Name: Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483872H27M6S
Total time: PT-483872H27M6S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter, softened; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Eggs; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 2 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Soda; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1 cup Caramel Bits (or chopped caramel); Coarse Sea Salt (for topping)

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If you’re a fan of the sweet-and-salty flavor combo, then you’re in for a real treat with these Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies. They’re the kind of cookies that hit all the right notes—crispy edges, chewy centers, and that irresistible balance of rich caramel and a touch of salt. It’s like the best parts of a caramel sundae, but in cookie form. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The caramel gives the cookies a rich, buttery sweetness while the salt enhances that sweet flavor in the most delightful way. The crispy edges and soft centers add a wonderful contrast, making each bite totally irresistible. And the best part? They’re super easy to make! You don’t need to be a baking pro to get these just right—they’re simple and straightforward, but they taste like something you’d find at a high-end bakery.

Ingredients
(You’ll find the full list of ingredients below)

Butter
Brown Sugar
Granulated Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
All-purpose Flour
Baking Soda
Salt
Caramel Bits or Chopped Caramel
Coarse Sea Salt (for topping)

Directions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking, and it’s a simple step that makes cleanup easier. Now, let’s get mixing!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s important to get this step right, as it helps create that crispiness we all love.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugars are well-combined, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet, aromatic flavor. This step adds richness to the dough and gives the cookies their soft centers.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay light and airy.

Step 5: Fold in the Caramel Bits

Gently fold in the caramel bits (or chopped caramel if that’s what you’re using). These will melt slightly while baking, giving you gooey pockets of caramel in every bite.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the sweet-and-salty flavor. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. You want them crispy on the edges but still soft in the middle.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and become that perfect crispy texture we all crave.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Room temperature butter creates a better texture for these cookies.
Don’t skip the coarse sea salt—it really makes the caramel flavor pop and gives the cookies a little extra flair.
If you can’t find caramel bits, you can chop up caramel squares or use caramel chunks from your favorite candy bar.
Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They can go from golden to overdone quickly, so check them a minute or two before the recommended baking time.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Chocolate Chips: If you’re craving a chocolate twist, feel free to add some chocolate chips to the dough. Chocolate and caramel are always a winning combo!
Nutty Option: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and a deeper flavor.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based butter and use an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce to make these cookies vegan-friendly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for just about any occasion. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate snack. They also make an excellent addition to a dessert table or a gift for friends and family. You can even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them crispier for longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but the brown sugar gives these cookies their chewy texture and deeper flavor. If you must use regular sugar, your cookies might be a little less soft.
What can I substitute for caramel bits?
If you don’t have caramel bits, you can chop up any soft caramel candy or use caramel sauce in the dough. Just make sure it doesn’t make the dough too wet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This can also help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Why are my cookies too soft or flat?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly—too much flour can make the cookies dense.

Conclusion

These Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—crispy, chewy, sweet, and salty. They’re the kind of treat that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, and they’ll disappear just as quickly as you make them. So, whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little indulgence, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. Happy baking!

Crispy Salted Caramel Cookies: The Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These crispy, sweet-and-salty cookies combine rich caramel and a touch of salt for an irresistible flavor. With crispy edges and chewy centers, they’re the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Instructions

Prep and Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer).
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the Caramel Bits: Gently fold in caramel bits or chopped caramel.
Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.