel cookie recipe, the result is always pure bliss.
But what truly sets this salted caramel cookie recipe apart? It’s foolproof. You don’t need fancy baking skills or hard-to-find ingredients to achieve bakery-quality results. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this dessert comes together effortlessly, proving that gourmet flavors can be achieved in any home kitchen. Once you try this salted caramel cookie recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought cookies again!
Why Sweet and Salty Just Works
There’s a reason salted caramel has taken the world by storm—it’s a flavor pairing that has stood the test of time. The salt amplifies the caramel’s deep, buttery richness while toning down any bitterness, creating a more balanced, satisfying bite. It’s the perfect blend of contrasts: smooth yet textured, rich yet light, comforting yet elevated. This is exactly why this salted caramel cookie recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.
And the best part? These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking a holiday gift, packing a treat for a summer picnic, or just indulging in an after-dinner snack, this salted caramel cookie recipe delivers every single time. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.
So, are you ready to bake the most addictive, bakery-worthy salted caramel cookies of your life? Let’s get started with this salted caramel cookie recipe today!
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Packed brown sugar
- Eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel chips or caramel bits
- Chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- For gluten-free cookies, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Replace regular butter with plant-based butter for dairy-free cookies
- Brown sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile
- Try white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter cookie
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well) for extra crunch
Instructions
Prep Work
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside
- Have butter and eggs at room temperature for best results
Mix Wet Ingredients
- Beat softened butter until creamy (about 1 minute)
- Add both sugars and beat until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes) - this creates the perfect texture!
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract
Combine & Add Mix-Ins
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined
- Gently fold in caramel chips and chocolate (if using) with a spatula
- For extra caramel goodness, reserve some chips to press into cookie tops
Bake to Perfection
- Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing 2 inches apart
- Sprinkle each cookie with a small amount of flaky sea salt
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers still look slightly underdone
Cool & Enjoy
- Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes (they'll continue cooking)
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (or enjoy while still warm for gooey centers)
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Step 1: Prep Work
Prepare ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy and light
- Step 3: Combine & Add Mix-Ins
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, then fold in caramel & chocolate chips.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake cookies at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Step 5: Cool & Enjoy
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack before enjoying!
Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Salted Caramel Cookies
Want to take your salted caramel cookie recipe to the next level? Follow these expert tips to achieve bakery-quality results every time:
- Chill the Dough for Better Texture – Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps control spreading, giving you thicker, chewier cookies with a more developed flavor.
- Use a Light-Colored Baking Sheet – Dark baking sheets absorb more heat, which can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly. A light-colored, non-stick baking sheet ensures even baking and a perfectly golden finish.
- For Bakery-Style Looks, Add Extra Caramel – Just before baking, press a few extra caramel chips or chunks on top of each cookie. This simple trick creates that picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy look.
- Prevent Sticking Issues – If your caramel chips are sticking to the parchment paper after baking, don’t panic! Let the cookies cool completely before attempting to remove them—this helps the caramel set properly.
- Don’t Over-Bake! – The key to soft, chewy centers is removing the cookies when they look slightly underdone in the middle. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in perfectly gooey salted caramel cookies.
By following these tips, your salted caramel cookie recipe will turn out flawless every time—crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with rich caramel flavor. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Salted Caramel Cookies
Even the best salted caramel cookie recipe can go wrong if you make these common mistakes. Keep these in mind to ensure your cookies turn out soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious every time!
- Using Cold Butter Instead of Room Temperature Butter – Cold butter won’t cream properly with sugar, leading to dense cookies instead of a light, chewy texture. Always let your butter soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Measuring Flour Incorrectly – Adding too much flour is one of the biggest reasons cookies turn out dry and crumbly. Use the spoon-and-level method instead of scooping directly from the bag to get an accurate measurement.
- Skipping the Salt in the Dough – Don’t underestimate the importance of salt in your cookie dough! It balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the overall flavor. Even though these are salted caramel cookies, the dough itself still needs a touch of salt.
- Over-Mixing the Dough After Adding Flour – Overworking the dough activates too much gluten, making your cookies tough instead of tender. Mix just until the flour disappears—no more!
- Using Too Much Sea Salt on Top – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates the sweet-and-salty contrast, but adding too much can overpower the flavor. A little goes a long way, so use a light hand when finishing your cookies.
By avoiding these mistakes, your salted caramel cookie recipe will turn out bakery-worthy every time—chewy, buttery, and perfectly balanced. Ready to bake? Let’s do this!
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this salted caramel cookie recipe? Here are some irresistible variations that take these cookies to the next level!
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
Take a classic favorite up a notch by adding 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and flaky sea salt makes for the ultimate sweet treat! - Salted Caramel Stuffed Cookies
Craving an ooey-gooey caramel center? Freeze small pieces of soft caramel candy and wrap cookie dough around each piece before baking. The result? A molten caramel surprise inside every bite! - Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
For a deep, decadent twist, replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate cookie base. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate pairs beautifully with sweet caramel and sea salt. - White Chocolate Salted Caramel Cookies
Prefer something on the sweeter side? Swap out dark chocolate for white chocolate chips to create a smooth, creamy flavor that complements the salted caramel beautifully. - Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies
For a fudgy, brownie-like texture, mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dough. This variation delivers a soft, chewy cookie with deep chocolate notes and gooey caramel pockets.
Each of these variations enhances the classic salted caramel cookie recipe, making it even more indulgent and customizable. Which one will you try first? No matter which version you choose, you're in for a bakery-worthy dessert that’s impossible to resist!
