Best Salted Caramel Cookies Recipe for Easy Baking

Posted on November 10, 2025

Introduction

The smell of freshly baked salted caramel cookies wafting through the kitchen is pure magic. It immediately takes me back to cozy evenings spent with family, savoring the perfect blend of sweet and salty. These cookies are not just a treat—they’re an experience, a little bite of happiness wrapped in buttery caramel goodness and a hint of sea salt that makes you want to go back for seconds (or thirds!).

I first discovered salted caramel cookies during a holiday cookie swap, and let me tell you, they were the star of the show. I couldn’t resist recreating them in my own kitchen, testing batch after batch until I found the perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth softness and chewy caramel richness. The recipe has since become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, a special treat for your loved ones, or just a little self-care baking project, these salted caramel cookies will hit the spot. Trust me, they’re worth every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy techniques or equipment.
Perfect Flavor Combination: The buttery sweetness of caramel paired with a pinch of sea salt creates an irresistible contrast.
Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the ideal balance of soft centers and slightly crisp edges.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a bake sale, or a quiet night in, these cookies fit the bill.
Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or extra caramel drizzle to make them your own.

What sets these salted caramel cookies apart is their rich depth of flavor and the way they bring comfort and indulgence together. They’re not just cookies—they’re little moments of joy baked into golden, chewy perfection.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in creating the magic of these salted caramel cookies.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy creaming (adds richness).
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and creates lightness.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Caramel bits: The star ingredient! You can use store-bought caramel chunks or make your own.
Sea salt flakes: For sprinkling on top, providing that signature salted caramel flavor.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! There are plenty of options for substitutions and customizations. For instance, you can swap out the caramel bits for chocolate chips or use almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make these cookies, but a few tools will make the process smoother.

Mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients and one for wet.
Electric mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars (a handheld mixer works too).
Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform-sized cookies (optional but handy).
Cooling rack: Allows the cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy.

If you don’t have a cookie scoop, use a tablespoon to measure out the dough. And if you’re new to baking, don’t worry—these cookies are forgiving and beginner-friendly!

Detailed Preparation Method

Follow these step-by-step instructions to whip up a batch of salted caramel cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups (280g) of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup (150g) of brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in caramel bits: Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup (200g) of caramel bits until evenly distributed.
Form cookies: Scoop out dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will set as they cool.
Add sea salt: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each one.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack.

Pro tip: If the caramel bits stick to the baking sheet, use a spatula to gently loosen the cookies while they’re still warm.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your salted caramel cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so mix the dough until just combined.
Use room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs blend better when they’re at room temperature, creating a smoother dough.
Watch the bake time: Remove the cookies as soon as the edges start to brown for a soft and chewy texture.
Store caramel properly: If your caramel bits are hard or sticky, microwave them for a few seconds to loosen them up.

These little tricks make a big difference, so don’t skip them!

Variations & Adaptations

One of the best things about salted caramel cookies is how easily you can adapt them to suit your preferences:

Chocolate lovers: Add 1/2 cup (85g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Nutty twist: Mix in 1/2 cup (60g) of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter and caramel made with coconut milk.
Seasonal flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday-inspired cookie.

I once tried adding crushed pretzels for an extra salty kick—it was a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re also great for later:

Serving: Serve them slightly warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a fancy touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.
Flavor development: The caramel flavor intensifies after a day, making them even more delicious.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these salted caramel cookies are definitely a treat, they do offer some benefits:

Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie.
Key ingredients: The caramel provides energy-boosting sugars, while the sea salt helps balance electrolytes.
Dietary notes: These cookies can be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free.
Allergen alert: Contains eggs, wheat, and dairy—check substitutions if needed.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about salted caramel cookies—they’re comforting, indulgent, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be your new favorite. I love how customizable it is, and the way it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Give these salted caramel cookies a try and let me know how they turned out! Drop a comment below or share your variations—I’d love to hear what you come up with. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel bits work perfectly and save time.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling isn’t necessary, but it can help if your dough is too sticky.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a tray. Transfer to a freezer bag for storage and bake directly from frozen.

How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or silicone mats, and loosen cookies while warm with a spatula.

What can I use instead of sea salt flakes?

You can use kosher salt or skip the salt entirely if you prefer a sweeter cookie.

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