Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The soft and chewy cookie base is studded with gooey caramel pieces, and the addition of sea salt creates the perfect contrast, bringing out the sweetness of the caramel. The crunch factor comes from the toffee bits and caramelized sugar, giving each bite an irresistible texture. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup caramel bits or chopped caramel candies
½ cup toffee bits
1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the caramel bits and toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies may look slightly soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
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: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of richness.
Different Nuts: Add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to give the cookies an extra crunch and flavor.
Dark Chocolate Caramel: Try using dark chocolate-covered caramel bits for a more intense flavor contrast between the sweet and salty elements.
Caramel Sauce: If you like a more gooey center, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce in the dough before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds, or heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel bits?

Yes, you can use caramel sauce, but it may alter the texture slightly. If you do, reduce the amount of butter in the recipe to account for the additional liquid.

2. How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use dairy-free caramel and toffee bits. Make sure to check the labels for dairy-free options.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the other ingredients, such as caramel and toffee bits, are also gluten-free.

4. How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking. You can refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before scooping it onto the baking sheet to help prevent excessive spreading.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 30 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. You can bake the frozen dough directly, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

6. Can I use pre-packaged caramel candies?

Yes, you can chop up store-bought caramel candies into small pieces if you can’t find caramel bits. Just ensure they’re chopped small enough to distribute evenly in the dough.

7. What type of caramel is best for these cookies?

Caramel bits are best for these cookies because they hold their shape during baking and provide that gooey caramel flavor. However, you can also use soft caramel candies, just chop them up small.

8. How can I adjust the sweetness of these cookies?

If you find the cookies too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or toffee bits in the dough. You can also reduce the amount of caramel bits for a less sweet version.

9. Can I skip the sea salt topping?

While the sea salt adds a nice contrast, you can certainly skip it if you prefer a sweeter cookie. However, the salt really enhances the flavor balance, so it’s worth trying at least once!

10. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers are firm but still soft. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can become dry.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are a mouthwatering combination of sweet and salty flavors with a chewy texture and delightful crunch. The gooey caramel bits, toffee pieces, and touch of sea salt make these cookies utterly irresistible. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and offer the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Bake them up, share them with friends, and enjoy the delightful crunch and sweet-salty goodness!

Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies

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Salted Caramel Crunch Cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a chewy texture and a delightful crunch. These cookies are packed with chunks of rich caramel, complemented by a sprinkle of sea salt that brings out the deep, buttery flavor. The added crunch from the caramelized sugar and bits of toffee elevate these cookies to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the caramel bits and toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie before baking.
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies may look slightly soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a chocolatey twist, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for an extra layer of richness.
Add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to give the cookies an extra crunch and flavor.
Try using dark chocolate-covered caramel bits for a more intense flavor contrast between the sweet and salty elements.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 125mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 20mg