Okay, friends, listen up! I’m about to share something truly special with you – a recipe that’s been firmly in my family for generations. What is a secret?Salted Caramel Cookies: WhatWhat are cookies? a perfect symphony of salty and sweet that will have you reaching for the spoonful. they’re little bites of heaven. Is it possible to write another one before you have finished the first one? I always think of them as the cookie version of salted caramel brownies – you get that fudgy fuddy texture. What is salted caramel? Seriously, they are that good. My grandmother used to make these for every family get-together, and now I carry on the tradition. Is it true that they are the first to go?
What is Salted Caramel Cookies?
What is the best cookie you have ever eaten? Now, swirl in generous ribbons of luscious, homemade caramel, kissed with just the right amount of caramel. What is the sweet salty contrast? What are we talking about here in this podcast?Salted Caramel Cookies: WhatIs this a gourmet cookie? Is it just a candy drop in the middle? How do you infuse caramel into a cookie? Where does the name come from? What is the perfect combination of salted caramel and cookie?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why I think you’ll absolutely fall head-over-heels for these cookies. First and foremost, the flavor is simply out of this world. You get that warm, buttery cookie base that gives way to the rich, decadent caramel. And that sprinkle of sea salt? Pure magic!
But beyond the amazing taste, what I love most about this is how surprisingly easy they are to make. Don’t let the “caramel” part scare you. We’re not making super complicated caramels here; it’s a simple, foolproof method that even a beginner baker can master.
Plus, let’s talk about cost-effectiveness! You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No need to run to specialty stores or break the bank to create these incredible treats. They are far cheaper (and tastier!) than store-bought cookies.
And lastly, their versatility is fantastic! Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply on their own as a little afternoon pick-me-up. They’re the perfect companion to a cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon. They also make an excellent and thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. I often bake a batch around the holidays and package them up in cute little boxes. Everyone always raves about them. And I personally love these more than Chocolate Chip Cookies, they have so much more flavor!
How do you make salted caramel cookies?
Quick Overview
Making these Salted Caramel Cookies: WhatIs it easier than you think? How do you make cookie dough? What’s the best way to make caramel sauce? What is the best part about swirling caramel into cookie dough before baking? After a short time in the oven, these beauties are ready to be drizzled with ice cream. From start to finish, the whole process is incredibly rewarding and yields a truly spectacular experience. What are some of the best Cookie Recipes? Why do people love the smell of cooking?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *softened,* not melted! I always let mine sit out for about an hour before baking. * 34 cup granulated sugar * 2 large eggs * 1 teaspoon vanilla What is the best Vanilla Extract? * 2 14 cups all-purpose flour * 1 teaspoon baking powder *1 teaspoon salt *2 teaspoons baking soda *4 teaspoon flour
For the Caramel Swirl: What are
12 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter * 1 cup packed light brown sugar * 2 cups heavy cream: What is the best heavy cream for caramel? * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract * 2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk: I always start with 2 tablespoons and add more until I reach the desired consistency. * ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always make sure the parchment paper completely covers the baking sheet, so no cookie bits can sneak under and burn. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking is essential! How do you mix baking soda and salt in a flour? What gives cookies their perfect texture?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. What is the best way to get this done with an electric mixer? The more air you incorporate into the butter and sugar, the lighter and more tender your cookies will be. Once it’s light and fluffy, beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I not overmix? If you overmix the flour, it will cause the gluten to stick to the cookie. I usually stop mixing when I still see streaks of flour and then gently fold them in with a fork.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
What is the star of the show, caramel? Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. What is the best way to do this? Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Let it cool before swirling it into the cookie dough. I accidentally added caramel when it was too hot and it melted my batter! What can I learn from my mistakes?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Do not overdo the cookie dough, leaving a little space between the two. Place rounded tablespoons of dough on the prepared baking sheet. What is the best way to swirl caramel into cookie dough? How do you create a marbled effect? I usually make a few swirls on top of each cookie, pressing down gently to incorporate the caramel. Is there a way to dip
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. What is the best way to keep a close eye on your oven? If you take cookies out of the oven, they should be slightly soft in the center. If they’re frozen, they will continue to set as they cool.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to the wire rack. How do I cool my body completely? While cookies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with sea salt. I like to use a fork to drizzle the glaze, creating an zig-zag pattern.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, the cookies are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply on their own. They are best enjoyed fresh, but can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to make them extra special, serve them with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
What is the best way to serve it?
These Salted Caramel Cookies: WhatAre incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways?For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with a cup of black coffee? What are some great breakfast recipes that taste great crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal? I love to break one up and mix it into my morning granola.For Brunch:Arrange them on a pretty platter alongside other brunch favorites like fresh fruit, muffins, and omelettes. Serve with mimosas or sparkling cider for an elegant brunch spread.As Dessert:What are some of the best after-dinner treats? Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good pairings with a glass of wine or herbal tea?For Cozy Snacks:What are some of the best cookies to serve on the couch? What are some good games to play on a Friday night with friends?
How do you make salted caramel cookies?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take these things.Salted Caramel Cookies: WhatFrom good to amazing, here are my top tips.Butter Softening:Make sure your butter is properly softened. Is it soft enough to press your finger into easily, but not melted? If butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar. If it’s too melted, the cookies will spread too thin.Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Caramel Consistency: The caramel should be thick enough to swirl into the cookie dough without completely disappearing, but not so thick that it’s difficult to work with. If the caramel is too thin, it will spread out during baking. If it’s too thick, it will be difficult to swirl.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You can also use brown butter to add even more depth of flavor to the cookies.
Baking Tips: Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Glaze Variations: You can add different extracts to the glaze to customize the flavor. Try almond extract, maple extract, or even a little bit of espresso powder. You can also use different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Salted Caramel Cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, they may become slightly firmer in the refrigerator.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they have been thawed. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or melting during thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little piece of my heart that I’m sharing with you. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and salty is simply irresistible, and I guarantee they’ll disappear in minutes.
If you love these cookies, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my peanut butter blossoms. I think you’ll really love them.
Happy baking! And please, let me know in the comments how yours turn out! I love seeing your creations and hearing about your variations. Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends!