What ingredients do I need to make salted caramel cookies from scratch?

To make salted caramel cookies from scratch, you will need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, caramel candies or homemade caramel sauce, and flaky sea salt. The butter should be softened, and the sugars combined with it before adding eggs and vanilla. Caramel is either mixed into the dough or wrapped inside each cookie to create that gooey center. Finally, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness perfectly.

How can I prevent my salted caramel cookies from spreading too much while baking?

To prevent salted caramel cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Using cold dough helps maintain shape in the oven. Also, avoid adding too much butter or overly soft butter, as this causes excessive spreading. Baking on a parchment-lined or silicone mat helps cookies hold their form. Baking at a slightly lower temperature, around 325°F (163°C), can also reduce spreading while ensuring even cooking.

Can I make salted caramel cookies gluten-free?

Yes, salted caramel cookies can be made gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, such as one containing rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch. Make sure the caramel and other ingredients you use do not contain gluten. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum may improve texture. Follow a trusted gluten-free cookie recipe or adjust your favorite recipe by swapping the flour to maintain the soft, chewy consistency.

What’s the best way to store salted caramel cookies to keep them fresh?

Store salted caramel cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to keep them soft and fresh. If your cookies have a caramel filling, it’s best to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. For longer storage, freeze cookies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cookies.

How do I add caramel inside the cookie for a gooey center?

To have caramel inside the cookie, wrap small pieces of caramel candy or soft caramel squares inside each cookie dough ball before baking. Press the dough around the caramel, sealing it completely to prevent leakage. Alternatively, insert a caramel-filled chocolate or caramel truffle into the center. Bake as usual, and the caramel will melt inside, creating a rich, gooey center. Be careful when biting into freshly baked cookies as the caramel can be hot.

Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe With Rich Gooey Taste

Name: Salted Caramel Cookies
Prep time: PT-489621H31M42S
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 56 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 cup (about 227 grams) of lightly softened butter Adds richness and contributes to the tenderness.; – 1 cup (220 grams) of dark brown sugar Enhances caramel flavor and moistness.; – 1/2 cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar Balances sweetness and aids browning.; – 1 large egg Binds ingredients and gives moisture.; – 1 large egg yolk Adds extra richness for that perfect chewy center.; – 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Provides a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.; – 1/4 cup (60 ml) of high-quality, thick caramel sauce Imparts the signature salted caramel taste.; – 2 1/2 cups (around 312 grams) of flour Provides structure and texture to the cookies.; – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Leavens the cookies for lightness.; – 3/4 teaspoon baking soda Helps with rising and achieving those golden edges.; – 1 teaspoon salt (or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using sea salt flakes for sprinkling) Adds contrast enhancing the caramel.

Description

🍪 Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these Salted Caramel Cookies, featuring rich, gooey caramel flavor and crispy edges.
✨ These soft and chewy cookies make a delightful treat that combines indulgence with a satisfying texture for any occasion.

Ingredients

– 1 cup (about 227 grams) of lightly softened butter Adds richness and contributes to the tenderness.

– 1 cup (220 grams) of dark brown sugar Enhances caramel flavor and moistness.

– 1/2 cup (100 grams) of granulated sugar Balances sweetness and aids browning.

– 1 large egg Binds ingredients and gives moisture.

– 1 large egg yolk Adds extra richness for that perfect chewy center.

– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Provides a warm, aromatic depth to the dough.

– 1/4 cup (60 ml) of high-quality, thick caramel sauce Imparts the signature salted caramel taste.

– 2 1/2 cups (around 312 grams) of flour Provides structure and texture to the cookies.

– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Leavens the cookies for lightness.

– 3/4 teaspoon baking soda Helps with rising and achieving those golden edges.

– 1 teaspoon salt (or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if using sea salt flakes for sprinkling) Adds contrast enhancing the caramel.

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 390°F (about 200°C) and line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

2-Second Step: In a mixing bowl, cream the 1 cup of lightly softened butter with 1 cup of dark brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together for at least four minutes until light and fluffy.

3-Third Step: Mix in the 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for another minute to fully incorporate them into the mixture.

4-Fourth Step: Stir in the 1/4 cup of high-quality, thick caramel sauce until well combined, then fold in the dry ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt (adjusted if needed).

5-Fifth Step: For dietary adaptations, substitute as required, such as plant-based butter for vegan options or gluten-free flour blends, to make these salted caramel cookies work for everyone.

6-Sixth Step: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 24 hours, to help prevent spreading. Then, roll the dough into balls about 1 1/2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared sheet.

7-Seventh Step: Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, keeping in mind this high temperature creates those perfect crispy edges.

8-Final Step: Let the cookies set for several minutes on the sheet, then drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle sea salt flakes for that sweet and salty finish. Enjoy your freshly baked salted caramel cookies!

Notes

❄️ Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excess spreading.
🌡️ Use a light-colored baking sheet to avoid over-browning the bottoms of the cookies.
🍮 Drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle sea salt flakes after baking to enhance the flavor and texture contrast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
Cook Time: 11 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Cookies, Gooey Cookies, Sweet and Salty Dessert, Caramel Treat