Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavor: The combination of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt creates a harmonious taste experience.
Soft and Chewy Texture: Each cookie provides a satisfying bite with a tender interior.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, these cookies are quick to make.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the caramel bits or chopped caramels.
Shape the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form dough balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Addition: Incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-caramel combination.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
Spiced Flavor: Mix in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced note.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: Place baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much in the cookies?

Using caramel bits or chopping soft caramels into small pieces helps them melt evenly and remain soft within the cookies. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the caramel to harden.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter; however, reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

What type of flaky sea salt is best for sprinkling?

Maldon sea salt flakes are a popular choice due to their delicate texture and clean flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Chilling the dough can enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread; the moisture from the bread helps keep the cookies soft.

Can I substitute the caramel with caramel sauce?

It’s not recommended to use caramel sauce, as it can make the dough too wet. Stick to caramel bits or chopped soft caramels for the best results.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like toffee bits, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit to customize the cookies to your liking.

How do I achieve a chewier texture?

Slightly underbaking the cookies and allowing them to cool on the baking sheet can result in a chewier texture.

Is it necessary to sprinkle sea salt on top?

While optional, the flaky sea salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness of the caramel, providing a pleasant contrast.

Conclusion

These easy salted caramel cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel with a hint of sea salt, resulting