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (makes creaming butter and sugar much easier)
- Cookie scoop (creates uniform cookies that bake evenly)
- Heavy-duty baking sheets (prevent burning and promote even baking)
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper (prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier)
- Wire cooling racks (allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy)
A simple cookie sheet works fine if you're just starting out. You don't need fancy equipment to make great cookies!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Want to keep your salted caramel cookie recipe fresh and delicious for as long as possible? Follow these expert storage and make-ahead tips to preserve their soft, chewy texture and rich caramel flavor.
Counter Storage (Best for Short-Term Freshness)
- 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—it prevents cookies from drying out by maintaining moisture.
Refrigerator Storage (For Prepping Dough in Advance)
- You can refrigerate cookie dough for up to 3 days before baking.
- When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before scooping and baking for the best texture.
Freezer Storage (Best for Long-Term Keeping)
For Baked Cookies:
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture.
For Cookie Dough:
- Scoop dough into individual balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid.
- Transfer frozen dough balls to a freezer bag for easy grab-and-bake convenience.
- Bake directly from frozen, just adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
These tips ensure that your salted caramel cookie recipe stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy anytime! Whether you're baking ahead for a special occasion or craving a last-minute dessert, your cookies will always taste freshly baked.
Viola’s Secret Tip for the Best Salted Caramel Cookies
Viola has spent years perfecting the salted caramel cookie recipe, always looking for that extra touch to make them truly unforgettable. One day, while experimenting in her kitchen, she discovered the ultimate trick—browning the butter before adding it to the dough. This simple yet powerful step elevates the salted caramel cookie recipe, creating a richer, nuttier depth that enhances the sweet-and-salty balance. The result? A bakery-style salted caramel cookie with a deeper caramelized flavor that melts in your mouth.
Now, every time Viola bakes her favorite salted caramel cookie recipe, she starts by melting the butter over medium heat, carefully swirling the pan as it turns from pale yellow to a deep golden brown. The aroma—warm, nutty, and toasty—fills her kitchen, hinting at the irresistible flavor to come. But here’s the key: once browned, the butter needs to cool until it's solid but softened, ensuring it creams perfectly with the sugar. This technique guarantees that every batch of her salted caramel cookies turns out soft, chewy, and packed with bold caramel flavor.
Viola insists that this small change makes a huge difference. The browned butter intensifies the salted caramel essence, while the light sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances every bite. “Once you try this version of the salted caramel cookie recipe,” she says with a knowing smile, “you’ll never go back.” So, if you're ready to take your cookies to the next level, grab your ingredients and experience the magic of this salted caramel cookie recipe for yourself!
FAQ
What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
Snoop Dogg cookies typically refer to a cookie recipe from Snoop Dogg’s cookbook, "From Crook to Cook". His most famous cookie recipe is for oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, which have a rich, buttery flavor and a chewy texture. While not specifically a salted caramel cookie recipe, you can always add caramel chips or a drizzle of caramel sauce to give them a sweet-and-salty upgrade!
Can I put caramel sauce in cookies?
Yes, but it requires a specific technique! Instead of mixing caramel sauce directly into the dough (which can make the cookies too wet), try drizzling caramel on top after baking or creating a caramel-filled center by adding a frozen caramel dollop inside the dough before baking. This method keeps the cookies chewy with gooey caramel pockets while preventing them from spreading too much.
What is a Taylor Swift cookie?
A Taylor Swift cookie refers to the Chai Sugar Cookies that Taylor Swift herself has shared with fans. This spiced sugar cookie is made with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and ginger, creating a warm and cozy flavor. Want to give it a caramel twist? Try adding caramel chips or a light drizzle of salted caramel on top for a Taylor Swift-inspired salted caramel cookie recipe!
Can I use Kraft caramel bits in cookies?
Absolutely! Kraft caramel bits are perfect for salted caramel cookies because they hold their shape while baking, creating gooey caramel pockets throughout the cookie. To prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet, try mixing them into the dough rather than placing them on top, or freezing them briefly before baking. You can also sprinkle in flaky sea salt for that signature sweet-and-salty balance in your salted caramel cookie recipe.
Time to Enjoy Your Sweet and Salty Creation!
There’s something truly magical about pulling a fresh batch of salted caramel cookies from the oven—the way the buttery dough turns golden brown, the gooey pockets of caramel melt into every bite, and that perfect sprinkle of flaky sea salt ties it all together. This salted caramel cookie recipe is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in a quiet moment with a warm cookie and a cup of coffee or sharing them at a gathering, these cookies always steal the show.
One of the best things about this salted caramel cookie recipe is how versatile it is. Want to switch things up? Try adding a handful of chocolate chips, toasting some pecans for a nutty crunch, or even sandwiching two cookies with a drizzle of caramel in between. You can dress it up or keep it classic, and no matter what, they’ll disappear faster than you expect! If you love experimenting in the kitchen, why not try an Easy Protein Cookie Recipe for a healthier twist or a Classic Cinnamon Cookies Recipe for a warm, spiced treat?
Now, it’s your turn! Have you tried baking these salted caramel cookies yet? What creative mix-ins or variations did you add? Share your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to bookmark this salted caramel cookie recipe for your next baking session. Happy baking!
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Pairing
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Salted Caramel Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl For wet and dry ingredients
- 1 Whisk To combine dry ingredients
- 1 Hand mixer For creaming butter and sugar
- 1 Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper
- 1 Cookie scoop Ensures even-sized cookies
- 1 Wire cooling rack To cool cookies evenly
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Provides structure
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise
- 1 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 1 cup unsalted butter Softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar Adds crisp texture
- ¾ cup brown sugar Adds moisture and caramel flavor
- 2 large eggs Room temperature
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor
- 1 cup caramel chips For gooey caramel pockets
- ½ cup chocolate chips Optional for richness
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt For sweet-salty contrast
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in caramel chips and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
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