Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and salty with these Irresistible Salted Caramel Cookies. These cookies start with a rich, buttery base and are infused with a homemade caramel that is both smooth and decadently flavorful. Each cookie is finished with a sprinkle of finishing salt, enhancing the complex flavors of caramel and bringing a perfect balance to each bite. This recipe takes you through the step-by-step process of creating your own caramel from scratch, ensuring a fresh and delicious addition to your baked treats.
Why You’ll Love This
These cookies offer the perfect blend of textures, from their slightly crisp edges to their soft, chewy centers loaded with luxurious caramel. The homemade caramel is a game-changer, providing a depth of flavor that can’t be matched by store-bought varieties. The addition of a light sprinkle of salt not only cuts through the sweetness but also amplifies the caramel’s rich profile, making these cookies a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion
Salted Caramel Cookies are ideal for festive gatherings, holiday baking, or as a special treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea. They are excellent for cookie exchanges, gifts for friends and family, or as a decadent snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal event, these cookies are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle additional caramel over the cookies right before serving, and sprinkle a little more finishing salt to enhance their gourmet appeal. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn them into an exquisite dessert. Alternatively, dip half the cookie in dark chocolate to add another layer of flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- For the Caramel:
- 200 g granulated sugar (1 cup)
- 56 g unsalted butter, room temperature (¼ cup)
- 130 g heavy whipping cream, room temperature (5 oz.)
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Cookies:
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, browned and cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (plus an additional 1/3 to 1/2 cup as needed after adding caramel)
- 1/4 cup prepared caramel
- Finishing salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Caramel:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring occasionally until it begins to melt. Continue stirring until it turns a deep amber color.
- Add the butter and whisk until smooth.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream until smooth. Stir in salt and vanilla. Allow the caramel to cool and thicken in the fridge.
- Make Cookie Dough:
- Brown the butter in a saucepan, then cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the browned butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, and baking soda until ribbon-like.
- Gradually mix in the flour until just combined. If the dough is too sticky after adding the caramel, add more flour.
- Fold in the caramel.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Scoop the dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with finishing salt.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delectable Salted Caramel Cookies, a perfect blend of homemade caramel sweetness and a hint of salt for a truly unforgettable treat.
